Matriculation Process

Students applying must have:

• A 3.0 minimum LAEP GPA
• A C- or higher in any individual LAEP course
• Completion of the following prerequisite course:
• LAEP 1200
• LAEP 1300
• LAEP 1350
• LAEP 2300
• LAEP 2500
• LAEP 2600
• LAEP 2700
• LAEP 2720
• PSC 2620

Application must consist of:

• • A letter of intent
  • A portfolio demonstrating evidence of core competencies and visual/graphic communication ability 

Format

The candidate's application will be submitted electronically as an Adobe Acrobat file (.pdf).

• It should be 8.5x11-inch format.
• The file name must be the student's full name, as follows, LAST_FIRST.pdf.
• The file may not be larger than 100Mb. 
• Include the student’s full name on the front cover of the portfolio. 
• Graphic work shall be displayed on a maximum of 10 pages. This page count excludes the Cover, Statement of Intent (described below), Table of Contents, and Back Cover.
• Application should include: 
  • Cover
  • Letter of Intent
  • Table of Contents
  • Portfolio of examples of professional work
  • Back Cover

You can find Matriculation Portfolio Examples on Canvas. 

Portfolio Content

The applicant’s overall creative, analytical, and intellectual competencies will be evaluated, along with their graphic and written communications skill. This can be portrayed in the portfolio by including examples drawn from exercises and projects completed in LAEP courses. Briefly explain each exhibit adding a clear indication of your contribution when the exhibit is the work of a team. Professional work done by the applicant, either on a self-employed basis or as an employee, may be included, but must clearly indicate the exact role of the applicant and the nature of their contribution in the execution of the work.

The applicant may choose to include examples of other design-oriented work such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, and constructed designs (e.g., gardens, furniture, sculpture), as well as examples of non-graphic creative work (e.g., poetry, creative writing) not to exceed two of the allowable pages.

Do not include non-professional materials such as personal and family photos.

Letter of Intent

In the front of the portfolio, the candidate is to place a Letter of Intent describing the applicant’s:

1. Interest in the field and the major
2. Envisioned contribution to the profession
3. Description of their work ethic with at least one example from the previous Fall or Spring semester
4. At least one example of how they contributed to LAEP’s studio culture during the previous Fall or Spring semester

This statement should be a maximum of 1200 words and is in addition to the number of graphic pages noted above. The Letter of Intent will be used to gauge the seriousness of purpose of the individual to pursue a career in landscape architecture, as well as to demonstrate critical thinking and writing skills.

The candidate's Portfolio and Letter of Intent constitutes 50% and the LAEP GPA makes up 50% of the Matriculation assessment.

LAEP Faculty members will assess submissions according to the following general rubric:

Letter of Intent (20%)

• Envisioned contribution to the profession
• Compelling personal connection to the field
• Work ethic and contribution to LAEP’s studio culture
• Grammar, spelling, formatting and composition

Visual Communication (40%)

• Compelling cover
• Overall graphic quality
• Format, composition, flow and continuity

Evidence of Core Competencies (40%)

• Textual explanations of the included work
• Methods of production
• Role in production
• Time/effort required to complete
• Insights gained
• Professional competency demonstrated 
• Explanation of critical thinking applied to the project 
• Progression of quality in competencies
• Overall quality of work across the breadth of competencies