Narrowing schools is a difficult task.

The first thing about choosing a school to study Architecture in is to make sure that whatever school you choose is NAAB accredited.

The National Architectural Accrediting Board "requires an accredited program to produce graduates who: are competent in a range of intellectual, spatial, technical, and interpersonal skills; understand the historical, socio-cultural, and environmental context of architecture; are able to solve architectural design problems, including the integration of technical systems and health and safety requirements; and comprehend architects' roles and responsibilities in society."

So, I have narrowed my choices down.

7. The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Scottsdale, AZ

The school is really nice and all... and I'd have to spend summers in Wisconsin... for whatever studying they require you to do there... but it is a REALLY expensive school. That's why it is last on my list, but some where I would consider going. The other problem is, only their Master of Architecture program is NAAB accredited.... So that means MORE school.

6. Southern California Institute of Architecture, Los Angeles, CA

This school is also expensive. The benefit of this school is that all the programs they offer, B.Arch & M.Arch are both NAAB accredited. AND they have a two year & three year Masters program available. So I would be able to go straight there with my AA and get my masters in 3.5 years.

5. New School of Architecture & Design, San Diego, CA

A representative from New School has been to Norco College a couple times to share information with us. It honestly sounds like an amazing school, and I would love living in San Diego... but I'm not sure if that's really the route I want to take. They honestly accept anyone. The lady pretty much said that they don't turn anyone down, so how is that supposed to make me feel when I'm busting my ass to get good grades and better references to get into a really good school?

4. The University of Arizona, College of Architecture, Tucson, AZ

Oooh fun!! Out of state! New place, new people, new life, new rules! *eeeerrrrrt* $20,000 for out of state tuition? OUCH! Being ranked #120 of National Universities does nothing for me when tuition is THAT high. I might as well go to SCIA!

3. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA

Oh, Cal Poly Pomona... how you tease me so. So close to home, yet so far. Commute to school [[again]]? I think I'll pass on that. We'll see how expensive it gets with living costs when I have a house for free an hour and so from Pomona. I just can't seem to win with a car situation though. CPP is ranked #32 in the Regional Universities, West by US News. It's really NOT that expensive, but the problem is admissions. They don't really accept too many transfer students. Boo. To. That.

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The last two schools are the ones I think about most often. The previous 5 are more my backup schools in case anything goes wrong. But these two, compared and compared over again, have endless possible benefits to them. I am having the HARDEST time deciding.

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California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA

• Ranked #6 in Regional Universities West.
• NAAB Accredited for B.Arch program.
• Affordable: Annual tuition & fees -- undergrad: $4,689
• By the beaches
• Beautiful location
• Hands on learning approach
• Internship placement help

Although this sounds like a great school, which it completely is, there are downfalls... It gets really cold living in Central California, especially by the beach. I'll be far from home, friends, family, and most importantly: my kids. It's expensive to live in SLO, even with all the money they would give me.

Arizona State University, Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, Tempe, AZ

• Ranked #143 in National Universities
• Master of Architecture NAAB accredited program
• Semi-affordable: Annual tuition & fees -- undergrad, non-resident: $8,976. Grad, resident: $5,147
• Close to my children
• Cheap rent, many job opportunities
• Studies locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• Summer Internship Program
• Student AIAS Chapter

The problem I have with this school is that it would take me another 4 years to get my M.Arch because I don't have my B.Arch yet. They offer the BArch, but it is not NAAB accredited, so I would have to continue my schooling for longer than I have wanted. The great thing about this school is that my kids are only minutes away from me. I really would rather only see them on vacations for the next two years so they can return to live with me than spending another 4 years in school. Tough choice tho.

I'm going to go CRAZY trying to figure this out this year. My kids want me back, but I want to be done with school. Two years? Four years? STRESS!! AAH. Someone just tell me what to do! :)