United States · Fall 2027
UNC Charlotte Architecture 2027 reflection and design exercises
UNC Charlotte's BA in Architecture has a secondary application after the university application. It asks applicants to assemble at least 20 identical paper objects into a spatial construction, document a threshold outside their home in a video of no more than 30 seconds, and then write a reflection comparing the two creative processes. A résumé is required; the portfolio is optional. The university's general first-year essay is a separate primary application requirement.
Writing format
Three required exercises, including a 100–150-word reflection, plus a résumé
Academic integrity
The School of Architecture discourages using AI to solve the exercises. Its reflection rule permits AI editing, but forbids AI-generated text; submit your own observations, design work and writing.
What to prepare
- 1Complete the paper aggregation and threshold video before drafting the reflection; the school asks you to write about the actual results and process, not an imagined design interest.
- 2In 100–150 words, describe qualities of both finished works, one or more decisions that shaped them, and what iteration taught you about creativity and discovery.
- 3Compare analog model making with digital filmmaking in concrete terms: what changed when you tested a paper connection versus revising images, sound or pacing?
- 4Use concise captions or descriptions on the aggregation sheet and your own short voiceover in the threshold video to communicate observations rather than relying on polished production.
How to approach the writing
- For Exercise 1, use at least 20 identical objects made entirely of paper and one repeatable connection without tape, glue, string or staples. Submit two photos with captions on one PDF page.
- For Exercise 2, show a threshold outside your home with a person for scale, recorded sound and your own voice. Do not add background music; submit a public or unlisted YouTube link, not a video file.
- Export the 100–150-word reflection as a separate one-page PDF. Upload it, the aggregation PDF and résumé in the Future 49er Portal, and enter the video link in its own field.
Before you submit
Declare Architecture in the main UNC Charlotte application to receive the secondary checklist. Fall 2027 first-year Early Action primary materials are due November 1, 2026 and secondary materials November 15. The final primary deadline is February 1, 2027 and the final secondary deadline is February 15; transfers and current students have a January 1 secondary priority date. Confirm your own portal checklist and applicant route before uploading.
Read UNC Charlotte School of Architecture Fall 2027 secondary application ↗Read UNC Charlotte Architecture Fall 2027 applicant routes and deadlines ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.