We strongly recommend a visit to the Rensselaer School of Architecture to meet with one of our faculty and visit our studios. You may arrange such a visit by calling Lecia O'Dell at 518-276-8478 or by email at odelll@rpi.edu. As we do have classes during the summer, a limited number of our faculty are available to meet with you during the months of June - August. The best time to visit is during one of the regular academic semesters, September - December or mid-January through mid-May. We do not schedule Friday appointments.
 

Portfolio Guidelines
Architecture candidates are asked to submit a creative portfolio with application. Students with unusually strong academic profiles may be reviewed without the portfolio. Please note that such cases are exceptionally rare and that in all cases we prefer a portfolio. Applicants for the Professional Architecture Programs (undergraduate and graduate) must submit a portfolio of creative work. There is no portfolio required for application to the Architectural Acoustics program. We do not specify content, but all materials should be in the form of a cohesive presentation of creative work, which can include graphic images, photos, and written material. Include a brief analysis of the work chosen. We recommend formats from 8 1/2" x 11" to 11" x 17". The portfolio must be a bound hard copy of copies of your work (photographs, photocopies, digitally formatted copies prepared in PhotoShop, Indesign, and/or Illustrator). Please do not send models, slides, originals, CDs (unless they are of musical performances or relevant videos) or rolled work. Sending only CDs and/or slides of your artwork will automatically disqualify your portfolio from consideration. Also do not include work from drafting classes, as this work generally does not indicate creative ability. Inclusion of work from drafting classes (hand drawn or CAD) may immediately disqualify your portfolio from consideration.
 
For further information regarding portfolio requirements, download the pdf below. You will need adobe acrobat reader to view the document. If you do not have acrobat, you can get it on their website.
 
portfolio.pdf » (1.3 mb adobe acrobat document)
 
To request an application for undergraduate OR graduate admissions please fill out our admissions form or contact:
 
Office of Admissions
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, New York 12180-3590
ph: 518.276.6216
fax: 518.276.4072
admissions@rpi.edu
web sites:
Undergraduate Admissions
Graduate Admissions
 
 
Directions from the North
Take I-87 (the Adirondack Northway) south to exit 7 east, and get on Route 7 headed east, toward Troy, New York and Bennington, Vermont. Cross the Collar City Bridge and follow the signs for Route 7, Hoosick Street. At the fourth traffic light, turn right onto 15th Street.
 
Directions from the Northeast
Take Vermont Route 9 west from Bennington to New York State, where the road becomes NY Route 7. Continue west on Route 7 to Troy, where Route 7 becomes Hoosick Street. Follow Hoosick Street in Troy downhill to the 15th Street traffic light, and turn left onto 15th Street.
 
Directions from the South
Take I-87 (the New York State Thruway) north to exit 23. At exit 23, get on I-787 north to Route 7 east, exit 9E. Disregard the sign for RPI (Rensselaer) and Russell Sage College at the previous exit. Exit 9E, Route 7 east, provides an easier approach to campus.
 
Cross the Collar City Bridge and follow the signs for Route 7, Hoosick Street. At the fourth traffic light, turn right onto 15th Street.
 
Directions from the East
Take I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike, Berkshire Spur of the New York Thruway), to exit B1. Continue west for 13.5 miles, and take I-787 north to Route 7 east, exit 9E. Disregard the sign for RPI (Rensselaer) and Russell Sage College at the previous exit. Exit 9E, Route 7 east, provides an easier approach to campus. Cross the Collar City Bridge and follow the signs for Route 7, Hoosick Street. At the fourth traffic light, turn right onto 15th Street.
 
Directions from the West
Take I-90 (the New York State Thruway) to exit 24. From exit 24, take exit 1N of I-87 (the Adirondack Northway) north to exit 7, heading east on Route 7 toward Troy, New York and Bennington, Vermont. Cross the Collar City Bridge and follow signs for Route 7, Hoosick Street. At the fourth traffic light, turn right onto 15th Street.

http://www.rpi.edu/virtual_tour/travel.html

What Our Students Think about Architecture Rensselaer:
 

	"As a transfer student, I was very impressed with this program. The studio environment is very effective and the diversity of the professors encourages creativity." Anna Goff - Transfer Student
	"Rensselaer's engaging architecture program has capitalized upon my creativity and honed my time management skills. Its faculty are to be commended." Lyndon Julien-Sehl - Second Year, B.Arch
	"The School of Architecture has taught me to understand the design process as an evolution. It is an on-going and ever-developing process in which both a student and faculty member enhance on a one-on-one basis in the studio." Brian J. Spangler - Third Year, B.Arch
	"Architecture at Rensselaer has opened up a new way of looking at the world for me. With my education here I am able to analyze the things around me, realize the things that we take for granted, and contribute my designs to the technologies and ideas of the world." Michael Prince, Fourth Year, B.Arch RPI Medalist, Minoring in Communications
	"Rensselaer's integration of digital media and fabrication into their curriculum has provided me with both challenges and opportunities which I never expected from an Architecture degree. Their unique approach to teaching and wide range of subject matter has not only prepared me for a career in Architecture, but other areas of design as well. " Christopher Coppola - Fifth Year - '07-'08, B.Arch
	"My experience at RPI SOA has been both dynamic and challenging. Each semester I have had the opportunity to work on complex and driving projects that have led me to study in destinations like New York, Rome, and Lisbon. As students were are encouraged to explore and understanding all aspects of design from theory to conceptual to construction. As I finish my fourth year of undergraduate and enter thesis in the fall, I look forward to the future and further study of how architecture can influence our lives. This photo was taken during class study on site in Lisbon Portugal where our goal was to redesign an underdeveloped pier. I proposed a new university complex masterplan with a focus on the School of Music." Karen Kraft - Fifth Year - '07-'08, B.Arch
	"My time here has been filled with extensive explorations into the many facets of the field of architecture and design. The semester I spent in Rome, Italy was the most fulfilling experience of my life. The activities and relationships with student and faculty will carry beyond Rensselaer for years to come." Brian Tucker - Fifth Year - '06-'07, B.Arch
	"My time in The School of Architecture and involvement in its culture has been truly unique and something I’ve never experienced until I began my education here at RPI. The School offers its students opportunities such as traveling across this country and throughout the world. The School of Architecture has given me the tools/opportunity to shape my curriculum and get out of it what I put in it. Design and research projects done by the faculty as well as fellow students create and environment which is inspirational. The resources and facilities available at my figure tips have made me push and test my ideas." Anthony Malacarane - Fifth Year - '06-'07, B.Arch