UDream Admissions
Take the next step in your career
UDream provides opportunities for promising graduates of architecture, urban design, and urban planning programs.
The ongoing aim of the UDream program is to increase professional diversity in the fields of architecture and urban design, in Pittsburgh and across the nation. We are looking to enroll a diverse group of students who are excited to learn and work in Pittsburgh within a unique cohort of peers.
2024 Program Dates
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: January 31, 2024
- Virtual Open House for Prospective Fellows: April 2, 2024
Program Timeline
- UDream Student Move-in: June 22, 2024
- Youth Give-Back week: June 24, 2024
- First day of classes: July 1, 2024
- Last day of classes: August 9, 2024
- Community Engagement Week: August 1-6, 2024
- Final presentations: August 8-9
- Internship Start Date: August 12, 2024
- Internship End Date: November 15, 2024
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Application to the UDream program uses Slideroom, where applicants can upload personal information, academic information, portfolio or work samples, and complete a written and video personal statement.
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There is no fee to apply to the UDream Program.
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Complete the Personal Information and Academic Information forms in your SlideRoom application.
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Submit a Personal Statement that describes why this program is a good fit for you at this point in your career, what specific focus areas you may want to explore, and your aspirations and plans for the future after leaving CMU, including how you hope to position yourself in design, research, and/or practice.
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Upload to your application, a 30-second introductory video that tells us something about you and your personal interests in architecture or the built environment. We are interested in getting to know you in the context of your application and portfolio submission. The short 30-second video will feature you and needs no staging or post-production - just be yourself.
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Upload to your application as a PDF document, your resume/CV summarizing your education, employment experience, professional qualifications, and any noteworthy achievements.
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You may submit a maximum of 10 media items, which can be uploaded as PDFs. These portfolio pieces should give the admissions committee a sense of your experience, interests, and qualifications for the program. Upload to SlideRoom saved as a single PDF document (maximum file size of 20MB with a maximum resolution of 150dpi).
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Upload a PDF document copy of your unofficial college transcript(s). If you have attended more than one institution of higher education, please merge all transcripts into a single PDF document for upload.
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If you have a personal/professional website that you would like to share with the admission committee, then you may include the link in the program application form. If you would like to attach any other documents (e.g., research papers, professional writing, etc.) to your application you may add them to the application under “Optional Supporting Documents.”
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Ask three individuals their permission to serve as references. We recommend selecting a variety of individuals who are familiar with your work and can speak to your qualifications for graduate studies.
Assign three references to your application in SlideRoom. Once you have saved the recommendation request, your reference will receive an email from SlideRoom requesting them to submit a letter of recommendation and complete an evaluative recommendation form on your behalf. We recommend you advise your recommender to look for this important email in their email inbox as well as their spam and junk folders as sometimes these requests get filtered out.
To ensure that your application receives priority evaluation, please give your references ample time to complete and submit their recommendation on your behalf no later than the application deadline. Your application will not be reviewed until all reference letter forms have been received for your application.
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UDream applicants may be granted a virtual interview at the request of the program Director. Applicants will be notified of interview invitations by email and will only be considered after a complete application has been received and reviewed by the admission committee.
Questions?
If you have any questions about your application, please contact the UDream team.
Statement of Assurance: Policy Statement
Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, ancestry, belief, veteran status or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state or local laws or executive orders.
Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the university ombudsman, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-1018.
Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412-268-2000.
The Carnegie Mellon University Statement of Assurance is available on the CMU website.
Becoming a UDream Sponsor
Are you interested in becoming a sponsor of the UDream program in Pittsburgh? Learn about how you can partner with UDream as a sponsor.