How to Pursue Architecture in School and Beyond

As a current sophomore in high school, I often find it quite difficult to find a list of activites, extracurriculars, or even classes to do that involve Architecture. Most schools don't offer specific architecture classes, and even if they do, most students aren't inclined to take a honors class over an extra AP or 5.0 weighted class. However, there are many things that you can do in order to build your architecture portfolio and find activites that you like doing to boost your college application.

Here are the things I suggest doing to find more career-related ECs and add to your college application:

1. Networking / Researching

   This is the #1 most important thing that you have to do in order to find more activites outside of school, and this can help you build valuable skills that will be useful for the rest of your life. You cannot just let opportunities come to you, you have to REACH out and catch them. Researching internships at firms or researching summer camps can help you find great opportunities and allow you to explore outside your comfort zone.

2. Free Time

   Instead of using your free time to enjoy yourself and give yourself some short-term dopamine, try finding activities that you can do that you love, whether it is just sketching out buildings to working on mini-projects, that can actually mean something and add to your college application. While doing other things is fine, doing things you love to do while benefiting your future is the best way to go in my opinion.

3. Advocate + Build

   I notice a lot of people who are interested in certain subjects and topics and unable to do them because their school doesn't offer those classes or clubs. Instead of using that as an excuse to not continue forward with those passions, you should advocate for yourself and try to found clubs or maybe implement something like service projects that will both benefit you and your surroundings.

Those are my tips, and if you have any other questions/concerns, please reach out to me. I am starting to transition more from informational blogs to personal blogging, which I personally like more. Let me know if you would like more informational content.

Taneesh

Architecture Blog #6