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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Last
modified: 06.19.07
Applying for Admission
Q:
I won't graduate from my undergraduate college until
May. Can I still apply for Fall?
A: Yes.
If you are admitted, you will need to send us a final transcript
from your undergraduateschool showing your undergraduate
degree received. top
Q: Do I need a background
in Architecture to apply to the Master of Architecture
program?
A: No.
Our three-year Master of Architecture professional degree
does not require a previous background in architecture,
although you must hold a four-year bachelor of arts or
bachelor of science degree before entering the program.
It is a good idea to take some drawing and/or design studios
prior to applying so as to put together a portfolio, which
is an important part of your application. (see
Architecture Portfolio Requirements) top
Q:
Do I need to take specific undergraduate courses before
entering my degree program? Can I apply for admission if
I haven't yet taken these courses?
A: The
Master of Architecture professional degree does require that
you take specific courses before entering the program. If
you haven't taken the prerequisites during your undergraduate
program, you can take them at any accredited college or university.
If you have not taken the required courses at the time you
are admitted into the Master of Architecture program, you
would be admitted on the condition that you fulfill the prerequisite(s)
before entering the program in the fall. Students entering
the Master of Science in Historic Preservation should possess
drafting proficiency; those electing the concentration in
building and material conservation should have at least one
college-level course in chemistry. For more information read
the Prerequisites
Page.
Q:
What are the application deadlines and fees?
A: The
deadline for application for the MS in Architecture and the
PhD programs is January 2; for the Master of Architecture programs,
January 15; and for all other programs, February 1. The
fee for applications is $75.
Q:
Is there a different application for international students?
A: There is only one application, which can be used by U.S. citizens,
permanent residents or international applicants. top
Q: When
should I take the GRE?
A: GRE
scores must be receivedby the Office of Admissions on or
before the deadline for the program to which you are applying.
Please allow sufficient time for scores to reach us. Results
of the computer-based examinations are mailed to us approximately
10-15 days after testing; results of paper-based examinations
take a minimum of eight weeks to reach us. top
Q: Where
should my test scores be sent?
A: These
scores are to be sent to the School of Design Office of Admissions.
The institution code for the GRE is 2674; for the TOEFL,
use institution code 2984. top
Q:
Is there a cut-off point for the GPA, GRE, IELTS or TOEFL
scores?
A: We
do not have a cut-off point for the GPA or GRE scores although
we prefer to see at least a 3.0 or above for the GPA and
600 or above for each section of the GRE (4.5 or above for
the analytical writing section). Most departments require
a TOEFL score of 575 or higher (paper-based), or 233 or higher
(computer-based) in order for candidates to be admitted unconditionally
or a band score of 7.0 for the IELTS. You should note that
many factors are taken into consideration during the admissions
process, not just test scores or grades. top
Q:
Do all materials need to arrive at the School of Design
or be postmarked by the deadline?
A: All
application materials and supporting documents must be received
by the Office of Admissions on or before the appropriate application
deadline. This is NOT a postmark deadline. Be sure to give
your recommenders plenty of advance notice. top
Q:
I'm currently enrolled in another graduate school. Can
I transfer credits?
A: We do not allow degree credits to be counted
for work completed at another institution; however, you may
apply for advanced standing into the Master of Architecture
professional degree program if you have completed the equivalent
of our first year of the M.Arch. program in another graduate
architecture school. The amount of advanced standing, if any,
would be determined by the Admissions Committee during the
admissions process. top
Q:
Does the School of Design have any sample portfolios?
A: No,
we do not have any sample portfolios. A wide variety of design
work and portfolio styles are submitted; there is no one type
of correct or successful portfolio. In the case of Architecture
and Landscape Architecture applicants, the portfolio is considered
a design project. top
Q:
Are interviews required?
A: Interviews
are not required, although you are welcome and encouraged to
visit
the school. You should contact the office of the program or
department to whichyou are applying to set up an appointment
to meet with faculty and/or students. The Department of Architecture
has an applicant advisor who meets with prospective students;
to set up an appointment, please call the Office of Architecture
at 215-898-5728. top
Q:
Can I apply for more than one program in the School of
Design at the same time?
A: Yes.
To apply to a dual degree program, or a degree program with
a certificate,
you should apply to only one degree program and send us a
letter or e-mail asking that you be considered for admission
into
the two programs. You do not need to submit more than one form
and fee, nor do you need to submit duplicates of your supporting
materials. top
Q:
May I have my application materials returned to me?
A: The application and supporting
material submitted to the School of Design become our property
and will not be returned to the applicant under any circumstances
with the exception of portfolios and writing samples, which
may be returned to applicants if return postage is provided.
top
Q: When will I receive my notification?
A: Admissions
decisions are sent out the third week in March. Admitted students
also will receive financial aid information if they applied
for financial aid and an invitation to the open house for admitted
students, along with a variety of materials about the School
of Design, their department, housing, etc. Students must let
us know if they accept our offer of admission by April 15. top
Q: Is it
possible to defer?
A: Some
departments will permit you to defer under certain circumstances;
however, you should check with the individual department to
determine its policy. The Department of Architecture, Department
of Fine Arts, and the PhD Program in City and Regional Planning
do not permit deferrals and you would be required to reapply if
you are admitted but unable to attend. If you reapply within
two years of the original application, your application materials
will still be on file. top
Q:
When would I hear about financial aid?
A: If
you submit all the appropriate financial aid materials, you
will receive information about financial aid with your decision
letter. top
Q: I've
been put on the Wait List; what does this mean?
A: We
are often not able to admit all of our qualified applicants
into each degree program. We admit a certain number of applicants
straight into the degree program, then put some on a wait list.
After April 16, when we have heard from the first group, we
will start to admit people from the wait list if necessary
to attain full enrollment. top
Q:
When will I get my portfolio returned?
A: If
you supplied return postage, we will send your portfolio back
after April 1. The Department of Landscape Architecture prefers
to keep portfolios of matriculating students until the fall
at which point they will be returned. The Department of Fine
Arts keeps slides of matriculating students for their archives.
If you neglected to include return postage with your portfolio,
you may send us a check or money order for $5.00 payable to
The University of Pennsylvania. Upon receipt of this we will
return your portfolio. top
Q: Where
do most students live? Are there dorms?
A: Most
students live off-campus, either in West Philadelphia (University
City) or in downtown Philadelphia (Center City). The University
of Pennsylvania Office of Residential Living has dormitories
available to graduate students. For more information, go to www.business-services.upenn.edu/housing. top
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