Graduate Architecture & Urban Design FAQs

Q. What is the application deadline?
A. For Summer and Fall 2012 admission, the deadline is January 5 . However, because the post-professional M.S. Architecture and M.S. Architecture and Urban Design programs begin in the summer, we recommend that those applicants submit their applications and all documents by December 1, if possible. If accepted, this should ensure enough time for international applicants to receive the I-20 Request Form and to arrange visa appointments. Early applicants for these programs will receive their decisions earlier.

Q. What are the application requirements?
A. All applicants are required to submit the following: application with fee, transcripts, portfolio, 3 letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent. The GRE is required for M. Arch. applicants. Submission of a TOEFL or IELTS score is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. Applicants to the M.S. Architecture and M.S. Architecture and Urban Design programs must have earned a Bachelor of Architecture (five-year B.Arch) from an accredited school of architecture. Please visit the Admissions page of our website for further details on application requirements.

Q. What type of work should be included in my portfolio? What is the preferred format?
A. Applicants must present a portfolio providing evidence of their interest in architecture using the media of their choice- architecture, photography, drawing, graphic design, etc. The portfolio should demonstrate conceptual and analytical capability, as well as visual and spatial skills. Portfolios will be accepted on-line at https://pratt.slideroom.com (preferred) or in print format (8 ½” x 11”).

Q. Is there a minimum required GPA, or GRE or TOEFL score?
A. Pratt requires a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0, B, or equivalent. There is no minimum required score for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). GRE test scores are good for five years. The minimum score required for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is 550 for the paper-based test. TOEFL test scores are good for two years. Please note that test scores are just one component of review when deciding admissions.

Q. Do you offer advanced standing in the Master of Architecture program?
A. At the time of acceptance, recommendations are made by the admissions committee, based on the students background, for either the 3-year M. ARCH program sequence or, possibly, on rare occasion, the M. ARCH Advanced Standing sequence. The committee’s recommendations are made after a comprehensive review of all qualifications and submitted material in the admissions process. A student receiving advanced standing in this program is an exception. Should the student have an architecture background and is enrolled in the 3-year M. ARCH program, there is also the potential to apply for 'course substitution' during the first week of classes. If judged appropriate, comparable courses taken in previous architecture programs may be substituted for courses in this program. However, the M. ARCH program 3-year sequence will remain an 84-credit total.

Q. What are the start dates for each of your programs?
A. Classes for our post-professional programs, M.S. Architecture and M.S. Architecture and Urban Design, starts on May 31, 2012. The first day of classes for the Master of Architecture program will be August 27, 2012.

Q. Can I apply to more than one program?
A. No, Pratt Institute will only accept one application to one program at this time. Transfers within the institution are possible for admitted students by completing a Change of School Transfer Application. Please contact the Office of Admission for requirements and procedures.

Q. Can I defer my entry once I have been accepted?
A. Yes, entry may be defered for one year by contacting the Graduate Architecture and Urban Design office at GAUD@pratt.edu. See also Admissions for more information.

Q. Will my application portfolio be returned to me?
A. If you provide a self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage with your application materials, portfolios will be returned after admission decision notices have been distributed. Portfolios are also available for pick-up in person. Please contact GAUD@pratt.edu for further details. 

Q. How do I arrange a visit to the school?
A. Prospective students interested in visiting the school are encouraged to attend one of our graduate information sessions. If you are unable to attend one of the information sessions, you may request an appointment for a tour of the School of Architecture by sending an email to GAUD@pratt.edu. GAUD does not require interviews as a part of the application process. If you would like a general campus tour, please contact the Admissions office to make an appointment.

Q. How much does it cost to attend?
A. Learn more information on tuition, fees, and estimated budgets.

Q. How can I apply for financial aid and/or scholarships?
A. Merit scholarships for accepted students are awarded at the time of acceptance. Award amounts are scaled according to previous academic performance. No application is necessary. Additional scholarship opportunities are available for continuing students the second and/or third years in the program. Continuing student scholarships are awarded based on GPA and/or portfolio. More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found here.

Q. I am interested in a graduate assistantship position.  How can I learn more about this?
A. Graduate assistantships are typically offered to only continuing students based on expertise and a portfolio submission. Learn more information on assistantships.

Q. Are students required to have their own computer?
A. Yes, there is a mandated laptop program for all M. Arch, M.S. Arch, and M.S. Urban Design students. Additonally, students have access to supplementary Mac and PC computer labs located in many Pratt facilities.

Q. How do I participate in a study abroad program?
A. GAUD has two summer study abroad programs: Rome (3 credits) and Istanbul (6 credits).  At this time, these programs are open to GAUD students only.

Q. What housing options are available to students?
A. More information regarding both on and off campus housing options can be found here.