- How many drawings do you have? Do you have enough good artwork to fill ~20 pages? Do you have any other creative/artistic projects that you have done, like graphic design or photography? Have you ever built anything? (Just throwing that out there - it's okay if you haven't, since I think most people haven't.) If you have 15-20 pages of work, then you probably have enough to put together a portfolio that will get you in some sort of architecture school.

- Could you find a shorter career discovery program? I don't know of any offhand, but I haven't been looking either. Or one in your city?

- Failing that, maybe you could find more opportunities to produce more art. You at least have some time on your side. Is there a local art or photography class, or even a Meetup-type group? You could also find more opportunities to draw from life during everyday activities like waiting somewhere like a doctor's office, or if you ever take public transportation. Or maybe there is some sort of community/non-profit organization that you could volunteer to do graphic design for.

Just some ideas that came to mind ... good luck!

i'm an m. arch grad student at one of those top ten schools. 

grad school for architecture means lots and lots of hard studio time.  you'll have a chance to expand your skills there, and some schools even offer summer studios before you officially start in the fall.

that being said, your portfolio is important, yes, but what you're trying to say is much more important.  what are you about?  admissions councils are looking for potential, uniqueness, and a personal vision not for you to be perfect already.  people want to know you put in care and hard work into your portfolio. 

the best programs (and I'm assuming you want to go to the best) are looking for interdisciplinary integration, and this may work in your favor.  so show them your unique vision and that you give a damn.

also, i'm sure you know arch grad school is a huge investment not only financially, but in terms of the hours that you'll have to put in.  you'll be tested in your ability to handle a huge amount of stress, work, how to present (verbally and visually), and get along with others almost every day.  your social life may even be compromised. the first year is always the toughest.  these are things they don't tell you before you apply. 

so make sure you're willing to commit. oh yeah, and when you get in, brush up on your digital skills.  ask your school which programs they use and start learning them before you go (it'll save you the stress later).

First, if you like to draw and enjoy it that's great. To me, not very many things are more important than that.      The name is Harold Linton, he was professor at School of Architecture at Lawrence Institute of Technology in Southfield, Michigan.  I have a student that we review registration exam subjects together and we had a conversation about H. L. not long ago.  I have Linton's rendering book that co-authored with Richard Rochon years ago.  I remember I had a conversation with one of them.  That is a good source.  Portfolio is important.         If you can be flexible in terms of location, I am confident that you might be able to find a grad school. Take care. Let us know.