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