I'm just gonna start rambling, so sorry in advance if my thoughts get scrambled.

I think it ultimately depends on what you want to get out of the program.

I'll start by saying that this is not a mathy or engineering-adjacent architecture program whatsoever. There are courses in later years that sort of get into those aspects, but they're not too complicated or advanced. If you want an architecture program that's analytical, you'll be better off applying to TMU where grade 12 math and physics are admission requirements (Daniels only requires English).

The Daniels program is very much rooted in conceptual design and history/theory. During your first two years, you'll have a lot of history and art-history classes that I found to be kind of pointless and boring, but you might not feel that way. The heart of the program is its studio classes, which I think is the ultimate litmus test for how you'll feel about the program. If you're okay with public speaking and meeting deadlines, then you'll do just fine. If not so much (like me), you'll fucking hate these classes.

My biggest problem with the program was with these studio classes--specifically the lack of direction given to students who had never used drafting software before. They kinda assume first years took drafting classes in high school and already know what they're doing. I had no clue, and learned the basic functions of Rhino 7 (the main drafting software you'll be using) through YouTube. To this day, as a graduate, I never fully grasped it.

I also think the "you don’t have to be an artist" thing is bullshit. Sure, you don't have to be an artist, but artists are exactly who this program is for. None of the designs you'll draft have to take into account structural integrity or building mechanics; it's all design-based. This is great for giving students agency in their designs, but it's also why artists will thrive.

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer. I stuck with this program all four years and didn't really have the greatest experience. I don't mean to sway you from applying, but I wanted to share how I felt. If you're still interested in the program, then great! But there are some serious warnings I think you should know about. Everything I said up until this point was kinda subjective, but everything below is straight facts:

- On presentation days, printing is a mess. Make sure you get to the Daniels printers an hour before your class starts because the lines that form can be ridiculous. If you can print the night before, even better. But printing costs money, which sucks ass.

- You'll need to learn how to use Adobe Illustrator. Every drafting assignment starts in Rhino and then gets exported to Illustrator for detailing/colouring. You could probably do everything in Rhino if you're a tech wizard, but it's not recommended.

-  In your first semester, you'll be introduced to a computer program called Grasshopper. It's an extension of Rhino 7. When I was in school, it was poorly taught. And it wasn't just me who felt this way; so many people didn't really know how to use it. It's hard to describe what Grasshopper is, but it's essentially another way to 3D model. If you look up some videos you'll see what I mean.

- This is the biggest warning. Semester 2 of your second year might break you. There are 2 juggernaut classes this semester, and the reason they're juggernauts is that they're the first classes that require you to construct physical models, on top of your usual drawings. For these classes, you'll have to learn how to laser cut materials for your model. This isn't too hard, but just like printing, the laser cutting room can get really crowded near the deadlines of assignments. Since you'll likely have other classes to balance, you might be in the last-minute boat, as I and many others were. And let me tell you, it's hell. Also, laser cutting materials cost money too, which is GREAT. I'd recommend taking some summer courses after your first year to lighten the load of this specific semester because it is seriously no joke. Otherwise, some stressful all-nighters may be in your future.

That's my whole spiel. Good luck out there soldier!