The 2012 application form is available here.  The form is the same as the previous version, but it has more tips for preparing your application. 

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture applications are due the first Monday of Summer Quarter at 4pm to Gould Hall 208.  The office closes at 4pm, so be sure to arrive at that time, as no late submittals will be acccepted.  Please note this year we are The Bachelor of Arts in Architecture is a pre-professional, competitive entry major at the University of Washington.  It typically begins in junior year after students complete two years of general education requirements and are admitted into the program after the application process in the summer after their sophomore year.  Pre-architecture majors should seek advising through the UAA Advising Center to ensure their pre-requisite courses are being met. 

Admission into the Architectural Studies major requires:

• Junior standing (90 or more credits completed) including successful completion of the liberal arts component (73 credits) and 17 credits of prerequisite ARCH courses including the history series (ARCH 350.351,352) and drawing series (ARCH 210,211).  These courses begin in the fall quarter of sophomore year, so plan accordingly
• Acceptance by the undergraduate program admissions committee, submitted in June after sophomore year.
• A separate application to the University of Washington is necessary if a student is not enrolled at the University. Contact the University of Washington's Office of Admission, 320 Schmitz Hall, Box 355840, Seattle, WA 98l95, (206) 543-9686, Web: UW Admissions

While the cumulative GPA is an important admissions evaluation factor, the committee places special emphasis on the applicant's performance in preparatory architectural course work. It is to the student's advantage to take as many of these courses as possible before applying to the program.

The Department of Architecture wants every applicant to present his or her best possible case for admission. All applicants submit a comprehensive portfolio containing the completed application form, academic record, extra-curricular experiences, employment record, and samples of design/art abilities. The portfolio pages must be 8.5 in. x 11 in. vertical format with a maximum of 12 pages (24 sides). Portfolios should be wire bound, using clear or sturdy covers (no wood, metal or glass)  The material should be sequenced in the following order:

• Department Application.
• Transcripts of all college-level work. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted.
• Transfer Evaluation of College Record - prepared by the Office of Admissions for transfer students.  For more information on transfers, look at the UW transfer information site.
• Composition of ONE of the two following essay questions in approximately 500 words (single spaced). Use your choice of
  either of the questions to help direct and compose a narrative that addresses the general question and helps the committee
  understand your interest and motivation in applying to the architectural studies major.
  Essay Question #1: “Describe a place you have visited, lived or worked in that has inspired your interest in
  architecture, and explain why.” or
  Essay Question #2: “Describe a place or building that you have read about or studied and explain how and why it
  inspired your interest in architecture.”
• Biography/Resume. This is a typewritten summary of your education, employment history, recreational interests, hobbies, travel, and personal interests.
• Samples of Work - include only your best design/art work; no drafting projects.
• IMPORTANT: Put your name (Last Name First) clearly on the front of your portfolio.  Use heavy bond paper (similar to cardstock weight, around 100lb) and bind with a wire spiral bound (white, black or silver) with all your paperwork included in the portfolio in the correct order.  Finished size of the portfolio must be 8 1/2" x 11" and vertical orientation.

The Application Deadline is the first Monday of Summer quarter, 4:00 PM:  NO LATE APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED. The department will notify applicants by early August at the latest.  

Send or deliver application materials to:

University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts Program
Department of Architecture
College of Built Environments
208 Gould Hall (on 40th in between 15th Avenue NE and University Way NE)
Box 355720
Seattle, WA 98195-5720
Email: baarch@uw.edu

Application Tips:

• Plan ahead! Start organizing your application at least a month before the application deadline.
• Make sure you will have up-to-date copies of your transcripts to submit with your application. You may order official and unofficial UW transcripts from 260 Schmitz Hall, or from the Undergraduate Advising, Gateway Center in 171 Mary Gates Hall. If you transferred to the UW, there may be an extra copy of your transfer transcript(s) in your student file; otherwise you will have to order another transcript from your old school. The Transfer Evaluation of College Record (prepared by the Office of Admissions) must accompany all transfer transcripts.
• The Application for Admission form is reasonably self-explanatory. Fill out completely the course category listing found on the back of the application sheet. If you are unclear about placement of courses to the various categories, consult with an advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Gateway Center, in Mary Gates Hall. You may also request to see the advising chart in your pre-major file, which lists the courses you've taken that fulfill pre-admission curriculum requirements for the Architecture Studies major. You must sign your course category listing.
• Pre registration: register for Autumn quarter assuming that you have not been accepted into the program. If you are accepted, the department will save you a place in your required classes and you may add-drop at the appropriate time.
• Other Questions? Please contact the Undergraduate Advisor, Kim Sawada.