To help prepare you for your early college studies, you might consider doing some of the following.
1. To get a broad brush idea of what your college requirements might be, go to a school of architecture web site and review the curriculum. Match the curriculum up against the courses currently offered. Click on the courses and see what, if any, books are required. Check your library to see if any of those books are available. Also look at the Bureau of Labor statistics at
thttp://www.bls.gov/k12/build04.htm . 2. Go to your local library and ask the librarian to help you find suitable books on the history of architecture and the biographies of famous architects.
3. Take pencil and paper drafting classes, if offered in your school, to develop a hand/eye understanding of line weights and drafting standards.
4. Take CAD (computer aided drafting) classes. AutoCAD is a standard. However, you can download an excellent free CAD program called DoubleCAD XT v3,
http://www.doublecad.com/, and teach yourself how to use it. Most firms start you out as a draftsperson.
5. Take drawing classes, any drawing classes. Of course art history is critical. You will need to learn about perspective drawing.
6. Take the highest level of math available to you.
7. Take writing classes. Excellent grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure is critical in describing projects and writing specifications.
8. Take a speech class. You will be making public presentations, so try to get the hang of it now.
9. Work in construction, if at all possible.
10. Call up a local architecture firm and ask if someone will review this list with you.
Don't let the above overwhelm you, but be prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that will present themselves to you.
Artist and Designer, U.S.
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Answered By: A&D, U.S. - 12/31/2011