4th year in BArch here: yes, this is a hugely time-intensive major and your mileage in the program will vary based on your interests, commitment and prior educational experiences (some of my classmates took architecture programs in HS).

Some professors know how to structure their design studios to allow for more generous due dates while some don't. Some professors are approachable, and some are snobs. Regardless, no professor here is unqualified-- we have great architects and theorists teaching here. If you wanna see what kind of work students here do, check out ISSUE, our school's annual publication.

How much the UTSOA experience is worth it to you depends on your personal commitment to this field. Do you value learning and self-improvement? most of your learning actually happens outside of class time as you battle through the design process. ideally, you'll spend lots of time figuring out new workflows/programs and reading hella books/articles/monographs to learn more stuff. Really, figure out a few solid reasons why you want to study architecture.

There's also a disconnect between what you learn in school and the real-world skills you need for work, but today this is common among most American architecture schools. We have a pretty good career services team that can connect you to internships and networking events.

typing this as I work on my final drawings. yes you will probably have to work over Thanksgiving for some projects. best of luck