Honors and Scholars
In conjunction with the university, the Knowlton School of Architecture supports both Honors and Scholars students through a variety of academic and co-curricular opportunities.
Honors Program
Students who qualify for the Honors Program typically rank in the top 10 percent of their high shcool class and have ACT composite scores of 30+ or SAT Critical Reading and Math scores of 1340+. The University Honors and Scholars Center may identify other Honors Program candidates upon review of admissions credentials. There is no separate application process; all students who apply for admission to the university as an incoming freshman by February 1, 2010 will be considered for Honors affiliation.
Freshmen admitted to the university with Honors affiliation are guaranteed admission to the major at the end of their first year if a 3.4 minimum cumulative GPA is attained, along with a B+ or higher in the prerequisite Architecture or Landscape Architecture courses. Honors students must also fulfill other prerequisites such as math or physics and geology and submit a portfolio. Admission will be granted if all academic criteria are met.
Transfer students and current Ohio State students may apply for Honors affiliation though the Knowlton School of Architecture after attainment of 3.4 cumulative GPA for two consecutive quarters.
The Honors Program focuses on academic and research opportunities. Honors students are required to enroll in six Honors or upper-level courses within two years of gaining Honors status. Architecture Honors students have the additional opportunity to participate in one or both of the following graduation programs: Graduation with Distinction in Architecture-focused on a senior thesis/research project, or Graduation with Honors in Architecture-focused on a combination of academic, leadership/service, and investigative requirements. More information is available at http://honors.osu.edu/.
Scholars Program
The Architecture Scholars program offers students a range of co-curricular opportunities focused around the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, and city and regional planning. This two-year program features skill-building workshops, opportunities for professional development, clustered courses, and domestic and international travel opportunities. First-year students live together in Baker Hall West. Entrance to the Architecture Scholars program is only available to incoming freshmen. Students who qualify typically rank in the top 20 percent of their high school class and achieve an ACT composite of 27+ a SAT Critical Reading and Math score of 1220+. Students eligible for the Honors Program are not able to apply to Architecture Scholars. Students interested in the Architecture Scholars program must submit a Scholars application in addition to the university application. Both applications are due February 1, 2010. More information is available at http://scholars.osu.edu.
Alumni
Zakery Snider, a 2006 KSA graduate, is currently attending Yale University in pursuit of a Masters of Architecture degree. Snider describes his experience at the KSA in the following terms:
"Having had an engaging and rewarding undergraduate education at The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture, I am now pursuing my masters of architecture degree at Yale University. While at Ohio State, I was able to develop my architecture knowledge through studies abroad in London and Italy. I also had the opportunity to engage in independent research and won first place in the art and architecture category of the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum held annually at Ohio State. In addition, I had the opportunity to enter architecture competitions within the program and was chosen as a finalist in the OCMA and GUI competitions. I am grateful for the education and opportunities I received at the Knowlton School of Architecture and feel well prepared for masters studies at Yale."
Testimonials
When looking at different schools of architecture, I knew right away that OSU was the right place for me. When I came for a visit, everyone I met was genuinely interested in getting to know me and extremely welcoming. As I observed some of the students working on various projects, I could tell that although it was hard work, they really enjoyed what they were doing. They didn't hesitate to take me aside and show me what they were working on and explain to me all the different aspects of the project. The past year as part of the honors program has shown me that I have made the right decision in choosing OSU architecture. It has allowed me to have smaller classes at times and really get to know my classmates a lot better.
Mary Webb, Architecture Honors
I chose to study at The Ohio State University because I knew that because of its size and reputation, it would offer me endless opportunities both academically and socially. I loved the way every corner of campus was full of activity, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. The architecture program was also a very important factor in my decision to study at OSU, and after meeting with my future advisor and touring the brand new building, I knew that this was where I wanted to study for the next four years. The honors architecture program has been such an amazing part of studying at OSU. Not only has it given me the chance to travel to Chicago and London and have smaller classes, but it also allowed me to make a really close group of friends because we had so many classes together. This program really does a great job of making a huge university seem much smaller and providing a strong sense of community!
Stacy Hoenig, Architecture Honors
My experience at Ohio State has been nothing short of amazing! I chose to come to Ohio State mainly because of the large amount of opportunities that were available to me. I toured Knowlton Hall and the architecture department the summer before my senior year and instantly fell in love with the program. Architecture encompasses artistic design, with technical knowledge which were two of my main interests. In addition to the architecture program at Ohio State, architecture scholars has been an amazing opportunity to get to know the faculty at a personal level, and broaden my horizons through the many out of classroom experiences, including study abroad in London. Architecture scholars quickly become your home away from home here at Ohio State.
Trevor Sudano, Architecture Scholars
Being in the honors and scholars program was a really great experience, especially for my first year in school. Living in a scholars dorm on the same floor with people who were in all of my classes and in my major was the best thing that I could have done. Since we were all new at school and just learning about architecture and landscape architecture it was so important to be surrounded by others who were going through the same thing. We were able to work on our projects together in the dorm and help each other out and feed off of each other's ideas. Traveling together also solidified our bond and we were able to have relationships that were balanced intellectually and socially. Also, being in honors and scholars helps with scheduling and you already have a smaller community within the larger Knowlton and OSU community.
Elizabeth Ries, Landscape Architecture Honors & Scholars