How to choose Architecture College ??

Choosing an architecture college can be a very stressful and confusing experience. There are so many good colleges and so many factors to consider. Government or private college ?? Should I choose my hometown or a bigger city?

List of factors that should be considered

The order of the factors may change according to your preferences. 

1. Pedagogy 
2. City 
3. Latest technology and infrastructure 
4. Experience of alumni 
5. Fees
6. Co curricular activities 
7. Portfolios
8. Placements and job opportunities 

You might be thinking why would the city be a number two priority for me. You would be living in that city for 5 years. It should facilitate more opportunities and exposure for you. And moreover, I personally feel stepping out of your comfort zone/ hometown is necessary to grow and find yourself. The city will shape your lifestyle and however little architecture school allows you too. 

 

Here’s a little flex, I got into both SPA Delhi and CEPT University, the top colleges of India. And I made a long list of pros and cons for both colleges to choose which one would be best for me. It’s a funny story where the path chooses me rather than me choosing it. 

My Selection Story

Everything happened exactly opposite to what I had planned. Was preparing for JEE Barch, but in the end was praying to get marks in Nata. If you were also giving these entrance exams in 2021, you will relate about the chaos that was happening with exam dates, results, no. of attempts etc. But spoiler alert – it all worked out in my favour. 

 

I don’t know how I didn’t know about the CEPT. I wasn’t familiar with CEPT at all, I had an idea that there is some good college in Gujarat but it doesn’t have a lot of seats. And in ludhiana, I was only familiar with SPAs, CCA and some private colleges. Considering my drawing skills, my hopes were more towards getting admission through JEE Barch. 

 

So my main focus is the JEE Barch. I will definitely give myself credit for working really hard for this exam. I got 99.87 percentile and AIR 97 in JEE Barch exam, that is definitely my flex for life. With this percentile, I was relieved that I am going to get admission in SPA Delhi. 

Plot Twist

After this exam, I am not sure but there was a rumour that qualifying the NATA exam was compulsory to study B.Arch. So I went to give that exam out of compulsion with minimal preparation. While I was browsing, suddenly I stumbled on a CEPT website, opening applications for the Architecture Undergraduate Program. I read about the college, saw some YouTube videos and without realising how good the college is, I applied. 

 

After I talked to more people about this, I realised that CEPT is definitely something and I was too excited about leaving northern India (don’t ask why). But my Nata score was above just qualified and no way I was getting admission with that in CEPT. But my stars shone that day, NATA announced a third attempt for which I prepared and got more marks. But I got waitlisted by 1 position. Luckily, everything worked out and I got admission in CEPT University. 

My Thought Process:

So, I was looking for more practical based teaching and learning methods. I had my doubts regarding older teaching methods at SPA Delhi but they had very experienced faculties while CEPT had so many well known architects as faculties as well. Most importantly after talking to a few students at CEPT, they spoke so highly of it and were so happy with the work they were doing. While everyone had warned me of the hectic schedule and life at CEPT, but the way they were talking about how they were learning, I was kind of sure that this is the place I want to go.  

 

When it comes to cities, my opinion is slightly biased towards Ahmedabad. Delhi being that very safe and i wanted to be able to explore as much as possible, in Delhi that comes with a lot of restrictions.

 

CEPT had the latest infrastructure and technology that would definitely be needed once I am out in the real world. No books and no exams, practical learning and juries only. It also offered an Exchange program and had international recognition. 

 

Although it was expensive as it is a private college. After talking to students studying in both the colleges, tossing coins and asking god literally I knew in my gut CEPT is the place for me, it gave a positive vibes and surprisingly I wasn’t anxious about that choice at all. And come on Pritzker Award winner BV Doshi himself built it but pedagogy was the major reason that I felt CEPT suited me the best for architecture. 

How to approach decision-making?

1. Know your options well
2. Make A list of pros and cons 
3. Do not rely on college websites alone, talk to Alumi  and current students at least 5 
4. It is an expensive degree, so know that apart from tuition fees, you will have to spend a lot on materials, printing and site visits. Just consider that as well 
5. Watch vlogs of that college. 
6. If possible do a campus tour before finalising your admission 

Things you should know before choosing any architecture college 

1. Most architecture colleges don’t have a great placement cell, you are on your own after graduation. 
2. They will give you recommendations letter but it will mostly depend on your portfolio and skills 
3. Just getting into a top college doesn’t guarantee a great job or internship 
4. Choose a college which will give you maximum exposure and help you build good connections. 

Reflections After 3.5 Years:

I am right now in my 4th year at CEPT and I don’t regret my decision at all, CEPT was the best thing that happened to me. 

 

My seniors told me in my first year, CEPT will help you find yourself for sure. CEPT Offers so many opportunities to explore and it will be the best 5 years of your life. And as far as my love for architecture is questionable, I will always choose CEPT.

 

Fests, clubs, site visits, summer and winter school, chance to go for exchange programs and practical learning will make you a completely different person, confident as well. Introverted people like me also became club heads, gave so many juries, and had group discussions where I have put my views across

 

And at last, this will be incomplete without expressing my gratitude to my teachers, youtube channels and my parents. Only and only because of them, I am in such a good college.

 

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