AP Core
Preparation for applying to architecture school, and the framework and materials behind our tutoring. Self-guided.
I found the materials extremely helpful and insightful. They allowed me to formulate a clear plan for what I would like to produce in the coming months.
C.K – BSc applicant for 2027 entry
Key Points
- AP Core is a self-guided, comprehensive digital resource accessed via a private link, containing a combination of guides, templates and exercises forming the basis of AP’s tutoring.
- Students on tutoring enrollments have access to this by default.
- However, AP Core can be requested outside of tutoring enrollments. If you’d rather not start a tutoring enrollment, you can request this and then optionally request markups.
- You will have access for a six-month period.
- The materials are updated frequently (at least every few months).
- All materials are made by Sebastian.
AP Core contains
- Student Handbook
- An 8000-word document detailing the architecture school application process, from understanding what architectural education involves to preparing and submitting application materials. It explains how architecture schools teach, assess, and review student work. The document covers application portfolios, essays, and interviews, outlining their roles in communicating an applicant’s interests and ways of thinking. It addresses common pitfalls and illustrates how personal interests can translate into architectural ideas. It also sets out a realistic timeline for developing work and organising the year leading up to application deadlines.
- Portfolio Template
- A PDF outlining how a portfolio can be structured. Includes an example portfolio.
- Personal Statement Template
- A document outlining ways to introspectively understand how your personal interests may relate to architecture. This document would provide the basis for architecture-specific application essays (US BArch Supplemental Essays, US MArch 1 SoP’s, and the UCAS Personal Statement).
- Visual Exercises
- A set of step-by-step exercises to get students to loosen up and overcome the fear of the white page. These exercises develop core drawing/visual skills, and, in addition to more personally-invested visual projects, can become a starting point for some portfolio projects.
- Reading List
- A list of 30-40 texts, covering Perception & Phenomenology, Theory & Criticism, Space Drawing & Representation, Society Ethics & Context, History & Precedent, Nature Landscape & Environment, and Making & Craft. Texts are also included outside of the classic architectural canon to help students grow confidence with their personal statements and other application essays.
This is intended for
- Applicants to professional undergraduate programs (UK RIBA Part 1, US BArch, etc.)
- Applicants to the US MArch 1 professional programs.
- Applications to MArch 1 programs are similar in scope to professional undergraduate program applications, since both require portfolios and personal statements from students with limited existing visual work.
