I'm continuing from thread 34114. I'd asked advice on interdisciplinary studies. Now the nature of my query has changed, as I've been accepted. I want advice on the study permit. So thanks to you guys for your help. Here's my situation in detail.
My profile -
- 10th 91%
- 12th 88%
- GAP YEAR - studying for entrances Cry
- B.Arch 68.15% First Class. Had 2 supplementaries ( = failed in 2 external subjects, cleared in subsequent semesters, campus distractions ) Grades not stellar.
- Job ( 2011 - 2013 )- high powered interdisciplinary tech startup by MITians, based in Silicon Valley ( half team in Delhi ), funded by big VC firms such as Mitch Kapor, Lerer Ventures, General Catalyst Partners -$1.8 million seed funding. Made it to TechCrunch Disrupt in 2012 6th spot. Unfortunately closed down in 2013 due to lack of 2nd round of funding.
- Our product was a web platform for team sharing & collaborating over architectural 3d models ( sort of YouTube / Google docs for 3D models ).
- I was there from the beginning
- envisaging and ideating about the product and its features, from an Architect / Designers perspective,
- collaborating with and helping the software engineers understand paradigms and requirements.
- Researching market trends and technologies, studying research papers and compiling information.
- Then myself learnt hands on web development, began coding and developing on my own to add features.
- Learnt 3D graphics programming on my own and managed most of the front-end 3D and managed to implement a cloud based renderer.
- Implemented a few research papers as solutions.
As you can see so far, very unique and niche skill set.
- Birth of research interest - development of CAD technologies for the design process, collaboration over design and alternative solutions, role of computer graphics in research.
- GAP 1 yr - Quit job to contemplate gradschool. Looked up research. Worked on my website - couple of paper implementations on graphics ar3f(dot)in for 1 yr
- Accepted at SFU - MSc Interactive Arts & Tech ( 3 yrs ), with supervisor.
- Area of research of supervisor - Design Alternatives, matching closely with my area, and several overlapping
- $20,0000 annual funding package, subject to good performance. Includes RA, TA, grant and scholarships.
- SFU research degrees fees are @ local rate for internationals - approx. $6500 p.a.
Background -
- parents NRIs. Father working as Principal Civil Engineer in Saudi Arabia. Mother housewife.
- Father will support - funds in excess of $100,000 ( FD + savings ).
- another significant amount in shares, not sure
- Property - one flat owned by mother, one by father. More to inherit ( if grandparents oblige :P)
- my salary package was ok - ended with 10 lac annually ( though hardly any savings left :P)
- GRE Q 159 V 157
- TOEFL 111 = 24+28+29+30
So guys, how should I proceed for a study permit ?
I fear: my negatives -
- Gap year after school
- poor grades in college ( lack of motivation, nasty professors, design based course - subjective judgement )
- gap after job
- parents NRIs - ties to country ?
- very niche / unique area. What jobs in country ? ( I will find my type, or have my own startup. I'm not bothered ! )
My positives -
- very niche / unique area - very strong research focus ( can work both ways )
- solid work experience
- stellar recommendation letter(s) - my ex-ceo is an MIT award winner with 2 start-ups under his belt and also *hold your breath* - a TEDFellow. He is my friend, philosopher and guide, and strongly recommends me everywhere.
Phew !
Now how should I approach and what should I write as the study plan / SOP ? What documents should I provide ? Remember, my parents are NRIs - some docs may be hard to get !
Location: God's own country
Posted on: 10-05-14 05:04:55
Hi,
All the best.
Senior will guide you. Esp. FH. So wait for him to get a chance.
I replied since I am also an Architect. From NIT of Trichy in TN.
I immigrated to the GTA in 2002 and left to India in 2011.
Peace
Murali Krishna (not my true name)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I am a Gents and not a Ladies.
Thanks a lot man ! Indians should stick together and architects should as well. And Indian architects should be inseparable !
You came back to India in 2011 ? Why ? What was the scene like in the GTA ?
Quote:
Originally posted by illuminaut
I'm continuing from thread 34114. I'd asked advice on interdisciplinary studies. Now the nature of my query has changed, as I've been accepted. I want advice on the study permit. So thanks to you guys for your help. Here's my situation in detail.
My profile -
- 10th 91%
- 12th 88%
- GAP YEAR - studying for entrances Cry
- B.Arch 68.15% First Class. Had 2 supplementaries ( = failed in 2 external subjects, cleared in subsequent semesters, campus distractions ) Grades not stellar.
- Job ( 2011 - 2013 )- high powered interdisciplinary tech startup by MITians, based in Silicon Valley ( half team in Delhi ), funded by big VC firms such as Mitch Kapor, Lerer Ventures, General Catalyst Partners -$1.8 million seed funding. Made it to TechCrunch Disrupt in 2012 6th spot. Unfortunately closed down in 2013 due to lack of 2nd round of funding.
- Our product was a web platform for team sharing & collaborating over architectural 3d models ( sort of YouTube / Google docs for 3D models ).
- I was there from the beginning
- envisaging and ideating about the product and its features, from an Architect / Designers perspective,
- collaborating with and helping the software engineers understand paradigms and requirements.
- Researching market trends and technologies, studying research papers and compiling information.
- Then myself learnt hands on web development, began coding and developing on my own to add features.
- Learnt 3D graphics programming on my own and managed most of the front-end 3D and managed to implement a cloud based renderer.
- Implemented a few research papers as solutions.
As you can see so far, very unique and niche skill set.
- Birth of research interest - development of CAD technologies for the design process, collaboration over design and alternative solutions, role of computer graphics in research.
- GAP 1 yr - Quit job to contemplate gradschool. Looked up research. Worked on my website - couple of paper implementations on graphics ar3f(dot)in for 1 yr
- Accepted at SFU - MSc Interactive Arts & Tech ( 3 yrs ), with supervisor.
- Area of research of supervisor - Design Alternatives, matching closely with my area, and several overlapping
- $20,0000 annual funding package, subject to good performance. Includes RA, TA, grant and scholarships.
- SFU research degrees fees are @ local rate for internationals - approx. $6500 p.a.
Background -
- parents NRIs. Father working as Principal Civil Engineer in Saudi Arabia. Mother housewife.
- Father will support - funds in excess of $100,000 ( FD + savings ).
- another significant amount in shares, not sure
- Property - one flat owned by mother, one by father. More to inherit ( if grandparents oblige :P)
- my salary package was ok - ended with 10 lac annually ( though hardly any savings left :P)
- GRE Q 159 V 157
- TOEFL 111 = 24+28+29+30
So guys, how should I proceed for a study permit ?
I fear: my negatives -
- Gap year after school
- poor grades in college ( lack of motivation, nasty professors, design based course - subjective judgement )
- gap after job
- parents NRIs - ties to country ?
- very niche / unique area. What jobs in country ? ( I will find my type, or have my own startup. I'm not bothered ! )
My positives -
- very niche / unique area - very strong research focus ( can work both ways )
- solid work experience
- stellar recommendation letter(s) - my ex-ceo is an MIT award winner with 2 start-ups under his belt and also *hold your breath* - a TEDFellow. He is my friend, philosopher and guide, and strongly recommends me everywhere.
Phew !
Now how should I approach and what should I write as the study plan / SOP ? What documents should I provide ? Remember, my parents are NRIs - some docs may be hard to get !
-----
You have been admitted into SFU with your B.Arch and Liberal arts program background. The science subjects though might refresh your abilities at the fundamental levels, your lack of attention in this subject matter will hold you back in further advancement in the M.Sc. field. Yet you have the entrance into SFU, in their M.Sc., Course, as they have pulled you up once again with your boot straps by the recommendation letters provided to you by the suitable references.
You also have a silver spoon in your mouth, they have provided you with RA and TA supplements. You might scrape through financially. Though you are well settled, you must raise a sum of $20,000 for your studies and stay there for the three years and other minimal expenses that will call for.
I don't see any courses there at SFU that will provide you with your goals in the following subjects from their course curriculum for M.Sc., So, I would advice you to get in touch with the proper committee prior to enrollment. Obtain proper guidance through this group or similar one recommended by them.
Here is a link to one such group. : http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies.html
" I was there from the beginning
- envisaging and ideating about the product and its features, from an Architect / Designers perspective,
- collaborating with and helping the software engineers understand paradigms and requirements.
- Researching market trends and technologies, studying research papers and compiling information.
- Then myself learnt hands on web development, began coding and developing on my own to add features.
- Learnt 3D graphics programming on my own and managed most of the front-end 3D and managed to implement a cloud based renderer.
- Implemented a few research papers as solutions "
Your GRE and TOEFL ranking is good and your ability to comprehend and read has thrown you off many an instances and your concentration or lack there of is indicated by the marks you have shown there in the reading.
It is my opinion that you may have to take One or several courses if you find that your prior studies did not provide an insight into them.
You are from the school od hard knocks and you have overcome them in your own way without having proper mentoring in these subjects that you have a claim to fame. NOW to obtain a Degree in M.Sc., in well conducted and structured courses you will be taking, you will have to go back in to the fundamentals of the science subjects as and when you encounter them, and when you start each course in SFU. This is my observation from the materials provided above and you have a degree in Architecture.
Hence my suggestion that you throw it open to the Committee, a link which I have provided to you above and seek their able guidance from them right at start of the Semister and prior to enrolling. Also see who is the Department head that is providing you with the grants and seek his assistance also. As he is the one currently backing you up here in Canada for the next three years.
You have to pull up your socks and go hammer and tongs with your studies and avoid all of the diversions to which you seem to get attracted easily. YOU DON'T NEED IT for the next few, ensuing years.
Good Luck.
FH.
EDIT : SENATE..
1.3.5 Admission Under Special Arrangements
Exceptionally able applicants who wish to work for a master’s or doctoral degree outside or between existing programs at Simon Fraser University may apply to work under special arrangements. A student applying for special arrangements must have a well developed plan of studies in an area that can be shown to have internal coherence and academic merit, and in which the university has appropriate expertise and interest among its faculty members.
Graduate students applying or working under special arrangements are required to conform to Senate regulations for graduate students. However, there are additional regulations which concern only those applying or working under special arrangements. Enquiries about these regulations should be directed to the Dean of Graduate Studies by December 1st of each year for admission to the fall term.
Students working under special arrangements may be required to complete a selection of courses from existing programs.
Thanks a lot for your reply. From this, I understand that my "Study Plan" should be well written explaining the path that led me there.
However, there are certain things that you may not have considered in your evaluation.
Firstly -
Architecture is NOT a Liberal Arts degree in many countries - including mine. It falls under the Faculty of Engineering & Technology. Entrances are governed by rigorous tests in the Science group of subjects along with an aptitude test in design and spatial reasoning. The course also has two years of strong Math and Structural Mechanics / Design of Structures - the latter being calculus based and a component of Civil Engineering and some other engineering subjects.
But to do justice to the description of Architecture - it is actually a design based discipline. It often converges with industrial design, landscape design, urban design and product design and there is a lot of interchange.
My school is one of repute, in India and abroad - we've had lots of alumni attend top architectural Master's programs in the world, in schools which include MIT, Harvard, CMU, UPenn, USC, SUNY Buffalo, AA London, UCL, Politecnico di Milano and University of Sydney. This means the subjects taught here are widely recognized.
Secondly -
The same program has an M.A and an MSc outcome - the choice of courses and research area will decide whether it's the MSc or MA. Since the supervisor I applied for deals more with technology and science-based subjects, mine is an MSc. He himself is an architect and deals with visual analytics, parametric design and CAD technologies. These are all at the intersection of architectural design or design and where technology finds an application within it. Such areas of research have become popular even though it's still niche. It is conducted in many schools of repute now, including the ones I mentioned above.
There are several architects studying MSc and PhD at my program already, quite a few under my supervisor, including one from India. They too, though with different specializations, fall under the same umbrella of research areas.
Thirdly -
Admitted students are of different backgrounds - graphic designers to architects to computer scientists- just to name a few. My research group, is specially composed of architects and computer scientists.
The courses are all of interdisciplinary nature. The first course is recommended for all which explains the convergence of these ideas from different disciplines. There is no "prerequisite" background, nor will someone with a liberal arts background be prevented from taking a course in emerging technologies in art or design. The are specifically designed for these sort of interests.
The latest buzz in architectural research is the generation of forms with computer algorithms - loosely referred to parametric / algorithmic design ( mentioned earlier ) and involves a lot of 3D - which is also what I mostly did at work. Infact there is a course called "Spatial Computing" which teaches just that. That's why I am not sure what you meant when you said
Quote:or your reference to 1.3.5 Admission Under Special Arrangements
"I don't see any courses there at SFU that will provide you with your goals in the following subjects from their course curriculum for M.Sc., So, I would advice you to get in touch with the proper committee prior to enrollment"
My reason for asking for help is to help me navigate the process on three points - 1) A niche area of study 2) Grades of the poorer side which I made up for in work experience, a couple of gaps 3) Parents living abroad
Maybe in the light of the new information I gave you, you could give me another opinion ?
Quote:
Your entry into SFU is based upon your B.Arch Degree. It is more math based engineering involving all phases it calls for. The Classification there at SFU is B.Arch and B.A, liberal arts. That is evident. You also know it. What they do any where else with the courses is immaterial now. But my focus is directed towards SFU and your needs there and the onus is on you to find the exact requirements and the the course load placed on your shoulder to complete it with. Also, they are easy to approach and get along with and so follow up this subject with them.
Currently, the new fad at most of the universities is to get an intake of students from all fields and all walks of life and with thier 'niche' field of experience expand the programs for you and also for others in the future, with the experience they will acquire from this experiment. Bear in mind the requisite credits need to be completed and hence the suggestion to you to agree upon the required modules in the initial entry. Hence the request to you again to agree upon a plan of action.
There are two ways of looking at the subjects and the level and the grades that you have completed them with. Are they there in your courses that you will be furthering there with. If so, are you comfortable with the level at which you are entering into, OR you have to back fill them. If it is of no importance and just to cover the subject, then you will fly through those subjects. But to ace them you maight have to take a supplementary course or a summer class, if they are available. It is my opinion you cannot substitute it with the prior work experience to obtain course credits. It has been provided to you at the the time of ENTRY.
Since, they at SFU are the one who will be handing you with an M.Sc., Degree, they ought to be the one who will have to make that decision and provide you with the required credits that you ought to complete to obtain the same. Hence my suggestion to you to contact their SENATE Commitee to determine your course load.
I do have a few of the CADCAM programs that I used, those that were sufficient in design and planning but the newer versions have been there that display them in THREE DIMENSIONS and I have not upgraded them nor are they developed to such an extent that I can get a print with them in 3D. At the same time they have been using similar programs, with which they are able to build TEN HOMES a day and open them for sale the next. All of this is currently made possible with the 3D programs.
http://www.3ders.org/articles/20140401-10-completely-3d-printed-houses-appears-in-shanghai-built-in-a-day.html
http://www.3ders.org/
You will see the use of Parametric Alogarhythms that they use in their productions above and how high a level at which it has advanced currently. I always question the issue of the factor of safety with which these designs got approved and in some other how long a period of test had to be conducted to get approval for the parts that they want to use on HUMANS.
We can always rush science and its application but I will always respect the factor of safety with which it has progressed.
Hope I have touched the subjects that you raised with your interests in mind and the suggestions that I have given here are to enable you with a specific course of action to arrive at the final destination with the mortar boards flying in the air and see a very happy life and a future from then on.
Life is a HIGHWAY and the success with which you transit is in its planning.
FH
Thanks. That makes things easier with the academic part. Now I hope someone helps me with a few tips on the visa application.
Great to hear you use CAD. Please look at Revit Architecture / AutoCAD Architecture ,
Graphisoft ArchiCAD. They are much more intelligent and comprehensive. You basically construct the building virtually from bottom up - no need for plan and separate 3D. Important information such as quantity of materials and prices can also be included, and these can be shared with other engineers for collaboration. These are known as Building Information Modeling ( BIM ).
During my work experience we dealt with tie - up company in 3D printing as well - if you can extract a water-tight 3D model of the building - you can get a printout, albeit a very expensive one.
