Canada · Current published process; 2027 writing topic must be confirmed
Carleton Architectural Studies portfolio writing
Carleton's Bachelor of Architectural Studies asks for one portfolio even if an applicant selects more than one of its Design, Urbanism, and Conservation and Sustainability majors. The school says the portfolio includes a short piece of writing, a brief biographical CV, and visual work, but updates the writing topic for each admissions year.
Writing format
A short writing piece, succinct biographical CV, and visual portfolio
What to prepare
- 1Read the current portfolio package before drafting: Carleton changes the short writing topic, so a response to an older topic may not answer the live task.
- 2Use the biographical CV to identify experiences that shaped your interest in buildings, public space, conservation, or urban systems without turning it into a second essay.
- 3Choose visual work that lets you explain observation, creative decisions, and process; the school's portfolio review looks for original thinking rather than only finished technical drawings.
How to approach the writing
- Keep the short writing task, CV, and visual portfolio distinct, and follow the current package's order and format.
- One portfolio covers all three BAS majors, so make the selection coherent without pretending they use separate writing prompts.
Before you submit
Carleton lists March 1 for the university application and March 5 for the SlideRoom portfolio each year. The school updates portfolio requirements and writing topics during the summer before the next cycle; check the current package for the 2027 prompt, length, and exact submission instructions.
Read Carleton Bachelor of Architectural Studies application process ↗Read Carleton additional undergraduate admission requirements ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.