Architecture BS - Applying to the Program

Admission to UB is based on a holistic review. We consider high school average, class rank (where applicable), strength of the high school academic record and SAT or ACT scores, if applicable. UB supports SUNY’s decision to temporarily suspend SAT and ACT requirements for admissions for the 2021-22 academic year. This temporary change of admissions eligibility requirements applies to the spring 2021, fall 2021 and spring 2022 cycles. A personal essay, recommendations, documented creative talent, demonstrated leadership, community service and special circumstances are also considered.

The following is not required for admission, but is suggested as adequate preparation for university-level coursework:

• Four years of English (with a substantial writing component).
• Four years of social studies.
• Three years of college-preparatory science.
• Three years of a second language.
• Three years of college-preparatory mathematics.

Visit Undergraduate Admissions to learn more.

University at Buffalo Architecture uses HS average, completed courses, class rank, and SAT/ACT scores. Prospective HS students considering Architecture must submit an application in the fall of your senior year.

Visit Undergraduate Admissions' page for freshmen application submission dates. The preprofessional Architecture BS is a fall-only admission program.

Applicants are invited to submit a digital student portfolio or complete an architecture design project to demonstrate their creativity and interest in Architecture. Please note the portfolio or design project does not determine final admissibility into the program.

The deadline for portfolio and design project submissions is February 15. For Dean’s Scholarship consideration, the recommended deadline is December 1.

Applicants for freshmen admission submit materials online via SlideRoom.

The digital portfolio consists of work samples that best demonstrate skills in observation, critical thinking, creativity, and technique. Samples may include: freehand drawing, sculpture, painting, photography, furniture, ceramics, graphic design, set design, animation, video, original music, architectural design, and/or creative writing.

All work must carry a title, date of work, medium/media used, original size, a brief description, and indication of whether the work was academic, professional, or personal. If the work is part of a group effort, contributing members must be included as well as the specific role of the applicant.

Like the digital portfolio, the Design Project gives applicants the opportunity to demonstrate skills in observation, critical thinking, creativity, and technique. Please select two options from the list below and upload them to SlideRoom.

Option 1: Drawing and Essay

Select a plain, commonplace object, such as a brick or glass bottle. Carefully place the object in a setting that best shows off the object’s form, material, and light properties. Reveal these properties using watercolor, a black ink pen, or collage of the object and some of its setting. In 300-400 words describe: the form, material, and light properties of the object in detail, why you chose the setting you did, and why you chose to draw the object and setting in the way you did.

Option 2: Photo Essay

Identify a place or environment that most people would consider “ugly.” In a series of five photographs, show the hidden beauty of this place or environment. In 400-500 words, describe: the essential characteristics of this place/environment, why others might view it as “ugly,” the hidden beauties you are seeking to show, and how you chose to photograph this place/environment to best show these qualities.

Option 3: Videography and Essay

Identify a place or environment that you strongly associate with one of three senses: taste, smell, or touch. In a two-minute film—using audio and video—capture the essence of this sensorial experience of this place/environment. The 300-400 word script is to describe, in detail, the sensory experience of this place/environment, while using the audio and video to add depth and clarity.

Option 4: Model and Essay

Obtain five (5) 8.5x11” pieces of plain white paper. Using only one act or operation per sheet, transform each piece of paper into something new. Then place the set of five in order (left to right) from least transformed to most transformed, and photograph the set. In 400-500 words, describe: the characteristics of the original, unchanged sheet, the transformation (act/operation) that was performed to each of the five, and why you ordered them the way you did.

First-time freshman applicants are notified of program acceptance by UB Undergraduate Admissions, with admission on a space-available basis. Minimum SAT, ACT, and TOEFL scores are required for studio enrollment. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Education for additional advisement.

• Transfer applicants must first be admitted to UB before applying to University at Buffalo Architecture.
• Applications may be downloaded upon UB admission.
• Transfer students must consult with School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Education for assistance.
• University at Buffalo Architecture transfer applicants are reviewed and admitted on a space-available basis beginning March 15. 
• No additional application material is reviewed after May 31.
• A minimum GPA of 2.500 in architecture/related courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.700 is required, with collegiate courses in architecture; environmental design, studio art; 2-D & 3-D design; hand drafting; art history; and math.
• Preferred applicants will have an associate’s in Architecture or less than 34 credit hours earned.
• The preprofessional Architecture BS is fall-only admission, with applicants admitted on a space available basis.
• Ineligible students may be offered admission to University at Buffalo Environmental Design.

Minimum GPA of 2.700 overall.

Minimum GPA of 2.500 in architecture and architecture-related courses.

University at Buffalo Architecture is a fall-only admission program, with applicants admitted on a space-available basis.

Architecture and architecture-related courses include collegiate architecture; environmental design, studio art; 2-D and 3-D design; hand drafting; art history; and math. Current UB students must complete the University at Buffalo Architecture departmental transfer admission application. University at Buffalo Architecture transfer applications are reviewed on a space-available basis beginning March 1. No additional transfer application material is reviewed after May 31. Preferred applicants will have less than 34 credit hours earned. Ineligible students may be offered admission to University at Buffalo Environmental Design. Contact the School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Education for academic advisement.

Architecture and architecture-related courses include architecture; environmental design, studio art; 2-D and 3-D design; hand drafting; urban environments; and math.

ARC 121 Introduction to Architecture
ARC 122 Architectural Sketching and the Built Environment
ARC 211 American Diversity and Design
ARC 300 Environment and Landscape

Current University at Buffalo students with less than 34 credit hours earned interested in admission to the pre-professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture should consult directly with School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Education for preparatory course advisement the semester prior to applying.

A minimum GPA of 2.500 in architecture and related courses and a minimum overall GPA of 2.700 is required for admission consideration. Admission to University at Buffalo is on a competitive, space available basis. Contact School of Architecture and Planning Undergraduate Education for academic advisement.