School of Architecture

Additional Requirements

The School of Architecture requires four years each of college preparatory English and mathematics, and recommends having taken at least one year of physics, precalculus and art. Students are admitted to the program only in the fall semester.

A portfolio is required for admission to the School of Architecture. The deadlines for submission are:

Submission Deadlines

Early Decision:

• Application: November 15
• Portfolio: November 15

Regular Decision:

• Application: January 1
• Portfolio (In-Person): December 1
• Portfolio (Mail-In): January 15

Portfolio Requirements

A portfolio of creative work is required for admission to the School of Architecture. This is a personal statement about you, your visual training, interests, values and aspirations. It is to your advantage to take the time to present yourself well.

Contents

Your portfolio should contain a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20 pieces of your best and most recent artwork. We especially encourage you to submit work from real-life observation such as still life, figure drawing, portraits/self-portraits, and landscapes. In addition to observational drawing, we look for work in other media, including painting, 2D and 3D designs, photography, woodworking and sculpture, or other digital media.  All students must include a one- to two-page statement outlining your interest in architecture.

Portfolios should be neat, clean, and organized, as good design also incorporates presentation and proper editing. Works copied from photos, magazines, and masterworks and work exclusively from imagination are not considered strong portfolio material. Mechanical and architectural drawings are not recommended.  If included, they should exemplify design and creativity, not simply technical drawing skills.

Scheduling an In-Person Portfolio Review

You may schedule an on-campus portfolio review with an architecture faculty member by appointment Monday through Friday, or during a Fall Reception program or our Campus Portfolio Day. Off campus opportunities include appointments at the University's Lubin House in New York City or the Greenberg House in Washington, D.C. on predetermined dates. Portfolio reviews are also offered in various cities. Please refer to the School of Architecture web site for details and updates. You may also obtain information by calling the School of Architecture at 315-443-2256.

Mailing Your Portfolio

If you opt to send your portfolio, it should be mailed directly to:

    Syracuse University
    School of Architecture
    Re: Undergraduate Portfolio
    201 Slocum Hall
    Syracuse, NY 13244

• Clearly indicate your name, mailing address, e-mail address, and "Syracuse University School of Architecture" on the outside of portfolio.
• Submit in black or white binder no larger than 10" w x 13" h x 1/2" d.
• Include a one- to two-page statement outlining your interest in architecture.
• Do not mail original work. Reproductions should be high-quality photographs, photocopies, or prints. Slides and CDs are not acceptable.
• Label each portfolio item with information about the medium used, original size, and whether project was done on your own or in class.
• Include a one- to two-sentence comment about each piece you submit.
• Portfolios will be returned at the beginning of the next academic year if you include a stamped, self-addressed envelope or mail packet.
• Transfer students: Please include an unofficial copy of your college transcript(s) and a letter of intent.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about the portfolio, contact Vittoria Didio, recruiting specialist, at 315-443-5074 or vadidio@syr.edu, or visit soa.syr.edu.