|
View previous topic :: View next topic
|
| Author |
Message |
perpetuus
Joined: 04 Oct 2004
Posts: 1
|
 Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 9:47 am Post subject: A tough decision |
    |
|
Here's my story:
I am a second year electrical engineering student right now, and lately I've realized that I am not too fond of circuits or math. Ever since I was a kid I've had interest in playing with LEGO, building models, or just simply drawing. Before I got into my current program, I applied for a mix of engineering , business, and ONE architecture program. Luckily for me, I was invited to an admissions interview to present my portfolio and do an english writing test. However, unfortuantely I was not admitted into the architecture program. Instead, my options were computer science, electrical engineering, and aerospace engineering. (at a different university) Of the three, I chose to go into electrical engineering, but ever since I started the program, I never quite liked it. This weekend I was thinking about switching into architecture as I believe I'll actually enjoy it and have more fun there too (without always doing math or circuits or even trying to work with electronics, something so 'intangible' to me). Knowing the program is full this year and that an interview is required for admissions, I've come up with alot of questions:
1) What can I do with my electrical engineering courses in the meantime? (They are of no use to me if I DO get accepted into architecture next year)
2) Should I drop all my current courses and take some non-core courses that I can transfer into architecture next year?
3) To switch out now would mean that I've wasted 2 years of university doing nothing. Should I switch out now or perhaps continue with my electrical engineering program for 2 more years, and then consider a master's degree in architecture elsewhere?
-However, I know that most universities require a certain GPA for admissions into their masters of architecture program.
-Not only do I dislike engineering, I also don't find myself to be very good at it, the chances of getting the required GPA may be minimal.
4) If I continue with my electrical engineering courses this year, and if I fail any of my courses, I won't have the privellage to switch into architecture at my university.
-Should I drop my current courses and just do non-core courses which can be transferred into architecture later for credit? Or is this not a wise choice? considering that I cant be sure that I'll be accepted into the program.
5) What if I don't get accepted into architecture next year? What do I do then? Continue with my current program in engineering? or something else?
P.S.: Can someone tell me the level of math that is needed to do architecture? I can do math, but I am not particularly fond of it.
Any insight into my problem is greatly appreciated,
thanks in advance. |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
jenniannefer
Joined: 09 Sep 2004
Posts: 4
|
| Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2004 11:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
Perpetuus,
Well, you ARE in a tough situation, but I've been there before, in a way. I came out of High School knowing that I wanted to go into Architecture & Design and I began college in the Architecture program at UNLV. It didn't take me long to realize that the program was not what I had anticipated and I switched into a Social Sciences degree. However after 2 years of anthropology & sociology, I knew that my heart was definitely still set on designing, so I went looking and found a great and very intense Interior Design program at the Univ. of North Texas and I made the transfer from Nevada to Texas. The problem was that I had 2 1/2 years of credits and $10,000 in student loans that in NO WAY applied to a BFA in Interior Design -- just like you with Electrical Engineering and Architecture. As hard as it was, I essentially started from scratch. I am now beginning my 5th year of school with at least another 3 years to go -- BUT I am finally on track to do what I've always dreamed of doing. To make a long story short, I guess I am saying that it IS possible.... there is a good chance that the switch will be very hard and frustrating at times, but it can be done! If you're worried about making a GPA or portfolio standard, you might also think about trying to find a program that is closely related to Architecture without the strict entrance requirements. For example, maybe withh all your knowledge of electrical stuff, you could get into doing the lighting aspect of Architecture or Interior Design -- it's really quite interesting and I am thinking about going that direction myself! I know I didn't really answer any of your questions, but I wanted to offer a word of encouragement, at least. There are definitely options and I know how it is to feel trapped into something you can't imagine being happy with for a career. Best of luck to you!!
Jenniannefer |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
hannahm
Joined: 15 Jun 2004
Posts: 8
|
| Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 7:19 pm Post subject: Level of math... |
|
|
The highest I have heard is Trigonometry.
I am a dual major with civil engineering. It was interesting...I transferred over a hundred credit hours and not too many applied to architecture, but by having a dual major, more applied. I think that if you get some kind of degree with what you have it will not seem like such a waste.
I was previously a Commercial Art major (very helpful for portfolio work and computer visualization work). Design Graphics is a related field that is just as demanding, and I think more constant in demand. If for some reason you are not able to get into the architecture program, I think advertising graphics and design is an alternate way to go. They do a lot of conceptualization, their work is just as fast paced, if not faster, and when you finish if you still want to do an architecture masters, that will be even easier after all of the design experience you will have had. Hope that helps:) |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
designsoul
Joined: 14 Oct 2004
Posts: 22
|
| Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2004 11:48 am Post subject: |
|
|
| hi! you drfinitely seem yo be in a really togh situation. Well. must tell u that i am doing my architecture and am in the 4th year. Am very much like you. Can manage math but hate the boring and indrpth stuff about it. Well firstly, architecture does have sum math for the first three years. its simple math. Its called structures. It does not involve any heavy stuff like circuits atleast! And secongly, if you really have the love for architecture, then you must do it. It's not late. I think that personally if u have a love to design and design 4 the spirit of archhitecture, then there is no greater form of study or ratger intellect than architecture! Akk the best! And remember you need t oexperience architecture.... its not about the study....its life! |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
blogger
del.icio.us
digg
slashdot
