Frequently Asked Questions - Prospective Students
I understand that there are information sessions for prospective undergraduate students in the School of Architecture + Design. Do I need a reservation to attend? Are they the same as the university Admissions Information Session?
These information sessions give the prospective undergraduate student and parents a brief overview of what the School of Architecture + Design has to offer.
- Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture sessions offered: Monday and Friday each week at 12 noon during the fall and spring semesters. An appointment is required.
- Summer Session Schedule:
Information sessions will only be held on Fridays at 12 noon during the First and Second Summer Sessions. An appointment is required.
- Fall Open House Please review the Undergraduate Admissions Office website at http://www.admiss.vt.edu/open_house/ for registration information.
If you are interested in a general university information session and tour of our campus, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office. You may access their website at http://www.admiss.vt.edu/visit/ .
Please Note: To park on campus on weekdays or during some athletic events, you will need to obtain a visitor parking permit from the Visitor Information Center, 965 Prices Fork Road. (To park at the Visitor Information Center, a parking permit is not required.) Please see http://www.visit.vt.edu/about/about.html
Where are you located?
The School of Architecture + Design is located at 201 Cowgill Hall. Cowgill Hall is located on the plaza behind Burruss Hall. Our office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Are Architecture courses available to high school students during the summer?
Yes. Inside Architecture and Design is a program open to rising 9th through 12th grade high school students. For additional information, please see the Inside Architecture and Design website http://archdesign.vt.edu/students/inside-architecture.
I am interested in applying to the School of Architecture + Design. What is the process?
All applications for admission to undergraduate programs within the School of Architecture + Design must be completed through the Virginia Tech Admissions office.
Application Materials for Prospective Freshmen (U.S. Applicants)
Application Materials for Prospective External Transfer
Application Materials for Prospective Undergraduate International Students
Is a portfolio required for admission?
No. Many high schools do not teach art classes. Our Foundation Design Laboratories (ARCH 1015, 1016) provide the design fundamentals needed to be a successful designer. Admissions are primarily based on a student’s grade point average and SAT or ACT score. If you have questions regarding the admission requirements, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office at vtadmiss@vt.edu; or http://www.admiss.vt.edu/ .
What classes should I take in high school to best prepare me for a major in Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design or Landscape Architecture?
Advanced placement courses in Math, Science, English, and Foreign Languages are the best preparatory courses. These classes show dedication to one’s learning and are the best preparation for taking the SAT exam. Art and architecture classes are encouraged, but not required.
How many students apply to the School of Architecture + Design each year?
Approximately 1200 freshmen apply each year.| Major | Applicants |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 900 | Industrial Design | 100 | Interior Design | 150 | Landscape Architecture | 60 |
In addition to the number of freshmen who apply; 300 undergraduate students apply to programs in the school as internal and external transfer students.
How many students enroll in the School of Architecture + Design each year?
Approximately 160 undergraduate students enroll each year based on high school applications.Undergraduate:
| Major | Students Enrolled |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 100 | Industrial Design | 20 | Interior Design | 20 | Landscape Architecture | 20 |
| Degree Track | Students Enrolled |
|---|---|
| Ph.D. | 5 |
| M.Arch.3 | 25 | M.Arch.2 | 30 | M.Arch.1 | 5 | MS., Arch | 5 |
Approximately 21 graduate students enroll pursuing a Landscape Architecture degree each year.
| Degree Track | Students Enrolled |
|---|---|
| MLA-3 year | 15 |
| MLA-2 year | 6 |
What is the average SAT score for students admitted in to the School of Architecture + Design?
| Major | Avg SAT |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 1300 | Industrial Design | 1250 | Interior Design | 1210 | Landscape Architecture | 1170 |
What is the average GPA for students admitted in to the School of Architecture + Design?
| Major | Avg GPA |
|---|---|
| Architecture | 4.1 | Industrial Design | 3.8 | Interior Design | 4.0 | Landscape Architecture | 3.9 |
Where can I locate the curriculum for your undergraduate programs in the School of Architecture + Design?
What is the Curriculum for Liberal Education?
The Curriculum for Liberal Education (CLE) is a vital component of undergraduate education at Virginia Tech, and required for every undergraduate student. To access additional information, please review http://www.cle.prov.vt.edu/
Computer Requirement
Please see the Computer Requirements page for more information. There are many questions about computer requirements from Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture students, and this page should address them all.
Interior Design Students
Please see the Interior Design FAQ page for answers to commonly asked questions about admission and requirements.
CLE Area 4 Scientific Reasoning and Discovery Lab Requirement
The science lab requirement was waived by the university in 2004. Undergraduate students entering the School of Architecture + Design in 2004 or earlier will need to complete the lab requirement. Students entering the School of Architecture + Design in 2005 or later are not required to take the lab, but the hours must be made up through free elective credit. Please refer to the CLE Guide online for further information http://www.cle.prov.vt.edu/guides/#2
I have Advanced Placement, CLEP, International Baccalaureate, and/or credit from another institution. How can I find out if the credit will transfer to Virginia Tech?
You may access the Virginia Tech Undergraduate Transfer Equivalency Database to determine how credit taken through another institution will transfer to Virginia Tech.
You may access the AP, IB & CLEP information through the Registrar’s website to determine how this type of credit will transfer to Virginia Tech.
How do I apply to your Graduate Program?
Please see the Graduate Admissions page .