Oh... well, I supposed we're both in a very similar boat right now haha.

Also for future applicants, I think showing a wide range of creativity helps as well. I am trained in classical indian dance and so I danced in front of the panel. They interview almost 500 applicants so do stuff that will make you standout, as well as have a strong and diverse portfolio. I wouldn't say my portfolio was awesome but I had almost 30 pieces in my portfolio and I also took my sketch book. They consisted of paintings, abstracts, figure drawing, 3D model, 3D renderings, oil, pencil, acrylic, water color, pencil sketch, building sketch, detailed building sketch, etc.

^^agreed. you do need to really really show you are passionate about architecture. Describe buildings, learn the names of famous/contemporary architects and buildings. Form opinions about them. Know those buildings. You dont always have to say you like all famous buildings, if you dont say it and say why. You won't know where the conversation is going. After I danced I was asked if any buildings wants to make me dance and referred to some old victorian style buildings. Then they asked me if I had to design a modern building for dance what would I do. They asked me about my favorite building at uoft and when I said I dont like their modern buildings they asked me why not. So you never know where the conversation would take you. Describe your favorite buildings (definitely try to know who built them) with lots of passion- dont just say I like it because its nice. Also being aware of how the structure suits the environment it is built in maybe helpful. Show your excitement and your passion and your interest.

Hope all of these helps. I know I was desperately looking for what happens inside that interview room before my interview. Also its an interview so they would look at your personality as well so basically maintain the protocol, smile, be cheerful, don't be nervous etc. :)

I got in! Old news, but yeah.

I've really junkily organized this but hopefully it can provide some help to someone.

Advice I can think of:

-maintain a regular blog of your own art, for however long you choose: can help motivation and give you work to show (however rough)
-sketch often from life
-experiment
-Don't let having a "style" mean you're not pushing yourself any further
-Don't be too self conscious, the fact is everyone makes work from time to time that is below our expectations (I do so almost exclusively )
-keep a sketchbook (don't be so organized to the point where ideas are hermetically sealed from one another, but don't be a slob like me either)
-If you can, bring 3d work (sculptures, etc). Having something for you panel to interact with, more than just a flat image, will make you that much more memorable and show some skill or interest in creating work that has a place in the real, physical world. I didn't, however, though I think it would have been beneficial.
-Go with what works for you. The interview (25minutes) means there are a variety of ways to present yourself and your work. No one should know how to present you better than you. Make use of the advice of others as much as you can but don't let it override what makes you different from them, 'cause that may just be the thing that gets you in. Haha, learn to filtre, I got a ton of great advice, and tiny bit that I'm all too glad I ignored.


Here is some of what I showed at my interview, starting with the first 50ish images as part of a slideshow, the rest was added now but for the most part was presented in person. The very first image is just a joke, I never showed that.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79252212@N08/sets/72157629842227577/

Apart from my work, I spoke quite a bit about an art & design volunteer radio show I hosted where I would interview all types of creative people for about an hour each (http://radiocrater.wordpress.com/). It was a great experience.

I gotta read through everyone else's advice now, I think I still need it.