Newschool of Architecture and Design Reviews

""Assignments are given out with little to no guidance. Several times, when asking specific questions to professors, their answers were vague and unreliable. I also found that when information was put out, it was commonly distributed to a small amount of students and then it was expected that everyone knew what was going on. The problem with this kind of instruction is that the students are left to instruct themselves. " Well guess what? this is the way it is in practice - If you can't get it together and be self motivated to learn on your own, then you have no business in architecture. Right after I graduated NewSchool, I went to work at SOM, a tough environment, 67,70, and 80 hour weeks with at least one all nighter/month with a lot of people out of the Ivy's - There you have to be the best. W/O the education and motivation provided at NewSchool, there is no way I would have made it in there. It's like SEALS Bud/UDT for architecture."

"NSAD has many issues that resulted in my dissatisfaction. The first was the lack of empathy that the professors had toward student spending. On the first day of school you are expected to have at least $500 in art supplies that are very specific to architecture. The list is not passed down to the students until the first day so there is no way to prepare. Assignments are given out with little to no guidance. Several times, when asking specific questions to professors, their answers were vague and unreliable. I also found that when information was put out, it was commonly distributed to a small amount of students and then it was expected that everyone knew what was going on. The problem with this kind of instruction is that the students are left to instruct themselves. If you want to do that, then why go to school. You don't need to go to school to be an architect, so those of you that do go should expect detailed instruction. It was extremely common for students to have to remind professors that they are paying to be there, they are paying for instruction, and they are paying the professors salaries. Also, the world of architecture relies heavily on the use of software like AutoCad, Revvit, Sketchup, and Photoshop. If you have no experience with these programs, you won't get it here, but most of you assignments will be expected to be turned in using these programs. NSAD is clearly where washed up architects go to die! Apparently those who can't do, really do teach. Lastly, if you are going to have a school dedicated to architecture and design, why whould you have it in an old run down building in a homeless infested area of San Diego?"

"The school is very useful for a untraditional type of education. However, the workload seems to be slightly unsubstantiated."

"I was surprised on how much time and energy is spent in this program - you honestly cannot expect to have a life if you really want to excel. My biggest complaint about the school is the lack of financial help. There are very little scholarships, etc and it's an expensive area to live (and you want to live close to campus since you're in studio until you're cannot keep your eyes open). However, the school has some really great connections that make it worth attending."

"New school of Architecture and Designs' graduate program of Architecture is highly positively intense . The work load is huge but It helps keep students in a rapid rhythm and always focus on their studies. The wide range of faculty's diversity brings a sense of culture in the design world. Diversity is important in every design department. The school needs to have a larger space for work and storage. The space is limited for the students to store projects. Making studio look like a disaster by the finals week."

"It is a for profit education. Sometimes the education is great and sometimes it is lackluster."

"This is an expensive school. It is NAB accredited, but it does not fall in any rankings. The professors are keen and intelligent. You will just come out with a financial debt that you will not be able to repay."

"Talented, eclectic staff that all have their own unique style. some students may not enjoy every professor but when they find the one they do "click" with, they will grow and learn quite a bit."

"This is only my first term but the problems at Newschool seem to be outweighed by the advantages that come from an excellent job placement program."

"NewSchool offers an amazing studio culture, but as far as academics, it is up to you to make your tuition dollars count. Teachers are accessible, but will not hand hold. If you put in the effort you will get an unparalleled education and experience. If you are not as motivated, you will come out with a mediocre experience overall. The campus is open 24 hours and also has 24 hour security for those inevitable late nights. The campus has a print shop, (free printing is included in tuition) and a fully equipped workshop with tools, laser cutters, a 3d printer, and anything else you may need to build your models. My experience at NewSchool has been top notch. If I were applying to M.Arch programs today I would make the same choice and pick NewSchool."

"I have always believed that school is what you make it. NewSchool is no different. If you put in the effort to learn, try, explore, the faculty and staff are here to help you in any and all ways (and most, if not all, have an open-door policy). With a downtown setting, and 24-hour access, the school is very aware and concerned with student safety and they bolster this with 24/7 security who monitor the school as a whole, as well as walk students (or take them in the provided golf cart) to their cars at all hours of the night. Everyone associated with NewSchool is here for the betterment of the school, the student's education, and for architecture and design as a discipline and profession."

"The size of the school allows for great communication with faculty that usually are also professionals in the field (which means very good contacts too). The course is challenging but from architects outside of school, I heard it prepares well for what will be the practice later on. The studio culture is very present and generally there is a good interaction between students specially when help is needed! so far i love it!"

"I love the school and the program. The only issue was locating housing in the surrounding area since the school does not directly offer housing."

"The school is very challenging: you must be dedicated to the field of architecture. You work long hours to meet deadlines, but the friendships you make during long hours in the studio are immeasurable."

"NewSchool has some excellent professors in both the studio courses and the supporting classes, however they are balanced out by some obnoxiously unhelpful ones. This is true with any school however, and the school has an excellent academic library, machine shop, laser cutters available for the students to use 24/7 for free, free printing, and spacious work studios. Graduate programs are meant to be more self motivated and provide you with the opportunities to make as much as you want from the program. The East Village can be rough, especially at night but the neighborhood council is doing all they can to improve it. The affordability of this graduate program and the San Diego location are also great benefits to coming to NSAD."