1.Statement of Purpose / CV
The statement is where you can distinguish yourself from other applicants. We
want you to tell us more about yourself and why you want to come to U-M and be
part of the Taubman College community. Your response should be 500-1000 words
and clearly provide us with an opportunity to get to know you on a more personal
level, beyond your GPA, test scores and courses.
Your ideas should be clear, well stated, and specific. Here are some tips for
writing a great essay:
There is no “right” answer. Don’t think you know what we want to hear.
Whatever you have to say about the topic is of interest to us. (You may want to
steer clear of your early passion for Legos, however.)
Why Architecture? Self Explanatory.
Why Architecture at Taubman College? No two architecture schools are alike.
Why does our program stand out to you? What do you hope you will find here and
what do you hope to be able to do with it?
Help us understand your portfolio. Given that the portfolio is more than an
accounting of each of your studios (see below) we want to know what you learned
from these projects? What was your approach? What was your take-away?
Tell us what is unique about you. Why would you stand out among the rest of
our applicants? Is there something different about your personal
experiences?
2.CV
A good curriculum vitae or resume will give us another view of who you are
and elaborate your strengths and skills outside of the classroom, showcasing
your accomplishments. In addition to your educational experience, student
resumes should contain professional experiences, other jobs you have held, a
list of groups or organizations that you are involved in, programming languages
or other computer skills you have, community involvement or volunteer work that
you do. Think of your resume as another opportunity to tell us about
yourself.
3.Portfolio
A strong portfolio is a design problem of its own.
Samples of work should be chosen to cover the breadth as well as the depth of
your design skills or artistic abilities, experiences in building, or other
talents that illustrate your propensity for architecture. The admissions
committee is interested in work that demonstrates knowledge, interest, and
ability in technical areas, human and social concerns, and symbolic and
aesthetic issues. The committee considers the following types of work to be
suitable for inclusion in the portfolio: architectural design, urban design,
graphic design, photography, painting, sculpture, freehand drawings, and other
types of work that represent your knowledge, aptitudes, and experience. Please
limit the amount of technical work in your portfolio, and for any professional
or group work clearly identify your role in its production.
Edit your portfolio carefully. There is no need to show every project you
have ever done. We want to see your strongest work. Stick to the page and file
size limits explained in our application procedures.
4.Grade Point Review
Competitive applicants for admission will have a 3.0 Grade Point Average
(GPA) or above. We will review any letter grades on your transcript, convert to
a U.S. 4.0 scale if necessary:
Cumulative Grade Point Average (CUM GPA) - this includes all the courses
listed on your transcript.
5.English proficiency
English skills are important. We will be looking for applicants who are
strong in all areas of communication: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
English proficiency test scores provide us with information about how well you
will be able to communicate inside and outside the classroom.
6.Letters Of Recommendation
Three (3) letters of recommendation are required and should testify to your
academic and professional capacity and promise. If possible, two of these should
come from former professors.
7.Transcripts
Applicants will scan and upload an unofficial transcript or certified
credentials from all universities, colleges, community colleges, study abroad,
and summer programs attended.
Taubman College only requires official transcripts from those students
accepting our offer of admission.