BIM Q&A | Why do many senior architecture students or professionals advise graduates against choosing architecture?
After nine months of preparation, I finally scored 660 points—quite accurate—and was admitted to my first choice: the Chinese Language and Literature Normal Program at East China Normal University. I did not opt for architecture or any science and engineering majors at Zhejiang University. Having studied for almost a semester and a half, I can say that the freedom and ease in the Chinese department are several times greater than in architecture. My goal now is to become a teacher. Thank you all for your advice!
I am truly grateful to the senior students who shared their personal experiences and encouraged me. Their insights made me realize that architecture, a field I am passionate about, is indeed worth pursuing. Unfortunately, the environment isn’t ideal, and my family circumstances do not allow me to fully follow my passion alone. I will carefully explore other majors. Although my interests are narrow, I hope to find a major that is a good fit. If any seniors have recommendations, please feel free to respond to my other question. Thank you ⊙ Ω⊙ __AI_SC_0_.
I also hope this answer can assist other graduates struggling with whether to choose architecture.
I consider myself part of the “second generation” facing this dilemma. After reading various answers, I want to emphasize that every industry has its own appeal and challenges. I understand the saying, “If you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.” I am ready to work hard, but I also know passion and effort alone aren’t enough. I worry about the financial side — the cost of college and the salary after graduation. My family is still in debt, my parents have low-paying jobs, and I have a younger brother in elementary school. After graduation, I will need to earn money not only for myself but also to support my brother and help the family.
Right now, I’m unsure whether to stick with what I love (and try to cover college expenses through work-study programs) or to choose a major with lower tuition and better job prospects—something more cost-effective.
Since my sophomore year, I’ve wanted to pursue architecture. I have liked drawing since I was young, though not as a major. I prefer design and chose physics and chemistry to prepare for architecture. However, I’ve read experiences from industry veterans about the construction field’s challenges: a hierarchy of disdain, high costs, and effort that often outweighs the returns. This made me consider other majors. Yet, compared to others, none attract me as much as architecture, so I still want to study it.
Recently, when thinking about buying a computer (many recommend having both a desktop and a laptop), I began doubting again—is architecture really unsuitable for someone from a modest background? Is it really that expensive to study architecture? My college entrance exam score is about 660+ (in Zhejiang Province), but I’m unsure which universities with strong architecture programs I can get into. I hope to stay in the southern coastal regions, like Southeast University or Zhejiang University, but I feel I might not qualify for them. Now, I feel quite confused.
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