[aphotic twilight.]

im currently a sophomore in high school in southern california
and i have pretty much decided that my major is going to be architecture.
but the problem is that
i don't know what the next step should be >___>
[im a really indecisive person who's decision constantly wavers]

my questions:

- my "dream" college is usc,
but are they're any other better architect college in southern california?

- should i be taking any outside programs
that promotes architecture?
[ex. summer course in college campus for architect]
- if so,
which program
[from experiences if possible]
is "good" to take?

- any other advices for architect major??
anything would be nice.
thx.
[ahh stressful~]

[Avex]

Cal Poly SLO is another considered "good school" in Architecture. UCBerkeley also has Architecture, but I don't know if it is good or not.

If you want to do architecture

- prepare a portfolio starting now (You'll need one to turn in when applying for architecture in colleges).
- Do find some programs related to architecture. IMO, if you can't find any, find an architectural firm around your area and see if they offer internships or any opportunities to explore the field within the firm. You can base your decision on architecture on that).
- Take AP Art.

And of course, maybe you can take your work to the firms to critique. That's my advice.

[evanbang]

USC has a 5-year program
UCBerkeley's and UCLA's start third year i think (only the grad school is accredited)
Cal Poly SLO (ranked #4ish) and Pomona both have 5-year programs
start freehand drawing! mostly all school's ask for a portfolio that requires this. it is more important than learning how to use AutoCad.
make sure your school is NAAB accredited (google it)
work on that portfolio now! drawing, playing with clay, photography, w/e!
take note of the date/medium b/c they will ask for that

[meringue]

Do volunteer work, intern, basically do activities related to your major. It'll show colleges that you are focused and you know what you want. Also, like a previous poster said, prepare your portfolio. I have a friend who was an architecture major and he had to submit a portfolio as part of his application. Colleges want to see what you can do.

[br_Bluex]

I would say that the portfolio part would outweight any ECs you would have when you're applying to architecture. In many cases its the IT factor that makes schools want you. I would say to start drawing immediatly and maybe start building some "sculptures" of abstract architecture.

[sHIK-kUN]

Probably, just like the others said:
- Portfolio
- Classes
- EC's involving Architecture
Right now the main thing I have is 2 years of architecture, one beginning and the other architectural design. Another option I was thinking of taking/doing next semester was a beginning drafting class at my local city college. You should consider taking any classes like that offered at your city college. Not only do you get credits for college (and maybe transferable) but you also can get rid of tons of elective credits. xD