Nearly everyone has a favorite building—either a nostalgic place from your hometown or a memory of a wonderful place you’ve visited. Historical buildings, like Notre Dame Cathedral, even inspire international efforts at preservation, for the sake of humanity. Architecture, “the art and science of building,” is a large field that encompasses multiple disciplines at its core. To be successful, architecture professionals must combine creativity, design, engineering, and more in the art of constructing an effective and beautiful structure. For students just getting started, however, this complex industry can be intimidating.
Here’s the good news: that’s where internships come in. Internships provide high school students with hands-on work experience in this dynamic field, allowing them to explore the different facets of architecture and build a solid foundation for future studies and careers.
Listed below are 30 architecture internships and programs targeting high school students where you can begin to learn the dynamic foundations of this fascinating field. We’ve expanded the original list of 14 standout programs to 30 — giving you significantly more options across the country, plus a broader range of price points, formats, and entry requirements.
Top 30 Architecture Internships for High School Students
We’ve done the hard part for you! Now, let’s explore 30 epic architecture internships for high school students, with details on eligibility, deadlines, and duration to kickstart your architectural career.
1. Chicago Architecture Center Summer Fellows
The Chicago Architecture Center‘s CAC Teen Fellows program puts Chicago’s teens on a first-come, first-served path to an architecture overview. In three semesters, fellows explore careers in architecture and design while earning college credit and working with professionals in the field. The program includes digital design using software such as SketchUp and AutoCAD, along with hands-on model building and site visits. This immersive experience culminates with a paid summer internship at a local architecture or design firm, where students work on real-world projects.
- Tuition: No cost
- Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in Chicago high schools
- Application Deadline: March 31st, 2026
- Duration: Summer-Spring (3 semesters)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement or essay
- Recommendation letter(s)
- High school transcript
- Portfolio (optional, depending on experience)
2. Boston Private Industry Council Architecture Internships
The Boston Private Industry Council, in cooperation with the Boston Society of Architects, offers high school students an internship in Boston-area architecture firms. Students enrolled in this program will be working on real-life projects, testing new technologies, and participating in site visits. Interns will be exposed to all phases of architectural practice, from design through drafting, attending client meetings, managing projects, and so much more. The experience gained is invaluable ground for students who are considering pursuing a career in architecture or other related fields.
- Tuition: No cost
- Eligibility: Students in Boston public high schools
- Application Deadline: Rolling, February through June
- Duration: July 6th-August 14th, 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Resume
- Cover letter
- High school transcript
- Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
3. NOMA Project Pipeline
Project Pipeline, organized by the National Organization of Minority Architects, is a program designed to bring high school students together with design professionals, civic leaders, and change-makers to expose them to architecture in a greater context of community and social justice. Students learn through workshops, design challenges, and mentorship how architecture impacts communities and their part in designing fair, livable, sustainable environments. The program is an ideal place for showing the beauties of diversity within architecture, putting students to their critical thinking skills in understanding how design shapes the world around them.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Limited scholarships available
- Eligibility: Students of color from grades 8-12
- Application Deadline: Varies by location
- Duration: Varies (between July-August 2026)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal essay or interest statement
- No portfolio required (program focuses on underrepresented youth exploring architecture)
4. STEMcx Summer Architecture Internships
Through a partnership with Bmore NOMA, STEMcx provides architecture internships in Baltimore. The program exposes students to practices in the STEM fields: shadowing architects, exercises in design, and community engagement. As interns, they will be exposed to actual projects where they can further develop their design and technical skills. Field trips are also arranged to important architectural sites and buildings, covering all information about the architectural profession.
- Tuition: No cost
- Eligibility: High school students living in the Baltimore area
- Application Deadline: Applications open January and close February 6th, 2026
- Length: 8 weeks over the summer, 4 hours a day
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Online application form
- Resume
- Short personal statement
- Recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor
5. Fallingwater Institute’s High School Residencies
The Fallingwater Institute’s High School Residencies are held at one of Frank Lloyd Wright‘s most renowned designs allowing residents to both live and learn at this historic site. Activities include hands-on drawing and design projects that use Fallingwater for inspiration, career exploration sessions, and discussions about the principles of organic architecture. Ample time will be available to experience the natural environment and Wright’s philosophy of putting architecture in the context of nature. In this immersive environment, foster creativity and get inside the architectural design process.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Financial aid available
- Eligibility: Any high school student
- Application Deadline: April 30th, 2026
- Duration: Several sessions from June 25th to August 3rd, 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement or essay explaining interest in architecture
- Teacher or mentor recommendation
- High school transcript
- Portfolio of creative or architectural work (optional but recommended)
6. UC Berkeley’s embARC Summer Design Academy
UC Berkeley‘s embARC Summer Design Academy provides a taste of architecture, urban design, and sustainable city planning studios, workshops, and field trips. Students will work on designing projects about real-life issues using digital tools and building models on the spot. The program includes lectures and discussions with faculty and professionals that give insight into academic and professional pathways in architecture. Students leave this well-rounded program with a better understanding of the field and a strong portfolio.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Financial aid available
- Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Application Deadline: Rolling (opens December 2025)
- Duration: July 6th-July 31st, 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Online application form
- Personal statement
- Resume (optional)
- High school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Portfolio of design work (optional, based on prior experience)
7. Sasaki Foundation Summer Exploratory Experience in Design (SEED)
The SEED internship program provides both in-person and virtual experiences for high school students seeking an overview of the design profession through collaborative projects, office culture immersion, and design fundamentals. As interns, students work alongside professionals in the field of architecture and affiliated industries to engage in design charrettes, site visits, and project presentations. This program nurtures creative and technical skills, exposing students to a wide variety of careers while giving them a network of mentors and peers within the design community.
- Tuition: No cost
- Eligibility: All high school students
- Application Deadline: Not specified, usually one month before the program
- Duration: 6 weeks during summer 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement or essay
- Letter of recommendation
- No portfolio required
8. SCI-Arc Design Immersion Days
The Southern California Institute of Architecture, through its Design Immersion Days program, gives an intensive orientation in architectural principles, design thinking, and digital design tools. The program was built with projects, workshops, lectures, and interactions with faculty and students to give a better sensation of the process of architectural education and what may lead to a career. This interactive, dynamic experience will explore the creativity of students and result in a deeper understanding of spatial conceptions.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Limited scholarships available
- Eligibility: Open to high school students
- Application Deadline: Varies (rolling)
- Duration: June 15th-July 10th, 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Online application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Recommendation letter (optional)
- No portfolio required for beginners
9. Illinois Institute of Technology Architecture Studio
Exploring the iconic architecture of Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Technology‘s summer program for high school students interlaces practical design projects with explorations of architectural concepts, design methodologies, and making models in guided studio sessions. Further, this program includes meetings with the faculty, students, and professionals themselves; thus, an engagement from students with the architectural community will be hands-on, and a project will be taken back to add to their portfolios.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Financial aid available
- Eligibility: High school students
- Application Deadline: May 1, 2026
- Duration: 2 weeks
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- High school transcript
- Personal statement about architecture interest
- Portfolio (optional)
10. New York School of Interior Design Pre-College Program
The New York School of Interior Design offers a pre-college program where interested high school students are introduced to interior design principles. Students work on projects that involve the concept of design aesthetics and planning of space, like selecting materials. Studio sessions and several workshops further creative thinking and design skills, bringing students an overview of how design works. Students get a taste of the big world of design and how it relates to architecture.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Limited scholarships available
- Eligibility: Open to high school students
- Deadline: Varies
- Duration: July 5th-17th, 2026 or July 19th-July 31st, 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement about interest in interior design
- No portfolio required
11. SOM Foundation Design Fellowships
The SOM Foundation Design Fellowships immerse high school students in a deep understanding of architecture, design, and urban planning. Fellows go through workshops, site visits, and discussion sessions on worldwide urban issues with the finest architects and planners. It offers a unique opportunity to be exposed to the best design practices, as well as to explore innovative solutions to contemporary problems. It aspires to inspire and empower the next generation of designers with skill sets and knowledge to meet challenges within the built environment.
- Tuition: No cost
- Eligibility: High school students
- Application Deadline: Varies
- Duration: Varies
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement or essay
- Portfolio of design work or sketches
- Resume
- High school transcript
12. Camp ARCH
Camp ARCH is a week-long overnight camp conducted by the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University. This program exposes rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors to the professions of architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning through hands-on projects and activities. Campers will be involved in design studios, workshops, and field trips where they will learn to conceptualize and critique an architectural design. Moreover, students attend faculty and professional lectures and presentations to better understand academic and professional pathways in architecture. This well-rounded experience enables students to lay a strong base for further studies.
- Tuition: $ Paid
- Eligibility: High school students
- Application deadline: Spring 2026
- Duration: July 6th-July 11th, 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Short essay explaining interest in architecture or design
- High school transcript
- No portfolio required for entry-level students
13. Drexel University Summer Architecture Program
Drexel University’s Summer Architecture Program exposes students in high school to an introduction to architecture through studio sessions, workshops, and site visits. Students produce design projects that test their creativity and problem-solving skills in both digital and hands-on model-making alike. This program also features interaction with faculty and students that gives participants insight into the life of a student studying architecture and possible career paths in the profession. Students will develop their design skills through this full immersion and create a strong portfolio to pursue further studies.
- Tuition: $ Paid
- Eligibility: Any high school student
- Application Deadline: Spring 2026
- Duration: July 5th-18th, 2026 (2 weeks)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- No portfolio required for beginners
- Application form
- Personal statement about interest in architecture
- High school transcript
- Recommendation letter
14. Terp Young Scholars Program
The University of Maryland’s Terp Young Scholars program offers high school students an immersive experience in architectural education through the ARCH150: Discovering Architecture course. This three-week summer program provides a comprehensive introduction to the built environment, encompassing architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design planning. Participants will engage in hands-on design projects, attend lectures, and participate in studio work, all aimed at fostering a deep understanding of architectural principles. The program also includes interactions with experienced architects and site visits to notable landmarks, offering students a holistic view of the architectural profession. This experience is invaluable for those considering a future in architecture or related fields.
- Tuition: Commuter: $1,800; Online: $1,635 (estimated 2026 rates)
- Eligibility: High school students entering grades 10 through 12
- Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
- Duration: July 13 – July 31, 2026
Application Materials:
- Recommendation letter from a teacher or counselor
- Completed application form
- High school transcript
- Personal statement
15. Cornell University Introduction to Architecture & Design
Now, here’s something to consider: Cornell’s precollege architecture program is one of the most prestigious in the country. Held at the Rem Koolhaas-designed Milstein Hall, this six-week program introduces high school students to foundational principles of design across multiple scales—from objects to urban installations to entire buildings and landscapes. Students work alongside Cornell faculty in a true studio setting and earn six college credits along with an official Cornell transcript.
- Tuition: $ Paid (varies by year, typically $13,000+)
- Eligibility: High school students with a serious interest in architectural design
- Application Deadline: May 5, 2026
- Duration: June 22 – July 31, 2026 (6 weeks)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement or essay
- High school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Portfolio (optional)
16. Carnegie Mellon Pre-College Architecture
Picture this: spending five weeks immersed in the creative energy of one of the country’s leading architecture schools. CMU’s Pre-College Architecture program engages high school students in interdisciplinary design through studio work, drawing, digital media, and workshops in robotic and digital fabrication. Students experience the dynamic of college-level architectural learning while building a foundation for future undergraduate studies. The program is highly intensive, with evenings and weekends dedicated to studio work.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Application fee $50; Enrollment deposit $800
- Eligibility: Must be 16+ by June 20, 2026; rising 11th or 12th graders
- Application Deadline: Early Deadline February 1, 2026; Final April 1, 2026
- Duration: 5 weeks (June 20 – July 25, 2026)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form (with $50 fee)
- 30-second video introduction
- Portfolio of 5-10 work samples
- Two essay prompts (300-500 words each)
- High school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
17. RISD Pre-College Program
Want to know what really sets a program apart? RISD Pre-College has spent over 50 years building one of the most respected high school art and design programs in the country. The five-week residential experience offers rising juniors and seniors a chance to live like a RISD undergrad—daily studio classes, college-level critiques, and a major in their chosen discipline including architecture. Students who complete the program leave with a portfolio strong enough to support competitive college applications.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Limited scholarships available
- Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
- Application Deadline: Rolling (apply by April 2026)
- Duration: June 27 – August 1, 2026 (in-person) or June 22 – July 30, 2026 (online)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Portfolio submission
- Recommendation letter
18. Cooper Union Introduction to Architecture
The Cooper Union’s Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture offers a five-week online summer program for high school students who want to explore design at the architectural scale. Here’s the kicker: students who successfully complete the program earn 4 college credits from The Cooper Union—a substantial academic credential from one of the most respected architecture schools in the country. The program emphasizes foundation studies and portfolio development, perfect for students preparing competitive applications to architecture school.
- Tuition: $ Paid (4 college credits awarded)
- Eligibility: High school students with serious interest in architecture
- Application Deadline: June 10, 2026
- Duration: 5 weeks summer 2026 (online)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Portfolio (recommended)
- Recommendation letter
19. Pratt Institute Summer PreCollege
Now, here’s the deal with Pratt: their four-week PreCollege Architecture program lets students draft plans, build models, and develop a strong foundation in core architectural concepts in Brooklyn—one of the most dynamic design hubs in the world. Open to both commuter and residential students, the program awards 4 college credits and helps students bolster their portfolios significantly before applying to architecture school.
- Tuition: $ Paid (4 college credits awarded)
- Eligibility: High school students ages 16-18
- Application Deadline: Rolling, applications close in early summer
- Duration: July 6 – July 31, 2026 (in-person) or June 22 – July 2, 2026 (online)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Recommendation letter
- Portfolio (helpful but optional)
20. Georgia Tech Pre-College Architecture “Be the Future”
Georgia Tech’s Pre-College Architecture studio offers an energetic immersion into design and making. Students interact with professors, current students, recent graduates, and local Atlanta practitioners while completing a hands-on design project worthy of their portfolios. The program runs across two sessions, giving students flexibility to plan around other commitments. By the end, campers leave with a clearer understanding of the architecture career path.
- Tuition: $ Paid
- Eligibility: High school students
- Application Deadline: Rolling (typically closes in May 2026)
- Duration: Session I: June 14-26, 2026; Session II: July 5-17, 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement about architecture interest
- High school transcript
- Portfolio (optional)
21. Rice Architecture Summer Immersion
Want to know about a hidden gem? Rice University offers a fully tuition-free, 12-day residential program for Houston-area 10th and 11th graders interested in architecture. The Rice Architecture Summer Immersion is in collaboration with the Rice Center for STEM Engagement, and includes free room and board thanks to generous donors. Students explore architectural space at multiple scales while interacting with Rice faculty, current students, and practicing architects.
- Tuition: No cost (tuition-free, including room and board)
- Eligibility: 10th-11th grade Houston-area high school students, must be 16+
- Application Deadline: Spring 2026
- Duration: 12 days/11 nights residential, summer 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Recommendation letter
- No portfolio required
22. University of Michigan ArcStart
ArcStart is Taubman College of Architecture & Urban Planning’s residential pre-college program at the University of Michigan. Over the program duration, students take part in an immersive studio environment, hands-on workshops to build analytical and conceptual skills, and exposure to many dimensions of architectural practice. Students learn drawing, drafting, and modeling tools, explore architectural history, and curate their work into a digital portfolio. Now, here’s something to know: international students are welcome to apply, and no F-1 visa is required since this is a non-credit program.
- Tuition: $6,250 (covers tuition, housing, meals, field trips, supplies for 2026)
- Eligibility: Current high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, and rising college freshmen; no minimum GPA
- Application Deadline: February 26, 2026 (passed for 2026; 2027 opens January 2027)
- Duration: Summer 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Watson Scholarship application (if applicable)
23. USC Exploration of Architecture
USC’s Exploration of Architecture is taught by USC School of Architecture faculty and offers a high-impact pre-college experience in Los Angeles. Students imagine, draw, discover, and analyze impactful buildings while engaging with practicing architects across the LA region. The program covers core architectural skills along with theoretical frameworks—setting students up to thrive in university architecture programs. Field trips to LA landmarks add real-world depth to studio work.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Financial aid available
- Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
- Application Deadline: Rolling (typically closes May 2026)
- Duration: 4 weeks summer 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Portfolio (optional)
24. University of Miami Summer Scholars Architecture
Now, here’s the thing about U-Miami’s program: students earn six (6) actual college credits during this Explorations in Architecture and Design course. The U-SoA pre-college program designs each session around interrelated aspects of architecture—including design, landscape architecture, historic preservation, and urban planning. Studio sessions cover drawing, model-making, and design proposals, with ongoing individual feedback from instructors and the program director.
- Tuition: $ Paid (6 college credits awarded)
- Eligibility: High school students
- Application Deadline: Rolling (apply early; spaces fill)
- Duration: 3 weeks summer 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Recommendation letter
- No portfolio required
25. Syracuse University Summer College Architecture
Syracuse School of Architecture faculty teach this rigorous summer program designed to give students portfolio-ready projects for architecture school applications. The first half covers seven short exercises exploring composition, representation, and spatial hierarchy—using basswood model-making, orthographic drawing, digital 3D modeling, and digital collage. The second half focuses on Rhino and Adobe InDesign, culminating in a final pavilion design project for downtown Syracuse.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Discounts and scholarships available
- Eligibility: Rising juniors, seniors, or 2026 high school graduates
- Application Deadline: Rolling (multiple sessions July-August 2026)
- Duration: 3-6 weeks (varies by session)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Portfolio (optional)
26. Catholic University Experiences in Architecture (EiA)
Here’s something most students miss: Catholic University in Washington, D.C. offers one of the more accessible architecture summer programs—a two-week intensive that runs from July 5-17, 2026. Students explore the city’s incredible architectural heritage through studio sessions, lectures, and field trips to Washington’s iconic buildings, monuments, and museums. The program is open to both high school students and incoming first-year college students, making it perfect for transition-year exploration.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Limited scholarships available
- Eligibility: High school students and incoming first-year college students
- Application Deadline: Rolling (typically closes June 2026)
- Duration: July 5-17, 2026 (2 weeks)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- No portfolio required
27. NJIT Pre-College Architecture Programs
The New Jersey Institute of Technology offers three architecture-related pre-college programs: Introduction to Architecture, Interior Design, and Industrial Design—plus a Portfolio Building Workshop. All offer intensive collaborative studio environments where students create portfolio-ready pieces. The Introduction to Architecture track has students producing varied drawings and models while engaging with practicing architects from the New Jersey/New York metro area.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Financial aid available
- Eligibility: High school students grades 10-12
- Application Deadline: Rolling
- Duration: 1-2 weeks (multiple sessions July 2026)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Recommendation letter
- No portfolio required for beginners
28. Penn State Architecture and Landscape Architecture Summer Camp
Penn State’s Stuckeman School offers a focused one-week architecture and landscape architecture camp held at University Park. Students explore foundational design concepts through hands-on workshops, studio sessions, and field trips—gaining exposure to both architecture and the closely related landscape architecture profession. The compact format works well for students balancing other summer commitments while still wanting a meaningful taste of architectural education.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Limited scholarships available
- Eligibility: High school students
- Application Deadline: Rolling, typically May 2026
- Duration: Session I: July 12-16, 2026; Session II: July 19-23, 2026 (1 week each)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- No portfolio required
29. Roger Williams University Summer Academy
Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island offers a four-week residential Architecture Summer Academy that provides a serious introduction to the discipline. Students work in design studios led by SAAHP faculty, participate in field trips around New England, and develop portfolio-quality projects. Here’s the bottom line: this program offers the depth of a longer immersion at a lower price point than some peer programs.
- Tuition: $ Paid – Financial aid available
- Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors
- Application Deadline: Rolling (apply by April 2026)
- Duration: July 5 – August 1, 2026 (4 weeks)
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement
- High school transcript
- Letter of recommendation
- Portfolio (optional)
30. Harvard Graduate School of Design Career Discovery
Career Discovery at the Harvard Graduate School of Design is one of the most prestigious and intensive design programs available to high school students and aspiring designers. Now, here’s the kicker: this six-week program covers architecture, landscape architecture, and urban planning—giving students a comprehensive foundation across all three disciplines taught by Harvard GSD faculty. Held at the Gund Hall studios, students experience the same teaching environment as Harvard’s master’s students.
- Tuition: $ Paid (significant cost — financial aid limited)
- Eligibility: Rising high school seniors and older (preference for those 18+)
- Application Deadline: April 2026 (rolling review)
- Duration: 6 weeks summer 2026
Ready to apply? You’ll need to collect the following materials to complete your application:
- Application form
- Personal statement (statement of purpose)
- High school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- Portfolio submission
Architecture Internships: a Bridge to Your Future
Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and sharpen your pencils. If architecture piques your interest, there’s no better way to learn more than to get involved yourself! Participation in architecture internships or programs during high school is vital to help you understand what the industry looks like on the ground. These unique opportunities offer early exposure, certainly, but also have a great base for future studies and careers.
Looking for more experiences, outside of the box? These skills can be gained through project-based work experience, live projects, or immersive workshops. Seek such opportunities, meet the eligibility criteria, and apply within the deadlines for this enriching journey into architecture.
How to Choose the Right Architecture Program for You
With 30 programs to consider, here’s the thing—the “best” program isn’t universal. It depends on your goals, location, budget, and where you are in your architecture journey. Use these questions to narrow down your shortlist:
What’s your budget? Programs range from completely free (Chicago Architecture Center, Boston PIC, Rice Architecture Summer Immersion, STEMcx, Sasaki Foundation, SOM Foundation) to $13,000+ for top-tier residential programs at Cornell, RISD, and Carnegie Mellon. If cost is a concern, prioritize the free and tuition-supported programs first—several rival the paid programs in quality and prestige.
Are you aiming for college credit? Several programs award real college credits that transfer to many universities, including Cornell (6 credits), Cooper Union (4 credits), Pratt (4 credits), and the University of Miami (6 credits). For students serious about architecture school, college-credit programs offer significant value beyond just exposure.
Do you have a portfolio yet? Some programs (Carnegie Mellon, RISD, Harvard GSD Career Discovery) require portfolio submissions for admission—meaning you need substantial creative work already in hand. Other programs (Camp ARCH, Catholic University EiA, NJIT, Boston PIC) accept beginners with no portfolio. If you’re brand new to architecture, start with a portfolio-optional program first to build samples for future applications.
Where do you want to study? If you’re interested in attending a specific architecture school, that school’s pre-college program gives you a tactical advantage. You’ll learn the school’s pedagogy, meet faculty, see if it’s a good fit, and demonstrate genuine interest. Cornell, CMU, RISD, USC, U Michigan, and Pratt all run pre-college programs designed to introduce you to their undergraduate architecture experience.
Online vs. in-person? Online programs (Cooper Union, parts of Pratt, Cornell, Terp Young Scholars) offer flexibility, lower cost, and accessibility for students who can’t travel. In-person programs build deeper community, offer hands-on model-making experiences that are hard to replicate online, and include local site visits—a major advantage in cities with rich architectural heritage like New York, Boston, Chicago, and DC.
What Architecture Schools Look For in Pre-College Experience
Now, get this: simply attending a pre-college program isn’t automatically going to boost your architecture school admissions. What admissions committees actually want to see are three specific things:
Sustained engagement with the field. A single one-week summer camp doesn’t tell admissions much. But if you’ve completed two or three programs over multiple summers, contributed to a school architecture club, sketched buildings on your own time, and read books like The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs—that pattern of engagement is convincing.
A strong portfolio. Every architecture program judges your portfolio against a high bar. Pre-college programs help you build the technical skills (drafting, model-making, digital tools like Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite) needed to produce competitive work. Programs that explicitly emphasize portfolio development—Cooper Union, Cornell, RISD, NJIT—are particularly valuable here.
Evidence of design thinking. Architecture schools want students who can analyze problems, propose solutions, and iterate based on feedback. Studio-based programs (where you complete design challenges with critiques) develop these skills. Lecture-only programs, while interesting, won’t show admissions what they want to see.
If you’re targeting specific schools, study their requirements early. Programs like Cornell, Pratt, RISD, and SCI-Arc have very specific portfolio requirements—the earlier you start preparing for these, the stronger your application will be.
Beyond Programs: Building Your Architecture Profile
Want to stand out beyond just programs? Here are concrete ways to deepen your architecture profile:
- Job shadow a local architect. Most architects in your area will accept a shadowing request from an interested high school student. This costs nothing and provides a genuine professional context that pre-college programs can’t match.
- Document a building. Pick a building in your community and document it thoroughly—exterior photos, interior layout sketches, observations about how people use it, research into its history. This becomes a portfolio piece that shows independent thinking.
- Learn the software early. SketchUp, Rhino, AutoCAD, and Adobe Creative Suite are core tools. Free or low-cost online tutorials can get you started. Schools love to see students who arrive already proficient with these tools.
- Read architecture media. Dezeen, ArchDaily, Architectural Record, and The Architect’s Newspaper publish daily content about contemporary architecture. Following these regularly builds your visual vocabulary and helps you discuss architecture intelligently in essays and interviews.
- Visit buildings deliberately. Picture this: instead of just walking past, sit and observe. How does the light shift through the day? Where do people gather? What works and doesn’t? This kind of attention is exactly what architecture schools want to develop.
Most of all, as you go through these fantastic internships and programs in architecture, always bear in mind that Empowerly has your back every step of the way. Delivering personalized college counseling and career guidance to high school students to pursue their dreams, Empowerly provides expert advice and application assistance along with a whole set of tools that make you successful in taking on these opportunities and building an architecture career.
Unleash your best self in an architectural career with Empowerly by your side. Learn more about the how-to with Empowerly today!
