FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the minimum SAT score required to apply for architecture? 
The most important factor, the high school grade-point average (GPA), accounts for approximately two-thirds of the admission decision. The remaining one-third of the decision is based on other factors, which may include standardized critical reading and math test scores, class rank, personal statement, and activities list.

The average SAT score for students admitted for Fall 2007 was 1258 and for Fall 2006 it was 1261.

What is the minimum G.P.A. required to apply to the architecture program as a freshman?
2.0

The average G.P.A. for students admitted for Fall 2007 was 4.04 and for Fall 2006 it was 4.09.

Is the BARCH degree a professional accredited degree? 
Yes

Is a portfolio required for a freshman when applying? 
Generally no, but if an applicant does not meet the criteria set by the Admissions Office, you may be offered a special talent letter.  This is another way that the Admissions Office will permit a student to apply to the architecture program.  At that time, the letter from Admissions Office will state that the student will need to submit a portfolio for the committee to review.  Once the committee reviews the portfolio, they will make their recommendation to the Admissions Office.

Who makes the final decisions for admission into the Architecture program? 
The Admissions Office makes the final decisions.

I would like to schedule a visit with someone in the architecture department to discuss your program.  How can I make an appointment?
Contact the department office at (814) 865-9535.  During the fall and spring semesters we generally have 2 – 3 faculty members that will meet with prospective students on specific days and times. During the summer we only have one faculty member available to meet with students so there is not as much flexibility to accommodate prospective students.  A visit will include an information session, and a tour of our facilities within the department.

What is the application deadline for a freshman student? 
November 30

What is the application deadline for an advanced standing (transfer from an external institution) student? 
December 31

When can special talent, advanced standing or change of major students submit their portfolios? 
January 1 – February 15.  No portfolios will be accepted before January 1 or after February 15.

When will I be notified regarding my portfolio decision? 
The committee will try to notify you in writing by April 1.

Are there any scholarships available for incoming freshman? 
No, but as you progress through the program you are eligible for various awards and scholarships based on academic year level.

When are students accepted into the Architecture program? 
Fall semesters only.

What is the length of time to complete the undergraduate program? 
Five years for the B.Arch. degree with a total of 162 credits completed for students entering the program beginning fall semester 2005. Students entering prior to this date are required to complete 165 credits. Four years for the B.S. degree with a total of 135 credits completed.

Is there a semester abroad program? 
There is a mandatory semester in Rome, Italy, during the fourth-year, which reinforces the cultural and social components emphasized in the studio.  Design, theory and analysis courses are taught by Penn State's department of architecture faculty with the assistance of Roman architects and local professors.

What is the application deadline to apply to the M.Arch. graduate program?
January 15

How can I find out if my credits from another institution will transfer? 
Students need to contact the Admissions Office.

I have taken some architecture courses at another institution.  Will these credits count towards any of the arch requirements? 
The student will need to supply a copy of the syllabus to the department.  The syllabus will be reviewed by the students’ advisor to determine if they are equivalent to any of our courses. If they are equivalent, the student will need to complete a petition in order for the credits to be applied to the requirement. A petition form can be picked up in the architecture department office.

How can I apply for the arch minor? 
The student will need to stop by the department office to pickup a minor application form. The form needs to be completed and submitted to Pier Bandini.  He will review the form and approve or deny the request. If the form is approved the minor will be added to the students record.

If I am accepted into the program, when will I know who my advisor is?
You will be assigned an advisor approximately three weeks before the semester begins.  If you access your account via eLion, your advisor will appear on your student record once it is entered into the system.

Who is permitted to register for the summer Arch 101 class?
Students currently at University Park or at a branch campus , any freshman student admitted to University Park for summer admission, students who want architecture as a minor, and change of major and transfer students who submitted their portfolio and who were rejected by portfolio review with 18 or more credits.

Who should I contact with questions about your graduate program?  Loukas N. Kalisperis, Chair of of the Graduate Program, (814) 865-0877, email LNK@PSU.EDU.

What is the length of time for the graduate program?
A graduate student may be able to complete the requirements for the M.Arch. in one year.  Those students who are awarded an assistantship will require more than two semesters and a summer to complete the requirements.

Is the M.Arch degree a professional degree?
No. It is a post-professional degree for students who have already completed a professional degree from a five-year program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) or its equivalent.

What is the minimum G.P.A. required for admission to the graduate program in Architecture?
You must have a 3.0 G.P.A. average on a 4.0 point scale or equivalent.

Where can I obtain an application to the M.Arch. program? 
You can apply online with the Graduate School at the following website: https://ivy.oas.psu.edu/cgi-bin/gradframe.exe/launch/gradframe

In addition to the online graduate application, what other information do I need to submit to the architecture department? 

Statement of interest for study, portfolio, other evidence of academic excellence, official transcript, GRE scores (highly encouraged, but not mandatory), three letters of recommendation, TOEFL score, minimum 580 (paper) or 250 (computer) is required for international students