UTSOAThe University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture
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Young Scholars Program

June 23 – July 11, 2008

Tuition: $800 (before April 1)

$950 (after April 1)

Application Fee: $25

Optional Housing/Meals: $900

Application deadline: May 31

Housing Application deadline: April 15

 

The Summer Academy in Architecture's Young Scholars Program enables high-school aged students and younger scholars to answer the question: Should I pursue Architecture as a field of college-level study? Participants in the Young Scholars Program range in age from 15-17. (Applicants aged 18 and over should refer to the Summer Academy's Introduction to the Profession.)

Through a series of lectures and discussions, and full immersion in the design studio atmosphere, the Young Scholars Program aims to give students a better understanding of classes and the general study of architecture at the college level. The 3-week session focuses on a series of individual design projects that introduce students to the technical skills of architectural drawing and model construction, as well as strategies for developing an effective design process, method, and approach. Studio assignments develop students' visual communication techniques, two- and three-dimensional compositional perspectives, and project presentation skills that culminate in a formal review.

Academy students are provided individual studio space in which to work for the summer session. Particular attention is paid to developing skills in drawing and model construction, and students are encouraged to explore other means of representation such as photographic processes, painting, writing, and full-scale constructions. Because of the cross-disciplinary nature of architecture, studio projects also address design concerns of landscape architecture and urban design. Daily studio assignments encompass ideas that span the breadth of architectural practice and theory such as structure, materials, site, light, view, context, and experience. Individual studio work is supplemented by a series of supporting activities and events that include faculty and visiting lectures, a film series, site visits, class reviews, and periodic meetings that emphasize students' more practical concerns, i.e. application procedures, general admissions policies, and the preparation of a portfolio or resumé. Computer-assisted design, although briefly addressed, is not a focus of the Summer Academy.

Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in January and ending May 31. Upon notification of acceptance, a non-refundable $200 deposit (applied toward tuition) is due to hold a place in the program, with the tuition balance, plus any applicable housing fees, due by the first class day. On-campus housing applications are due by April 15 to guarantee a space in the dorms. After posted deadlines, program and housing applications are accepted on a space-available basis only.

ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

Applicants to the program should understand that the Summer Academy's Young Scholars Program is a very demanding experience. From day one, students are engaged in a series of challenging, deadline-sensitive assignments as part of an academically rigorous daily schedule. Throughout the course of the program, classes take place Monday through Friday from 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. daily, and typically students must devote significant time during their weekend and evening hours to satisfactorily complete all of the program requirements.

PROGRAM FACULTY & STAFF

Kevin Alter is the Principal Director of the Summer Academy and also Associate Dean of Graduate Programs, Academic Director of the School of Architecture, and the Sid W. Richardson Centennial Professor in Architecture. Academy Studio Instructors and Teaching and Resident Assistants are recent graduates of the School of Architecture's post-professional program or students in advanced standing. Christine Wong is the Program Coordinator and administrative liaison. On average, studios number 10 to 13 students each, with a maximum of 15 students per studio instructor.

ADVISING

An important aspect of the Summer Academy in Architecture is its emphasis on academic advising. While on campus, students have the opportunity to meet with undergraduate and graduate coordinators and advisors of The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. The most useful advising, however, is typically offered via one-on-one contact with Summer Academy instructors and faculty.

Periodic meetings with program faculty and guest speakers emphasize students' more practical concerns such as undergraduate-level application procedures and admissions policies, degree program requirements, and aspects of the architectural profession.

TUITION & HOUSING COSTS

Tuition for the Young Scholars Program is $800 for applications received in full (with the exception of only the physician-signed Physical Clearance Examination form) by April 1 or $950 for applications received thereafter.

On-campus or dormitory housing is not mandatory for attendance in the Academy; however, given the long studio hours required for both programs and for students coming from out-of-town, it is often the most convenient. A limited number of rooms have been reserved in the on-campus dormitories for students in the Young Scholars Program for a rate of $900 per space in a double-room, including meals. The housing application deadline is April 15, with non-refundable room deposits due by May 1 to hold the reservation.

The Academy also provides a listing of other recommended off-campus housing options that students may investigate independently.

ADDITIONAL COSTS

SUPPLY KITS

The Summer Academy has arranged for supply kits for both programs to be made available at The University Co-op for a reduced rate of approximately $200-250. Supply kits will be available for purchase beginning May 31.

Students may also opt to provide or purchase their supplies via alternate sources, or purchase only select items from the supply kit as needed. To obtain list of items included in the program supply kit, students should contact the Summer Academy office. At the end of the program, the Academy will buy-back a limited number of gently-used kit supplies at a discounted rate from students wishing to sell them.

In addition to supply kit materials, students should plan on spending approximately $100-150 for additional model building materials that may be necessary for their individual project constructions.

OPTIONAL FEES

For additional fees, Academy students may make use of campus recreational sports and visitor parking facilities during the program duration. RecSports passes and parking permits must be purchased in person at the appropriate University offices after students' arrival to campus. Rates for the 2008 RecSports passes and U.T. Parking permits will be announced in May, but typically fall within an approximate $100-150 price range for each facility, depending on permit types and durations.

FINANCIAL AID

The Summer Academy is an entirely self-funded program; however, dependent on enrollment totals, the Academy is sometimes able to offer limited financial assistance in the form of full or partial program tuition waivers to a minimal number of applicants each year on the basis of need and scholarship. Applications for financial aid are due April 15, and assistance awards are announced May 15. Financial aid applicants will be notified by phone and standard mail of their award status.

Complete program applications must have been received in full (with the exception of only the physician-signed Physical Clearance Examination form) prior to applicants being considered for financial aid. For this reason, students needing financial aid to support their attendance should submit their program applications early. Both program and financial aid applications will be available via the Summer Academy office beginning in January.

TRANSFER CREDIT

The Summer Academy in Architecture is a non-credit program and does not appear on university transcripts. However, dependent upon the particular institution and program in which each student enrolls, credit for the Summer Academy may be granted by that institution. Participants leave the Summer Academy with a certificate of completion and receive a written evaluation of their performance from their studio instructors mailed within 60 days of their departure from the program.

Admission to the Summer Academy in Architecture does not increase the chance for admission to the U.T. Austin School of Architecture as a degree-seeking candidate.