Hey newbie.Phronesis,

Hey!

Hi Cloudpink, applications end up alright? Reply was cut off before.

Hi newbie.Phronesis! I apologize for the late reply! I just saw that my entire message was not posted after editing it. I'm still in the process of completing my applications. I'm still working on my portfolio and statement of interest. In terms of schools, I did my undergrad (HBA in Architectural Studies) at UofT, so that school is my cheapest option. However, I'm not a fan of their curriculum. As much as I love the Daniels Faculty's elective courses (both for grad and undergrad), I still think that they have way too many electives as part of their curriculum (see below for the link). 1) In terms of curriculum (Canadian), I prefer UBC. I want to learn about the Canadian landscape (i.e., urban, rural, suburban, etc.), the type of opportunities that it (the landscape) presents, and how we can create sustainable opportunities for communities living on those diverse landscapes. 2) UBC offers co-op and directed study, which UofT and Carleton don't. 3) I looked into CSALT and Action Labs, which convinced me to apply to Carleton. 4) I wanted to apply to Columbia GSAPP because of their research centres - the Post-Conflict Cities Lab and the Buell Centre. Learning and researching post-conflict cities (PCC) became the interest and convincing factor for staying in architecture school. After 2nd year, I was close to dropping out of the program because I didn't feel like I was progressing or learning anything until I took a course on PCC (offered by the faculty). 5) Even though Columbia is my dream school, it's way too expensive in this economy. 6) I know that UofT has the facilities you mentioned in your response (I'm not sure about plastic printing, though). 7) In terms of cities, I live in Toronto, but I've never been to Vancouver. 8) One thing I haven't been able to wrap my mind around is why certain Canadian schools (i.e., Waterloo, Dalhousie, etc.) have 2-year programs, and some have 3 (i.e., UofT, Carleton, UBC, etc.). What's been excluded (for 2-year programs) and what's been included (for 3-year programs)?

I realized I forgot to add the link in the response: https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/programs/graduate/master-architecture#Curriculum

Usually the "3rd" year is really a 1st prep year for non-arch students like at UofT and Carleton (see the Advanced Standing section); you'll likely have a pre-Master's year everywhere if you lack an accepted arch background. Some university's might also be 3 years if semesters aren't condensed or are mixed with work semesters, though I went through a 2 year M.Arch so not entirely certain. 

Oh, btw if you have time might be worth visiting Vancouver to see if you like it - west coast is quite different than the east! Also bear in mind - there was a recent posting from a disgruntled UBC student: To all the disappointed students | Forum | Archinect

Hey Non Sequitur! I apologize for the late response. I got my HBA in Arch. Studies from UofT, so I don't qualify for McGill's M.Arch program :( In this economy, the only way I can go to Columbia is: 1) a heap of money falls from the sky and into my hands; 2) a full-ride scholarship; 3) in my dreams. UBC is at the top of my list. As I said in my response to newbie.Phronesis, I like UBC's curriculum and the fact that they offer co-op. I haven't been able to get my hands on Carleton's curriculum. Their website is a bit difficult to navigate. I was able to access the sample curriculum from their website, but not the full version or course descriptions. I plan on teaching after I get my licence. I want to have my own practice someday (a person can dream), but I want to teach at UofT. That school is not taking advantage of its location (within the province and the city) and funding. There's so much that UofT with the funding they receive (i.e., create more studio courses, co-op, expand its network, create research centres and labs, etc.).