Admissions

Undergraduate applicants to the B.Arch. apply simultaneously to Rice University and to the Rice School of Architecture.

Rice Admissions

For Rice University’s process regarding transfer applicants, see this page. Architecture credits from another school do not apply to the major requirements at Rice School of Architecture. There is no advanced placement within the architecture program. You must complete the curriculum (all studios and courses in sequence) from start to finish.

In addition to the Rice University admission procedures, applicants to the Rice School of Architecture must submit a design portfolio, as detailed below.

Read more about the undergraduate program here.

Helene DeMello Render 1
Arch. 202, Helene De Mello

Portfolio

About

A design portfolio is required for all applicants to the Rice School of Architecture. The portfolio should demonstrate creative aptitude and potential as well as spatial comprehension; however, it is not necessarily expected to be architectural in focus. It can include images of work done in a variety of media, including freehand drawings, sketches, paintings, printmaking, photography, film, graphic design, sculpture, product design, ceramics, theater design, installations, fashion design, etc. The work may have been produced as part of a formal course or conceived of independently. We are particularly interested in your capacity to think creatively, critically, and independently and therefore encourage you to submit your own design work demonstrating these skills. 

 
As with all other application materials, portfolios should be uploaded via your Rice Admission Student Portal. Note: Submissions exceeding the specifications listed will not be accepted. You will receive instructions for accessing your secure portal after submitting your application for admission.

Requirements

  • PDF file labeled with applicant name (example: FirstLast.pdf)
  • 15 MB maximum file size
  • Page size should be horizontally oriented A4 or Letter (8.5”x11”); images should be between 150dpi and 300dpi
  • The first page should be a cover/title page with the applicant’s name
  • Content can be up to 10 pages (not including the title page); more than one image or work can be included per page
  • Captions of images with title, year of execution, media, and size are encouraged. A one to two sentence description is also acceptable
  • Our advice: Keep the design of the portfolio itself, and of the pages, simple; let your work speak for itself
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