• admissions,  architecture

    what is this “patience” you speak of

    March 27, 2013

    Holaaa

    so I’ve applied to the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program for the second time now, and I’m awaiting a response. I’ve submitted my One Idea profile and all my transcripts from hs and my current uni, but on my UofT portal it says that ‘a provisional decision cannot be made at this time’ because they need my final transcripts. Should I get my hopes up about acceptance or is it likely they’ll reject me again? I’ve improved my average this year (now in the mid-80s as opposed to mid-70s last year), and I’m pretty happy with my One Idea profile that I submitted. But I don’t want to sit around expecting I’ll get in only to find that I didn’t. So, what do you think? Is this ‘can’t make a decision’ business bad news?

    thanks for your time,

    – Anxious

    ?????????

    Hey Anxious,

    You know that the application deadline was just on March 1 right? And that your OneIdea was due March 15?

    Lots of people are waiting for responses. And I assume things are going to take longer with Architecture since they’re gonna have to go through a lot more than just your grades. So if they haven’t gotten back to you yet, just… wait. There’s no need to think the worst when they could very well just be in the middle of reading OneIdeas.

    And while the faculty’s website is basically completely useless and no one wants to give me a straight answer on what average you need for admission, I’m going to guess that it’s somewhere around mid- to high-80s, meaning you should be fine.

    But what I assume says “pending” as opposed “can’t make a decision” is not something to lose your cool over. Just sit back, watch some shows, and wait a bit. It’s only been like two weeks since they probably started considering people.

    xoxo,aska

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  • admissions,  architecture

    building your way up to architecture

    March 5, 2013

    Hey there!

    So here’s my deal: I want to get into the Bachelor of Architectural studies program, and this is my second year applying to it. Last year when I applied out of high school, my marks weren’t great as a result of some personal issues that occurred throughout the year, and consequently I did not get accepted (I did receive an alternative offer into Humanities though). So I decided to accept my offer at Carleton University in the History and Theory of Architecture program, so that way I could at least get my foot in the door of the field of study I wanted to pursue. I have good grades (overall 84% average), and some of my courses could potentially be transferred if I get accepted to UofT, because they fall within the same curriculum. So with that said, do you think it’s likely that I’ll be accepted this time around? I really want to go to UofT, but I don’t know what else I can do to help my application other than keep up my good grades, because obviously I can’t do anything about my grade 12 marks.

    Thanks so much for any advice,
    Hopeful Arch. Student

    (ps I really hope this is the right place to ask a question… :P)

    ?????????

    Hey Hopeful!

    So you wanna get into architecture. Well, they’ll be judging you based on two things:

    1. Your overall CGPA (at your current university)
    2. Your “One Idea”

    There’s no official cut off grade of sorts, but I would say the A-range is where they want you to be. That said, I think you have the CGPA part of their requirements down.

    As for the One Idea, you’ll be writing an 800 word piece about an idea you once executed that challenged you to be creative. For a better description, head over to that link I gave you.

    Good luck!

    aska

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  • architecture

    omg daniels wut r u doin

    January 22, 2013

    Hi there, thanks for taking the time to answer all our questions, it must be exhausting.

    I am an engineering student from UBC who will soon be finishing his final semester. I am interested in the Masters of Landscape Architecture program. However, my CGPA is not so good at about 64% partly due to a wasted year in an irrelevant program. My final year GPA sits at about 80% though. If I were to apply, how much would my CGPA hurt my chances? I know entry into the program is competitive. Lets pretend that my portfolio is impressive, I have solid references and many relevant supplementary certificates. Do I still stand a decent chance of entry into the program? I want to know because I am considering applying for an expensive design course that might help my chances but if my CGPA cripples everything, then there is just no point in it.

    Kind regards,
    Mr. Digital

    ?????????

    Hey Mr. Digital,

    Thanks for thanking me! People don’t do that often. Oh, you’re a darling. 🙂

    So your situation: I think you should still apply!

    Yes, UofT is notorious for being extremely cruel when it comes to the required CGPAs that they set for entering programs, but you sound quite confident in all the other factors that are going to back you up for this application! Moreover, I would assume that logically, the committee judging you is going to look at the courses that relate to Landscape Architecture and/or notice that the things that are bringing your CGPA down are totally irrelevant. Likewise, word on the street is that they really just consider your final years! I mean, if you have the fantastic portfolio, the references, the marks where they matter, and all that jazz, I would like to think that they’d at least give you fair consideration.

    Naturally, I can’t say anything for sure, but considering this a more hands-on professional sort of program, I think what you can do should hold precedence over what you can study! Again, I totally think you should go for it. I mean there’s no harm in trying.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • architecture,  subject POST

    a solution for switching

    October 10, 2012

    Hi,

    I am just starting my first year of undergraduate Life Science student in U?of T. After a month of experiencing and learning about my current program,?I am a bit concerned whether if I like to prosuade a career in this field.?Before applying for Life Science, I am participating alot in art and are?fascinated with architectures. I am just wondering if there is a?possibility for me to persuade a double major in both Life Science and?Architecturial Studies?

    Also, I understand that the deadline for adding or deleting a course is?over for the fall sesion, but I just want to know if I could still apply to?architectural courses get into that course. If not, will there be courses?similar to that in the summer?

    Thank you

    ?????????

    Hey Tim,

    Luckily, there aren?t any real restrictions on you adding on a second major in Architectural Studies. Like with your Life Science major, in the spring after the end of this school year, you?ll simply need to declare the Subject POSt on ROSI. However, if you don?t have the requirements for the program, you won?t get in. Thus, the only real issue would be lacking the needed first-year courses, but even then, all that will really happen is a slight slowdown in your pursuit of Architectural Studies.

    For now, what you can do is try getting into the recommended first-year courses ARC213H1 and ARC132H1 to at least prepare you for the rest of the program.

    Unfortunately, I can?t really tell you anything about this coming summer?s courses. That particular calendar won?t be available until around March 2013. However, last year in the summer of 2012 there weren?t any ARC courses offered so we?ll have to see if there are any for this year. But if you do want to pursue this major, it will call for courses of other codes (like ENV200H1 or GGR220H1 or ENG280H1) so you can possibly take those in the summer.

    Cheers!

    aska

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  • architecture

    root root architect

    March 7, 2012
    First off, this site is great – Its really nice of you to help us worrisome mundanes.
    My situation is quite different from all these people…I’m a 2nd year student that is enrolled only in “open studies” in Univeristy of Calgary, which is a undeclared major. I could not get into a major because I was 2% off from the minimum overall requirement to get into a major from when I was in HS (not to mention I had no idea what I wanted to do) and again a year later because I became severely depressed during freshmen year due to stupid ol’ lovey dovey problems. I’ve learned my lessons and picked up my act since then and I found a new goal – become an architect. No I don’t want a diploma. I want a degree. I’ve decided my best bet is to get into Ryerson University – BArchSci. I’ve joined leadership programs, joining associations and taking arch-related classes, and I’ve been painting and getting my portfolio up, and been getting grades from B to As. I’ve raised my GPA by one since last year and can probably get into a program here – but I don’t want to.

    My worries? That these scary admission people will not see how HARD I’ve been working my butt off. Even though my GPA is relatively low (2.4 and still going up!), I’ve raised it quite a lot since then last Fall Semester, and probably even more during this Winter. I also need Physics 30 as a requirement, which I did not take in HS, will they be able to admit me in if I do it during the spring/summer/online? How do I let them see all my work with leadership programs and clubs and the recent grades? I know this is a U of T blog…I’ve wanted to go but it seems just so unattainable. Maybe if this works out, is there a possibility I could transfer there?

    Finally, even though it seems like I’ve been wasting time and money for 2 years, I consider myself lucky to have found what I truly wanted to do (and work very hard to attain it) – which many people have not found and stay stuck in whatever degree or transferring to and fro.

    Thanks,
    Ms. A

    P.s. I honestly had no idea who to ask that would know the down and dirty reality of this stuff.

    ??????????????????????-

    Hey hey Ms. A,

    Ok … phew … so I don’t want to guide you in the wrong direction because really I want to give you a high five for getting your ass into gear, but you just might have to do it a little longer.

    In order to be admitted to Ryersons Architectural Program you need to meet both the program requirements and the transfer requirements. I think you are well on your way to doing this, but you’re are not quite at their 70% transfer minimum.

    I kn0w you want to transfer and I hear Ryerson’s Architectural is program is pretty cool because it bridges you into the masters, but an option could be to stay at U of Calgary for your undergrad, get some killer grades and apply to Ryerson or U of T for your Architectural Masters. Just a thought.

    In any case, I think with a little more hard work a transfer is looking like an option.

    And this should probably get quoted:

    ?” Note: All eligible applicants will be assessed in competition with other new applicants, taking into consideration both academic and, where applicable, non-academic criteria, as well as availability of space. All students must possess the required program subject prerequisites, or equivalents, and required entrance averages for these subjects. All admissions are subject to competition.”

    Two things to note:

    1) you need that Physics 30 before you apply

    2) Even though a B – is required for trasnfer, the average may be higher to get into the program.

    Good luck, we’re rooting for you

    root root,

    aska

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  • architecture

    Dapper Architect strikes again

    January 8, 2012

    Hey Aska,

    This is Thomas again (The Dapper Architect), thanks for the nice title by the way. I have?another question for you. As I said before I am aiming for Computer Science, but I also?have an interest for Architecture. If I got into Computer Science, or used the alternate
    route that you mentioned in this thread (<https://askastudent.utoronto.ca/?p=3370&cpage=1#comment-62896>) and applied for something in the?humanities to get into Computer Science, would I still be able to declare a double major?in Computer Science & Architectural Design in my second year even though they are in?different faculties?

    Many thanks,
    Thomas

    ???????????????

    Hey Thomas,

    The people over in the Architectural are doing a little dance around fire sprouting from the grounds of their immaculate buildings. They know they want to separate into their own faculty but haven’t worked out all the kinks.

    I would make an intellectual guess and say yes you will be able to double major.

    You will receive a Bachelor of Arts when you take Architectural Design … meaning that you should logically be able to double with any other BA options (i.e. any arts and science courses).

    Watson you’ve done it again,
    aska

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  • architecture

    The Dapper Architect

    December 1, 2011

    Hey Ask,

    I’ve been browsing these forums for a few months now and I’d first like to say that I like the layout of the site. Here’s my question: If you get accepted into U of T St. George for Architecture and then want to switch Faculties into Arts & Science, Computer Science most likely, is it easy/hard or possible/impossible to switch faculties after acceptance?

    Thanks a lot,
    Thomas

    ???????????????

    Hey Thomas,

    The whole Architecture deal is all up in the air at the moment. Currently Architecture is a part of the Faculty of Arts and Science. Meaning that it’s just a matter of switching subject POSts in order to be in Computer Science … for now.

    Architecture wants to feel all fancy and dapper so they are becoming their own faculty next year. Buuut they haven’t worked all the kinks out just yet.

    From what I hear, you will still graduate with a Bachelor of Arts, meaning that logically you should be able to take arts and science courses and even double major with?another program like the rest of the artsci kids.

    In any situation you will still be able to switch faculties. Just ask the engineers turned artsci folk.

    tenderly yours,
    aska

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  • architecture

    I want to be like ted mosby

    February 7, 2011

    Hi there!
    I am trying to decide my major and am looking at getting into the undergraduate architecture program. I know that one needs at least 70% in both arc131/32 which I have so far( I am currently completing arc132 so I’m not sure on the final grade but i am confident that i will achieve between a 73-80) but what concerns me more is the CGPA. I currently have a 2.5 and I am working to get it higher but realistically i doubt i can turn it into a 3.0 in under 2 months, i’m optimistic for a 2.7 though. I was just wondering if you knew the average GPA someone looking for acceptance into architecture major would need to be considered/ accepted?

    Thanks in advance!

    – Danielle

    ???????????????

    Hey Danielle,

    Architecture is one of the harder programs to get into and unfortunately I cannot comfort your uneasy mind with giving you an average CGPA. It depends on the number of applicants and their marks. They take the top students. dun dun dun

    passionately yours,

    aska

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  • architecture

    raise your glass if … you … uhh need to transfer credits

    January 17, 2011
    Dearest Aska,I’m not going to rag on you for not being an architecture major like your ancient mentor, but I’m hoping you can clear some things up for me and save me light years of reading and confusion regardless.I’m a second year art & design major at the University of Alberta and just applied to transfer to U of T. The Ontario university system is quite different in terms of credits so I’m totally lost when I look through the U of T calendar and sites, regardless of how many legends I read. From my understanding, I have to apply to humanities, then take
    ARC131H1
    <http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/crs_arc.htm#ARC131H1>,ARC132H1
    <http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/crs_arc.htm#ARC132H1> in my first? year there, and THEN apply to architectural studies, correct? However, when I applied via OUAC 105 ($215!!! :@) and selected humanities, I had to choose a further focus and I selected Architectural studies. I’m wondering if this is just for a reference point or not for later as I obviously can’t apply to arch. yet until I take the two prereq’s. Upon acceptance, would I just be generally considered to be in the Humanities faculty until I apply to architecture?

    Next question is, I have 12 Junior (100) level classes already and I’m registered for 3 more this semester. What is the maximum number I’m allowed to transfer that will still contribute to my degree, maintaining they are all eligible to transfer? Am I better off to take all 200 level classes this semester? Can you take ARC131 and 132 at the same time next fall?

    Thanks for your patience as these may be very obvious questions that I can’t figure out for the life of me and I have limited time to change my classes this semester.

    Love,
    Maki

    ???????????????

    Maki!!

    Don’t worry, you’re not as confused as you think you are (or I’m equally confused, one of the two). U of T makes everything a little more confusing than other schools, just to make sure only the brightest attend their school.
    You are correct, you are generally in Humanities in first year. After 4.0 credits, you declare you ‘Subject Posts’ when doing this you choose either:

    – 1 specialist

    – 2 majors

    – 1 major + 2 minors

    In order to declare Architectual Studies as?your Subject Post you must have the following:

    ” Enrolment in the Architectural Studies Major Programs is limited. Students must have completed 4.0 full courses or their equivalent, including ARC131H1 and ARC132H1.

    Minimum marks of at least 70% in both ARC131H1 and ARC132H1 are required. The student?s Cumulative Grade Point Average will also be considered. Achieving minimum levels above does not guarantee admission.

    NOTE: The Major programs include the 4.0 Core FCEs below plus 4.0 FCEs from one of the Concentrations below. Students must check all required prerequisites and co-requisites for courses before registering. ”

    Here is where I got this information. There are various architectural studies majors that you should look at.

    In general, only 6.0 (one credit = 1 full year course)?100 level courses are allowed to contribute to your degree.

    The transfer credit websitestates the following:

    “Up to a maximum of ten transfer credits may be transferred. In order to meet program and degree requirements, however, students may have to complete more than the minimum number of credits required for a degree”.

    If this doesn’t really clear things up for you that much, give me a shout back and I’ll try to help

    Stay Golden,
    Aska

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  • admissions,  architecture

    Building the CN Tower for the Future

    October 22, 2010

    Im a student coming from Iran.My grade 12 average is %76,I have also studied one year english literature in government university in Iran and my average is 95 .Im planning to apply for architectural design for next year.I have time until March 2011 to take some courses in high school.What courses do you recommend me to take?Im also going to tale Ielts.Do you think I will be accepted?

    ———————————————

    Alrighty then,

    As you have already attended a university, you would apply as a transfer student. This page will help you out with getting the transfer process started, but your previous university will also be able to help you out.

    I’m going to have to be a bit of a ball buster for you there. First of all the University of Toronto does not offer an undergraduate degree in ‘Architectural Design’.
    They do however offer ‘Architectural Studies‘. Please note in the admissions category that you may only apply to this course after obtaining 4.0 credits, including ARC 131H1 and ARC 132H1 (meaning in second year). Also be aware that this program is competetive, you must have 70% in the two required classes and your CGPA will also be put into consideration. The word on the campus streets is that your CGPA needs to be well over the minimum.
    But in addition to that you will have to do another major or 2 minors as requirement for graduation for a Honours BA.

    There are universities in Ontario that offer a Bachelor in Architectural design, meaning you won’t have to take another major or minors in addition.
    Ultimately whether you have attend U of T for a Major in Architecural Studies or another school for a full Bachelor of Architecture design, you will have to attend Grad school to obtain a masters degree anyways.

    I think your first steps are seeing transfer requirements for the school. Contact academic advisers at either your previous university or potential ones and they can look at your specifics and help you out even further

    With Love,
    Aska

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  • architecture,  first year

    even frank gehry gets nervous

    August 9, 2010

    hey,

    Aside from being moderately excited about going to u of t, i am very apprehensive. im afraid that i wont be able to keep my marks up; but i guess everyone feels that way going into university. i was wondering about the types of courses? that i should be taking first year that would help me in the design major (aside from the arch courses). or does it really not matter. i was also wondering about what types of courses you take in a design major and what you learn. thank you so much for your help!

    ———————————————

    You’re only “moderately excited” to start U of T? Hell that’s no way to start a year. I understand your worries perfectly, but feel the need to assure you. U of T is tough, but fair. And the university provides plenty of resources to help newcomers such as yourself.

    The calendar recommends upper courses courses for a major with a concentration in architectural design in fine art, geography and near middle eastern civilizations. And so, a first year art course is not out of the question. Luckily there are also a few first year seminars that might be a good way to go, which are smaller and more discussion orientated. You will have to take ARC 131H1 and ARC132H1, which you have already selected. But after that, the design stream forwards you to take ARC 313 and ARC 314 (architectural design 2 and 3) which details the framework of design.

    A very very good place to ask more questions is the Faculty of Architecture. Andy Payne is the program’s coordinator and a super nice guy, who I think could field some more detailed questions about the program. But right now you’re just testing the waters. Take ARC 131/132 and see how you like it. Feel it out. Sketch the Empire State Building and consider other classes in fine art, urban studies and geography to go along with your program. Don’t forget about the writing centre and your college registrar for additional resources.

    Best of luck to you.

    xoxo, Askastudent

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  • architecture,  dropping courses

    take the initiative, improve your writing skills

    March 12, 2010

    Dear Aska
    I am currently a first year student planning to get into the architecture program, but the entrance requirements are really high… I don’t have a problem with the 3.2 gpa cut off that they have, but what if I don’t get a minimum of 70 in my arc132 course? My english is not good enough to get high marks in that course (you know, arc132 is all about writing papers). Is it possible to retake this course next year in case I didn’t get the minimum mark required, or should i drop it (it’s actually gonna be a late withdrawal now) and take it next year?

    thnx sooo much for any information you can give 🙂

    ———————————————————————-

    It is possible to retake the course next year if you don?t reach the minimum mark. However, it you would have to take it as an extra course. So it would not count toward the 20-credit requirement you need to graduate from UofT.

    I think the answer to your question really depends on the mark you are getting in the course, and what percentage of the course has already been completed. For instance, if you?re currently getting (say) an F in the course after having completed coursework that is going to count for 80% of your total grade, I would advise you to withdraw from the class so that you can focus more on your other courses. If you?re getting a C+ right now, and have only completed coursework for 50% of your final grade, I would suggest that you stick with it ? you still have time to try to pull your mark up, up, up. And if that fails, you can always retake the course next year.

    I?m not trying to intimidate you, but architecture at UofT is extremely competitive. Keep in mind that architecture is a humanities program ? so there will likely be more papers and essays for you to write in higher-level courses. You should really take some time to reflect: if you do end up getting into Architecture, would you enjoy writing all those papers for the theory and history courses?

    If you?re determined to get into architecture, you should seriously consider taking the needed steps to improve your writing skills. Take advantage of your resources! If you want to improve your writing, why not make an appointment at your college writing centre? Or how about checking out the services at the Academic Success Centre? And, if English is not your first language, what about checking out the English Language Learning course offered by New College in the summer?

    I would also really, really recommend that you talk to your college registrar about this in order to clear up any queries, concerns, or reservations you have about your decisions.

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  • architecture,  art,  courses,  victoria

    make your decisions without considering stereotypes

    February 16, 2010

    Heyo aska,

    I’ve just applied for the Frye stream at Vic One and am wondering if the whole affair is actually worthwhile/fantastic vs. pretentious. I’m quite sure it will be at least a little pretentious, but the small class sizes and interesting seminars could make it absolutely marvellous. What is the general reception towards the program at U of T? Is there a “Vic One is smelly” stigma attached to it?

    Also, I’m hoping to keep my options for my major at least a little flexible. I hope to do a double major in Art History/to be decided…And have recently become interested in perhaps doing some intro architecture courses in my first year. Otherwise, I would be leaning towards human geography or history. Something along the lines of urban theory… So I guess the question is, if I take Vic One will some of these options be totally thrown out the window in exchange for a survey of Baudellaire and Derrida?

    Thanks a bunch.

    Your website is pretty much the bomb.

    —————————————

    Let me tell you right now that the affair won’t be worthwhile – not with that attitude.

    One thing I think you really have to train yourself to do is to detach yourself from the stigmas attached to your program(s). For instance, I’m in physics, and I’m sure that when I tell other people what program I’m in, a lot of them automatically label me geek or nerd (or whatever). Stereotypes like these really annoy me – sometimes, they make me question my decisions. But I do my best to ignore them, because I feel that studying physics, personally, a worthwhile pursuit.

    You have to decide yourself whether or not Vic One is personally worthwhile for you. Try hard to ignore the stereotypes (whether real or imagined). If you’re already starting to stereotype Vic One as being smelly/pretentious, there’s a good chance that you won’t enjoy the program at all. But if you instead look at Vic One as a unique opportunity to learn in a multidisciplinary environment, you may find that you enjoy it.

    A major program in Art History only requires 6 full course equivalents, and you only need a half-course in first year. For Architecture, you only need two half-courses (one credit). Even if you factor in your other distribution requirements (one science credit and one social science credit), that’s still only 3.5 credits. You can easily take your Vic One course, and still have another free half-credit you could use as an elective — or more, if you decide that you want to take more than 5 credits. If you’ve found that you’ve made a mistake and would like to add a major in math or something, you can always take a 100-level course in your second year.

    Another thing first-year students can feel disorienting to a lot of people because they are so huge (try sitting in a BIO151 lecture). A seminar-style course could be an opportunity to learn in a more personal setting in which the professor is able to pay a lot more attention to his/her individual students.

    That said, many students don’t take Vic One or TrinOne, and they’re still getting along just fine. So it’s not like Vic One is something that I think you MUST or DEFINITELY SHOULD do. If there’s a course that interests you more than Vic One – be it geology or Japanese or religious studies – then by all means, take that course. But I really advise you to make your decision without the influence of outside opinions/stereotypes – and most importantly, no matter what you choose, to keep an open mind.

    …so this post wasn’t funny at all, but eh… I’m running low on funny these days. In the meantime, go play this game and see if you can beat my score of 10840 (and leave a comment if you do!).

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