Application Information

Below are answers to some of the questions that are frequently asked during the application process. We also invite you to review our Apply page for an overview of the application requirements. Full instructions can be found in the application once it becomes available.

Deadlines
MArch, MLA, MAUD/MLAUD, MUP, MRE & DDes: January 3, 2025
MDes: January 8, 2025
MDE: January 10, 2025

Applications are due by 5:00 PM ET on deadline day.

Payment of Application Fee
Once you submit the application, you will be directed to the application status page. Click ‘Application Fee – Submit Payment’ then follow instructions for payment. Payment must be paid by credit card only. When entering your card information, please be sure that your address matches the billing address on your credit card account. The application fee must be paid to complete the process of submitting your application.

Application Status Page
After submitting your application, if the status page shows that a document you submitted is missing, do not worry. This simply means our system has not refreshed since your application was submitted. Please allow several minutes to an hour for this refresh to occur. At that time, your document will appear as received. Please monitor your application checklist for an update.  

Financial Aid Information
Please make sure that [email protected] is on your safe sender list so that the financial aid email sent upon submitting your application does not go into your spam folder. This email will include instructions on how to complete the GSD Financial Aid Application. Be sure to open and read the message carefully so that you don’t miss any deadlines! Information on financial aid packages is released at the same time as your admissions decision. Please note that admissions committees do not consider financial status when making admission decisions. 

Decisions
Admission decisions will be communicated by email only in early March. We do not share decisions over the phone.  You will receive an email with “Harvard GSD Decision Update” in the subject line when decisions are available. 


FAQ Topics

Before Applying

Application

Recommendation Letters

Transcripts

GRE

TOEFL

Portfolio

Prerequisites (MArch I/AP & MLA I/AP only)

MArch Eligibility

MLA Eligibility

MAUD/MLAUD Eligibility


Before Applying

I am in the final year of my undergraduate program and will graduate in the spring. Can I still apply?

We receive many successful applications from current undergraduate students for our professional degree programs–MArch I/AP, MLA I/AP and MUP, as well as for some other programs, depending on an applicant’s education and experiences. Some programs do require or prefer work experience. The Master in Design Engineering requires two years of professional experience, with full-time internships counted toward the work total. If you are admitted and are currently working, the time between admission and starting the MDE program in August also will be counted toward the work total. The Master in Real Estate prefers that its applicants have two or more years of experience in real estate or related fields (related fields include, for example, planning and design professions) Finally, two to three years of experience in professional practice is strongly recommended for the MLAUD and MAUD programs. All programs require a previous degree, and some require a previous professional degreeBe sure to read the departmental pages for each program to learn more about eligibility. 

I don’t have a background in designcan I apply? 

Yes! Our professional degrees (MArch I, MLA I, MUP) do not require a previous design background, although a four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent is required to apply. Each year we also welcome students from other related disciplines to our Real Estate, Design Engineering, and Design Studies degree programs.

Do you accept transfer students?

You are welcome to apply to the GSD if you are currently enrolled in a graduate program at another school, but the GSD does not accept transfer credit from other institutions. You will need to apply during our regular application process. If admitted, it may be possible to waive a required course if you have completed the equivalent course at another institution. This would not shorten the length of your program, but it may allow you to take an elective instead of the required course.

If you are currently enrolled in a graduate program you don’t intend to complete if admitted to the GSD, please include a brief memo describing your intentions in the Academic History tab of the application to better help the committee understand your academic interests.

How many times can I apply to the GSD?

You may apply a maximum of three times to the same GSD degree program. If you are denied admission for the third time, further applications to the same program will not be considered.

Can I apply to more than one program?

Yes, you can apply to a maximum of three programs during one application cycle. We strongly encourage you to think carefully about your interests prior to applying to more than two programs!

Applicants applying to more than one program must submit a separate application and supporting materials for each program. A separate application fee is also required for each application.

Applicants applying to more than one program who are interested in pursuing a concurrent degree at the GSD will go through the same process, submitting separate applications for each program, and should indicate within the application their interest in a concurrent degree. Each application is reviewed separately by the respective departmental committees.

Do you offer joint degrees with other Harvard schools?

Master in Urban Planning (MUP) students are eligible to pursue joint degrees with Harvard Law School, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, and Harvard Kennedy School. You must apply separately to both schools in which you are interested.

All GSD students are eligible to cross-register in courses across Harvard and at MIT.

Are interviews part of the application process?

Interviews are not normally part of the application process, though on occasion some applicants to the Master in Design Engineering and the Doctor of Design degree programs may be asked to participate in an interview. You will be contacted if an interview is requested.

As an international student interested in an F-1 STEM OPT extension, which GSD programs are STEM designated?

The following programs are STEM-designated. Accordingly, international students holding F-1 visas may be eligible for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension on top of their initial OPT of 12 months, for a total of 36 months, following graduation.  Each F-1 student must petition United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to approve the 24-month STEM extension, and Harvard does not represent or warrant that USCIS will grant any individual petition.

  • MArch I
  • MArch I AP
  • MArch II
  • MLA I
  • MLA I AP
  • MLA II
  • MUP
  • MAUD/MLAUD
  • MRE
  • MDE
  • MDes Ecologies
  • MDes Mediums
  • DDes

Please see the Harvard International Office’s (HIO) website to learn more about F-1 STEM extensions.

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Application

I submitted my application but would like to make a change to my portfolio/essay/resume, etc. Is this possible?

Once an application is submitted, it is not possible to make any changes, additions, or substitutions. Please review your application carefully before submission.

Does the GSD offer application fee waivers? 

The GSD is pleased to offer fee waivers beginning at the start of each application cycle. A limited number of fee waivers are available for U.S citizens and permanent residents who demonstrate financial hardship, are an active or former member of the U.S. military services, or have participated in one of the programs listed below within the past three years.

Non-U.S. citizens participating in IIE/Fulbright or the Vietnam Education Foundation are eligible to apply. Non-U.S. citizens are not eligible to apply based on financial hardship.

The fee waiver deadline is noon ET on January 2, 2025. Requests received after this time will not be considered. The fee waiver form can be accessed through the instructions page in the online application. Waiver requests must be submitted before submitting an application in order to be considered. Fee waivers cannot be applied, nor will application fees be reimbursed, after an application has been submitted and the application fee paid.

  • AmeriCorps
  • Active, Reserve, or Veteran U.S. Military Service Member
  • City Year
  • Gates Millennium Scholar
  • IIE/Fulbright
  • Leadership Alliance
  • McNair Scholar
  • NYC Urban Fellows
  • Peace Corps Volunteer
  • QuestBridge Scholars
  • Teach for America
  • Vietnam Education Foundation

Do you practice rolling admissions? Is there an advantage to submitting the application early?

We do not practice rolling admissions. All applications are reviewed at the same time after the deadline has passed. Admissions decisions are typically released in early March, and it is not possible to expedite individual admissions decisions.

I applied to the GSD in the past, but would like to reapply. What is the reapplication process?

Any former applicant wishing to reapply, including GSD students applying for another degree, must resubmit all forms and documentation, with the exception of recommendations. If you applied within the previous two years, you may import previous recommendations. We strongly encourage you to submit at least one new letter of recommendation, however, and if you are applying to a program different than the one you applied to previously, you may wish to submit all new recommendations.

If you previously submitted official test scores and they are still valid during the year in which you are applying (within five years for GRE, and within two years for the TOEFL), you would not need to resubmit those scores.

I submitted my application, but am seeing a red X in my status portal for my essay, portfolio, or other material. Do I need to resubmit?

A red X may appear in your status portal immediately after you submit your application. It may take several minutes for our system to process your materials and mark them as received.

What is your deferral policy?

The GSD does not offer deferrals. If you are admitted and are unable to accept the offer, it would be necessary to reapply.

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Recommendation Letters

Can I submit my application before my recommendation letters have been submitted?    

Yes, you should submit your application by the deadline even if we haven’t received your letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters can still be received after you submit. You can monitor the status of your letters through the Application Status Page. You can also send your recommenders reminders from this page.

What is the deadline for recommendation letters? What do I do if I can’t get in touch with my recommender?    

All application materials, including recommendation letters, are due by the respective program deadline. Letters received more than five days after the deadline may not be reviewed by the admissions committee. If you are submitting only three letters of recommendation and you cannot reach one of those recommenders, you may want to consider adding an additional recommender to your application as a backup. Please keep in mind that applicants can submit up to five letters of recommendation.

My recommender doesn’t use their institutional email address. Can I enter their personal email (Gmail/Yahoo/AOL)?   

We strongly prefer that you use your recommender’s current institutional email address. If that is not possible, a personal address can be used. We ask that all recommenders submit their letter on institutional letterhead, and this is even more important if your recommender is using an unofficial email address to upload their letter. Note that letters submitted via personal email addresses may face additional scrutiny.

I’m applying to multiple programs. Do my recommenders need to submit separate letters for each program?    

This depends! Recommendation letters can be shared across multiple applications, but it is important that you discuss this with your recommender ahead of time so that they can account for that when writing your letter.

To share recommendation letters across applications, go to the Recommendations tab in the application. You can import your letters from other applications by clicking “Add New” and then selecting the letter you would like to import. Note that your recommender must already have submitted their letter to at least one program for it to appear in the import list.

If you are concerned that your recommender may not submit their letter in time for you to import, we recommend entering their information separately into each application. They will then need to upload a letter for each application program.

What should I do if my recommender is not comfortable submitting a letter in English?   

In the case that your letter writer is not able to submit their letter in English, it will need to be translated by an official and certified service. As the applicant, you can choose and pay for the translation service, but the recommender must send them the letter themselves so that you do not see it. The recommender will then need to upload both the original and English translations of the letter. There is a questionnaire in English that is required, so they may also need to seek help from an outside party for that area.

My recommender is not able to find the email link to upload their letter. What should I do? 

Please have your recommender check their spam and junk folders. The email will be sent by [email protected]. It is also possible that there is a typo in the email address you entered in the application (see below for how to fix this). If they still can’t find our message, please send us an email with the subject line “URGENT: Recommender Issue” that includes your application reference number and your recommender’s name. We will resend the link manually.

I need to change my recommender’s contact information. How can I do this?    

If you have not yet submitted the application, please “exclude” your recommender and re-add them with the updated contact information from the Recommendations tab in the application. Excluded recommendations will not be reviewed.

If you have already submitted your application, login to your application status page at www.admissions.gsd.harvard.edu/apply. In the right-hand sidebar, you will find a link to “send a reminder” to your recommender. From this page, you will be able to exclude your recommender and re-add them to update their contact information.

Important notes:

  • The old link will expire and a new link will be sent to your recommender. Please be sure they are aware that they should use the newest version of the link.

  • If your recommender already submitted their letter, they will need to resubmit their letter using the new link.

I accidentally checked the wrong box and waived/did not waive my right to see the letter like I intended. What should I do?   

If you have not submitted the application, you will need to exclude the recommender and re-add them, being sure to check the correct box. If they have already submitted their letter, they will need to resubmit, so we recommend reaching out to them ahead of time to let them know. Once you re-add them, they will receive a new link to upload their letter again.

If you have already submitted your application, login to your application status page. In the right-hand sidebar, you will find a link to “send a reminder” to your recommender. From this page, you will be able to exclude your recommender and re-add them. They will then receive a new link to upload their letter.

Note: Excluded recommendation letters will not be reviewed, so it is important that you are in contact with your recommender if you are making this change after they have submitted their letter.

The link my recommender received in the email is not working correctly. How can I help them?   

If your recommender is receiving an error message, please ask them to clear their cookies and cache, restart their browser, and try again. It may be necessary for them to restart their computer after clearing the cookies and cache. Trying a different browser should also resolve the issue.

My recommender submitted the wrong letter into the application, what should I do?

Please have your recommender contact us at [email protected] with the word “URGENT” in the subject line.

I attended Design Discovery/Career Discovery. Can I use my evaluation as a recommendation?   

Design Discovery evaluations should be uploaded in the designated section in the application, but they do not count as one of your three recommendation letters. Applicants should have three recommendation letters that do not include their DD/CD instructor.

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Transcripts

When should I request my transcripts from my school?    

As soon as possible! Remember that transcripts must be uploaded to your application by the application deadline. Even if you are still in school, you should be thinking about your transcripts now. Schools receive a high volume of transcript requests in December due to application deadlines across the world. In addition, many colleges close for winter holidays, especially in the United States.

I am worried that my fall semester grades won’t be posted in time to include them in the application. What should I do?

If you are currently enrolled in school and are hoping to include your fall grades in your application, we recommend contacting your Registrar’s Office to see if those grades will be added to your final transcript before the application deadline. If your fall grades won’t be included in your final transcript before the application deadline, you should request your most updated transcripts and upload those to the Education tab in the application.

We have many successful applicants each year who are not able to submit their fall semester grades at the time of application. It is not possible to add fall semester transcripts or grades after you submit your application.

How do I submit my transcripts?

Official copies of transcripts for all schools attended should be uploaded in the Education tab. Screenshots from course websites or student self-service sites are not acceptable.  Transcripts must include:

  • Your name
  • School name
  • Degree title
  • Major
  • Degree date (if awarded) — Some schools do not include degree conferral information in the transcript. If this is the case, you should also include a copy of your diploma or other confirmation that the degree was conferred
  • Semester-by-semester course breakdown with grades

Do not send official physical or digital copies directly to the GSD during the application process. If admitted, you will receive instructions on sending official, final transcripts directly from your institution to the GSD.

Should I include transcripts for certificate programs or non-degree programs in the Education tab of the application?

Yes, you should upload transcripts for certificate or non-degree programs into the Education tab and enter the level of study as Non-Degree. 

I received an official digital transcript from my school but am unable to upload it into the application because it is encrypted. What should I do?

Some official digital transcripts are encrypted for security purposes, meaning that you may not be able to upload them directly to the application. To bypass the encryption, open the document in Adobe or any PDF reader. You should then select “Print to PDF” or “Microsoft Print to PDF,” save the new copy, and upload. Oftentimes, decrypted digital transcripts will reveal a water-mark that says “unofficial” or “copy.” This is not an issue for the purposes of the application.

My transcript is not in English. What should I do?

Transcripts not in English will need to be translated by an official translation service. We do not recommend a specific translation company. Both the original and translated versions should be uploaded into the application.  Applicants who have completed or will complete a degree at an international school do not need to submit a WES evaluation at the time of application, though it will be required later if you are admitted.

If admitted, students who have attended school outside the U.S. and Canada will be required to submit a WES (World Education Service) certified transcript at the applicant’s expense.

I attended an international school. Do I need a WES evaluation?

Not at this time. If admitted, we will require that you submit a WES ICAP evaluation, but it is not required now.

How should I enter my GPA?

Please enter your cumulative GPA exactly as it is listed on your transcript. Do not calculate a separate GPA for your major. If you attended an institution outside the U.S., please do not convert that GPA into the U.S. format for GPAs. The application permits you to enter a GPA in any format. If your institution does not provide a GPA, leave that field blank. Should there exist any extenuating circumstances regarding your GPA, please briefly describe them on the Academic History tab of the application.

My school doesn’t use GPA. What should I enter for GPA?

You should leave the GPA field blank.

Should I convert an international GPA to the American system?

No. You should enter your GPA exactly as it is listed in your transcript.

I am not seeing my degree in the list. What should I do?

In that case, you should select “other” and type your degree into the text box that appears. It is important that applicants with pre-professional degrees in architecture such as a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture or a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies do not select Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). In those cases, you should select Bachelor of Arts with a major in architecture, or Bachelor of Science with a major in architecture. Only those with a 5-year BArch degree should select Bachelor of Architecture in the application.

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GRE

Do you require the GRE this year?

Please note that the GRE requirement has been updated for the 2025 and 2026 applications. Visit our Apply page for more details.  

Why did some GSD programs return to requiring the GRE as part of the application process?

More information about an applicant can be valuable, and GRE scores provide an additional, useful data point in assessing applications. Please note, however, that test scores are just one data point among the many that are considered by committees. Careful and thorough review is given to all materials, including your transcript(s), letters of recommendation, essay(s), resume, portfolio (if required), and TOEFL (if required). These varied submittals constitute multiple opportunities for you to demonstrate your experiences, skills, and accomplishments.

Can I send GRE scores for a program for which the GRE is not required or accepted (MRE)?

You can send your scores to us, but they will not be seen by the admissions committee for that program. In the case that we require the GRE again in the future, we will have your scores on file. GRE scores are valid for five years from the date of the test.

Will my application be at a disadvantage if I do not submit GRE scores for the score optional programs?

Your application will not be disadvantaged if you choose not to submit GRE scores for a GRE optional program. If you have taken the GRE and would like to submit scores in support of your application, you are welcome to do so. If you have not taken the GRE and have not submitted scores, the weight of other components of your application will be spread out across your application during the review process.

I am submitting applications to both a GRE optional and a GRE not accepted or required program. Will my GRE be reviewed in both programs?

In this case, your GRE will only be reviewed in the GRE optional program.

My GRE is still appearing in my application proof and in my checklist for a program where the GRE is not required or accepted. Should I be worried about this?

If you have submitted GRE scores at some point, you will likely see your score in the application proof and in your application checklist after submitting. Even so, the admissions committee will not be able to see your GRE when reviewing your application if you are applying to a program where the GRE is not required or accepted.

Previously submitted GRE scores will be visible to admissions committees if you are applying to a GRE optional or required program.

I sent my GRE scores but they still haven’t appeared in my application. Should I resend them?

Please check to make sure that you sent your scores to the correct institutional code. It is a common error to send scores to Harvard College, but they must be sent directly to the GSD. Please resend to institution code 3455 if you discover that you initially sent them to the wrong code.

If you can confirm that you sent your score to the GSD using institutional code 3455, we likely received them or will receive them shortly. If you used different identifying information when you registered for the GRE than you did in the application such as email, address, phone number, or name, they may not appear in your record automatically upon receipt. We will match these scores manually in early January to ensure that they are included in your application.

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TOEFL

Who is required to take the TOEFL?

International students, except those from countries where English is the native language, must submit scores from the TOEFL internet-based test (TOEFL iBT). When requesting that scores be sent to Harvard University, applicants should use the institution code for the Graduate School of Design (3455); a department code is not needed. However, if you are required to enter a department code, choose the department that best aligns with the program you are applying to. Note that we will receive the scores regardless of the department code you submitted.

Applicants required to take the TOEFL should schedule their test in time to receive at least their unofficial scores prior to submitting their application. Overall and individual section scores should be reported on the application form. To ensure that your official scores arrive by the deadline, we recommend taking the test no later than December 20, 2024. TOEFL scores are valid for two years from the date of the test, and we are not able to accept expired tests. Please note that we do not accept the IELTS.

Can I submit the application even if I have not yet taken the TOEFL?

Yes, TOEFL scores are due by the application deadline, but you can submit your application before official scores arrive. If you have self-reported scores, please include them in your application.

Can I waive the TOEFL exam? What are the requirements to waive the TOEFL?

International applicants who have studied or lived in English speaking countries are NOT exempt from the TOEFL requirement, with the following exception: if you have studied at least three years in full-time residence toward a bachelor’s degree in the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, you are exempt from the TOEFL requirement. Please note that applicants whose native language is not English, and who are enrolled or have received a master’s degree in the U.S. or the countries above, must submit TOEFL scores. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Is there a minimum TOEFL score that must be achieved?

The preferred total TOEFL iBT score is 104 or above, with individual section scores of 26 or above. The minimum required TOEFL iBT total score is 92, with the following minimum section requirements: reading, 23; speaking, 23; listening, 23; writing, 23. (Please note that we do not accept MyBest TOEFL score reports.)

If TOEFL iBT is not available, and the paper-based TOEFL is taken, applicants must achieve a minimum total score of 577 and a minimum of 57 on each section. A score of 600 is preferred, with individual section scores of 60.

If you are admitted and your scores fall below our preferred score requirements, you will be required to take the summer English for Design course before enrolling at the GSD. Tuition for the English for Design program is separate from GSD tuition, and students who are required to enroll in the program are responsible for covering the cost.

One of my section scores is below the minimum of 23, can I still submit my application?

Yes, you may submit your application even if one or more sections falls below our minimum, though it will make your application less competitive. We encourage you to work toward achieving our minimum required scores.

I sent my TOEFL scores but they still haven’t appeared in my application. Should I resend them?

Please check to make sure that you sent your scores to the correct institutional code. It is a common error to send scores to Harvard College, but they must be sent directly to the GSD. Please resend to institution code 3455 if you have made this mistake.

If you can confirm that you sent your score to the GSD using institutional code 3455, we likely received them or will receive them shortly. If you used different identifying information when you registered for the TOEFL than you did in the application such as email, address, phone number, or name, they may not appear in your record automatically upon receipt. We will match these scores manually in early January to ensure that they are included in your application.

I sent multiple scores to the GSD. Can you delete one?

Once we receive a score, we are not able to delete it from your application. The admissions committee will review all scores received, including your most recent scores.

I was able to waive the TOEFL due to my undergraduate degree, but I already sent my scores. Can you delete these from my application?

Unfortunately, we are not able to delete your scores from your application. However, the admissions committee will consider your previous educational background.

I am eligible for a TOEFL exemption. How do I indicate this in the application? It is still showing up as a requirement.

If you meet our requirements for a TOEFL exemption, be sure to have first completed the Personal Information tab of the application. Once you enter your citizenship information, the English Proficiency tab will appear in the sidebar. You should then complete the English Proficiency tab of the application and upload your undergraduate transcripts to the Education tab. You do not need to contact us to confirm eligibility.

What is the latest date that I can take the TOEFL for my scores to arrive by the deadline? Will you accept an updated TOEFL score after the deadline?

We recommend taking the TOEFL no later than December 20, 2024, to ensure that your scores are received by the application deadline. Scores received after the deadline will be added to your application, but we cannot guarantee they will be seen by the admissions committee. If you have unofficial scores, please enter those into the application as a placeholder while we await your official scores. You should also include your scheduled test date in the test scores tab of the application before submitting.

I received a master’s or PhD degree from a school in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand, can I waive the TOEFL?

No. You must have studied at least three years of full-time residence during your undergraduate degree in an institution in one of those countries.   

Can other tests of English proficiency, such as the IELTS, be substituted for the TOEFL?

We only accept the TOEFL as a test of English language proficiency. It is not possible to substitute other tests.

My official TOEFL scores won’t arrive by the deadline. Can I apply for an extension?

TOEFL scores are due by the application deadline. While we do not grant extensions for late TOEFL scores, scores received after the deadline will be added to your application, though we cannot guarantee they will be seen by the admissions committee. If you have unofficial scores, please enter those into the application as a placeholder while we await your official scores. You should also include your scheduled test date in the test scores tab of the application before submitting.

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Portfolio

What programs require a portfolio?

Applications for all degree programs except Master in Urban Planning and Master in Real Estate degrees require a portfolio.

I am a MUP applicant and don’t have a portfolio. Should I create one?

Our advice is that if you have a portfolio, include it in your application. If you don’t, there is no need to create one. We admit many students to the MUP program each year who do not include a portfolio in their application.

I am applying to the MRE. Do I need to submit a portfolio?

Portfolios are not an application component for the MRE.

Can I submit a website as my portfolio?

No. Your portfolio should be in the form of a PDF. However, applicants have the option of submitting one video as a supplement to the PDF portfolio. Videos should be in MOV or WMV format and no more than 60 seconds in length. Videos should be sized for 640 x 480 px.

What is the page limit for the portfolio?

30 pages. The 30-page limit refers to individual pages in your PDF file. Title and cover pages do not count towards the page limit. Please note that this is a maximum, not a minimum. It is fine if your portfolio is fewer than 30 pages. Our recommended page size is 12×18, or A3.

Can I arrange my portfolio in spreads?

The faculty will be reviewing portfolios on their laptop screens and are unlikely to review portfolios in spreads. Portfolios laid out in spreads may become more difficult to review, and the finer details may become illegible. If you wish for certain pieces of content to be viewed at the same time, we suggest putting that content on the same 12×18 (A3) page, which would count as one page. See the example below as one possibility, noting that portfolio layouts may differ across applications. For example, some portfolios are laid out in portrait instead of landscape.

 

What are the portfolio guidelines for MArch I applicants interested in being considered for Advanced Placement (AP)?

Particular importance is placed on portfolio review when considering advanced placement. The documentation of design projects is the best indication of undergraduate design curriculum and its value towards advanced placement in the graduate program. Portfolios should include projects from at least four advanced architectural design studios, with an emphasis on complete documentation in two-dimensional drawings (site and building plans, sections, elevations) and three-dimensional views. Project documentation should indicate fluency in a variety of representational media, including hand drawings, computer renderings, and models. Revealing conceptual clarity at each scale of a design proposal is an important goal of the graphic layout. Each project should include the course number, the date of the project, and the instructor’s name. Projects selected for inclusion in the portfolio should demonstrate the applicant’s:

  • Ability to conceive and manipulate complete spatial relationships in an architectural setting;
  • Understanding of spatial sequence, manipulating movement through architectural space;
  • Experience in resolving a variety of difficult site conditions, including at least one project in an urban context;
  • Ability to work with complex programmatic requirements;
  • Engagement with building materials and technology as an integral part of design exploration.

Furthermore, portfolios should contain not more than one collaborative group project and should clearly identify the candidate’s role in the group project. Portfolios should also not contain more than one office-related project (a project conducted in a professional office) and should clearly identify the candidate’s role in the office project.

Do MDes portfolios have to be design portfolios, strictly speaking?

Applicants to the MDes program come from a variety of backgrounds and show a spectrum of work as part of the portfolio component. Successful applicants have included relevant design work, academic research projects, data analysis, and other professional projects.

MDes portfolios should specifically reference methods, media, and models (physical and intellectual, digital and analog, historic and contemporary, built and proposed) that demonstrate spatial fluency and intellectual depth in contemporary research questions and critical areas of inquiry.

What should I include in an MDE portfolio?

MDE applicants should provide three to five examples of their work, design and/or research that are most relevant to the MDE program. Examples may be professional or academic and may encompass designed, researched, and/or actualized work. Projects may include, but are not limited to, products, mechanical systems, buildings, functional materials, electronic systems, organizational systems, and recommendations regarding processes.

I am applying for the MArch I/MLA I, but I don’t have a design background. Do you have any advice?

The GSD admits numerous non-design background students to our professional programs each year. Through your portfolio, it is important that you demonstrate a creative aptitude for design and the ability to think in both two and three dimensions. Many non-background applicants use fine arts or other creative visual work in their portfolio, such as sketches, ceramics, painting, photography, graphic design, etc.

For the MArch I portfolio, the application asks that we limit our collaborative work to one project. What do I do if some of my best work was collaborative but exceeds one project?

This question is most relevant for those applicants with pre-professional experience in architecture. The admissions committee strongly prefers to see a majority of individual projects rather than collaborative group work and if possible, not more than one group project and not more than one office project. Should such group work be presented (either academic collaborations or from a professional office), candidates should clearly identify their role in the project.

It is ultimately your decision to include additional group projects if you think that they will best demonstrate your abilities and potential. It is important that your individual contribution to any group projects is clearly identified.

Is there anyone available to review my portfolio before I submit?

The GSD does not review portfolios outside of the regular application process, but we do encourage applicants to seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, or your undergraduate career services office.

Help! I can’t upload my portfolio! What can I do?

We recommend first checking on the file size to see if it exceeds our 32MB limit. If that still does not resolve the issue, check the file type to be sure it is a PDF. Note that portfolios exceeding 32MB must be uploaded into the portfolio (Video) section of the application.

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Prerequisite Courses (MArch I/AP & MLA I/AP only)

Do all prerequisite courses need to be completed before applying?

If you are admitted but have not completed one or more of the prerequisite courses, you will be required to complete the courses before enrolling in the fall semester. Keep in mind that it is in your best interest to complete most of the prerequisites before you apply. Not only will this strengthen your application, if admitted it will make the summer before you enroll more enjoyable if you don’t have to complete multiple classes.

Can courses taken online at a Community College count towards prerequisite requirements?

Yes! Classes taken at a Community College or other accredited institution may be used to fulfill the prerequisite requirements.

The Admissions “Application Guidelines” page has a list of pre-approved prerequisite courses. Do I need to take those courses specifically?

You do not. You can use those courses as examples of the sort of courses that satisfy prerequisite requirements. You are welcome to shop around for courses that fit your budget and timeline, noting that courses outside the pre-approved list will be reviewed but do not always meet our requirements.

For those applying to the MArch I, can advanced placement (AP) courses satisfy the calculus or physics requirements?

Upon review, scores of 4 or 5 on AP exams will fulfill prerequisites only if your undergraduate school has awarded credit for the relevant courses and the credits appear on your transcript. For physics, AP Physics 1 or C, or IB Higher Level Physics courses may satisfy the requirement if the course is recognized by the students’ undergraduate institution and in accordance with the institutions’ requirements.  (Test scores from AP Physics 2, the IB Standard Level Physics, and the gaokao university entrance exam do not fulfill the prerequisite.)

I’m not sure if a course will satisfy a prerequisite, what should I do?

Even if you aren’t sure that a course will satisfy a prerequisite, you should go ahead and include it in your application. If admitted, you will be notified whether or not it has met the prerequisite requirement. While you are welcome to contact Admissions for general advice about prerequisites ahead of the application deadline, we cannot make a final determination or guarantee that a specific class will satisfy a requirement.

I no longer have a syllabus for the course in question. Is there any alternative documentation I can upload?

Syllabi provide important information to the faculty who determine whether a particular course will satisfy a prerequisite. If possible, we recommend trying to locate the syllabus. You might be able to find a copy by contacting the school’s Registrar, an old classmate, or the professor of the course. If this isn’t possible, you should be sure to include your transcript and an official course description along with any other documentation that demonstrates the content of the course.

Is there an ‘expiration date’ for prerequisite courses? It has been a few years since I have taken calculus. Do I need to re-take it?

Prerequisite courses do not expire, even if you took the course several years ago.

My syllabus is in a language other than English. Do I need to include a translation?

Yes. You should have the syllabus translated by an official translation service. We don’t recommend any specific companies, but the translation should be certified. The original documents should be uploaded in a combined PDF with the English translation.

How are prerequisite courses approved? Can I have my courses reviewed before I apply?

There is a section within the application specifically dedicated to prerequisite courses where you will be asked to upload syllabi, course descriptions, and transcripts for classes that you believe will satisfy each prerequisite requirement. Admissions committees will review these materials as part of your application. If admitted, the prerequisite information you provide will be evaluated and you will be notified in your admitted student portal as to whether or not you have satisfied the prerequisites. While you are welcome to contact Admissions for general advice about prerequisites ahead of the application deadline, we cannot make a final determination or guarantee that a specific class will satisfy a requirement.

When will I know if my prerequisite courses have satisfied the requirements?

Once admissions decisions are released, admitted students will be informed of their prerequisite course status.

The Education tab asks me to enter my previous studio courses and studio projects. What should I enter into the “Project Description” box?

You should enter the project descriptions included in the syllabus for the studio course. In some cases, it may be appropriate to include the course description if individual project descriptions are not included in the syllabus.

I am applying to the MArch I program and am interested in being considered for Advanced Placement (MArch I AP). The Education tab asks to list all courses taken that are analogous to the required courses offered at the GSD in the first and second semester of the MArch I program. What is the best method for making these comparisons?

We understand that it can be difficult to determine exactly which courses from your undergraduate degree will be considered equivalent to courses in the first year of the MArch I program. We do ask that you give it your best, informed guess by comparing your prior coursework to the first year of the MArch I curriculum. You can find an overview of MArch I curriculum here to find course names. Additionally, most course descriptions can be found here.

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MArch Eligibility

Which architecture program should I apply to? MArch I, or MArch II? 

MArch I applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing….

  • An undergraduate degree with a major other than architecture. For example, an undergraduate program in the humanities, social science, mathematics, computer science, biology etc.
  • A pre-professional studio-based undergraduate degree in architecture such as a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, or a Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

MArch II applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing….

  • A 5-year professional degree in architecture such as a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) or its equivalent.

Note that applicants with a pre-professional undergraduate architecture degree such as a Bachelor of Science with a major in architecture, a Bachelor of Arts with a major in architecture, or a Bachelor of Architectural Studies are not eligible for the MArch II program and must apply to the MArch I program.

What criteria must I meet to be considered for Advanced Placement in MArch I?

In a very small number of cases, applicants who have completed a pre-professional four-year Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a major in architecture or its equivalent may be eligible for admission with advanced placement subject to the review of the admissions committee. Applicants admitted with advanced placement normally begin study in the third term of the program, reducing the required course of study to 2.5 years.

Consideration for AP status is based on three factors. Although applicants must meet these criteria in order to be considered, doing so does not guarantee admission or AP placement:

  1. A consistent record of achievement in design at the highest level of excellence – typically an “A” average (or comparable ranking) in all studio courses, with a minimum of four advanced architectural design studios.
  2. A transcript that shows an applicant’s successful completion of all required prerequisite courses as well as undergraduate courses and studios analogous to the first year of the MArch I program, including:
    • The prerequisite of one semester of a college-level course in calculus (one year preferred; grade of B- or above achieved);
    • The prerequisite of one semester of a college-level course in physics (one year preferred; grade of B- or above achieved);
    • The prerequisite of two semesters of college-level courses in the history of architecture, covering Renaissance through Modern periods at minimum (grade of B- or above achieved);
    • Undergraduate courses and studios that are analogous to the course of study and level of rigor of the first year of the MArch I program, demonstrating high achievement in design and related curricula, including but not limited to architectural representation, history, environmental systems, building simulation, materials, structural design, and “Building, Texts, and Contexts.” Courses in progress or pending at the time of the application must be successfully completed.
  1. A record of studio work that is clearly architectural in nature, demonstrates ability to work across scales from the small freestanding building to the urban block, successfully integrates complex factors in a single building, and is primarily the work of the applicant as an individual designer (not as part of a group).

This last factor is particularly important and is evaluated through a portfolio review. The documentation of design projects is the best indication of undergraduate design curriculum and its value towards advanced placement in the graduate program. Portfolios should include projects from at least four advanced architectural design studios, with an emphasis on complete documentation in two-dimensional drawings (site and building plans, sections, elevations) and three-dimensional views. Project documentation should indicate fluency in a variety of representational media, including hand drawings or sketches, diagrams, orthographic drawings, renderings, and physical models. Demonstrating conceptual clarity at each scale of a design proposal is paramount, and should be the driving factor in the graphic layout of the portfolio. Each project should include the course number, the date of the project, and the instructor’s name. Projects selected for inclusion in the portfolio should demonstrate the applicant’s:

  • Ability to conceive and manipulate complex spatial relationships in buildings;
  • Understanding of spatial sequencing and movement through architectural space;
  • Experience in resolving a variety of site conditions, including at least one project in an urban context;
  • Ability to work with complex programmatic requirements;
  • Engagement with building materials and technology as an integral part of design exploration.

As stated above, the majority of design work should be executed individually.  Any collaborative or group work should clearly identify the candidate’s role in the group project. Portfolios should also not contain more than one office-related project (a project conducted in a professional office) and should clearly identify the candidate’s role in the office project.

The admissions committee’s determination of a candidate’s eligibility for AP is final and cannot be appealed. Note that only a small percentage of MArch I applicants are granted AP status.

​​​​​​I have a BArch from an international school, but am interested in seeking licensure in the United States. Should I apply to the MArch I? 

Applicants with a five-year professional BArch should apply to MArch II. If you’re interested in US licensure but already have a BArch, we recommend contacting the licensing board directly for more information on any steps you may need to take to acquire licensure in the US.

My degree is formally named a Bachelor of Architecture, but the degree was only 3 or 4 years in length. To which program should I apply? 

In most cases, a 3 or 4 year BArch is not the equivalent of a 5 year BArch. For example, if you completed RIBA part I in the UK, you should apply to the MArch I degree program.

What happens if I apply to the wrong program? 

In the case that you are eligible for one program but apply to the other, your application will be moved and reviewed in the program for which you are eligible.

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MLA Eligibility

Which landscape architecture program should I apply to? MLA I, MLA I AP, or MLA II? 

MLA I applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing….

  • An undergraduate degree without a studio-based major in architecture or landscape architecture. For example, an undergraduate program in the humanities, social science, mathematics, computer science, biology etc.
  • An undergraduate degree or graduate degree with some design studio experience in environmental studies or urban planning.
  • A pre-professional studio-based undergraduate degree in architecture or landscape architecture and wish to undertake the 3-year program to provide more studio experience and more electives than are possible in the two-year AP stream.

MLA I AP applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing….

  • An accredited professional degree in architecture, or a design-intensive, studio-focused pre-professional undergraduate degree in landscape architecture or architecture, and a strong design portfolio.
  • An accredited undergraduate professional landscape architecture degree or its equivalent.

​​​​​​ MLA II applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing….

  • An accredited professional landscape architecture undergraduate degree such as a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture (BSLA) or a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA).

What happens if I apply to the wrong program? 

In the case that you are eligible for one program but apply to the other, your application will be moved and reviewed in the program for which you are eligible.

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MAUD/MLAUD Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply to the Master of Architecture in Urban Design (MAUD)?

Individuals who have completed a five-year undergraduate professional program in architecture such as a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) or its equivalent.

Who is eligible to apply to the Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design (MLAUD)? 

Individuals who have completed a four-year undergraduate professional program in landscape architecture or its equivalent.

If I am not eligible for either the MAUD or MLAUD but am still interested in applying to the GSD, where should I apply? 

If you are interested in urban issues but are not eligible for the MAUD or MLAUD, we encourage you to consider whether our Master in Urban Planning (MUP) program may suit your interests.

Those interested in architecture or landscape architecture may consider applying to our professional MArch I or MLA I programs. Students can explore urban issues through elective courses and cross-program collaboration, and they may be eligible to take an Urban Design studio once they reach the point in the curriculum where they are eligible for option studios. Students enrolled in the GSD’s professional programs in Architecture or Landscape Architecture may apply for concurrent MAUD or MLAUD degrees while simultaneously completing their professional degrees.

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