U of T Architecture Essay Guide: How to Ace the “One Idea” Supplementary Application
U of T’s Daniels Faculty requires a creative “One Idea” essay and visuals to assess your architecture potential. This guide explains how to approach the prompt, select strong examples, and submit with confidence—with help from Myls Interview.
Why the Daniels Faculty Supplementary Application Matters
The Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design at the University of Toronto is one of the most selective undergraduate architecture programs in Canada. In addition to your OUAC application, you must complete a supplementary application that showcases your creative potential.
The centrepiece of that submission is the “One Idea” prompt—a short essay designed to reveal how you think, make, and solve problems. You can also upload up to two images that bring your idea to life. In this blog, we’ll show you how to craft a memorable response and select visuals that support your story.
What You’ll Need to Submit
Once you apply via OUAC, you’ll receive access to the Join U of T Portal, where you’ll find the Daniels supplementary application form.
It includes:
- A short-answer response to the “One Idea” prompt
- Upload of 1–2 images related to your idea (optional but highly recommended)
- Some academic background questions (related to courses in math, physics, etc.)
The Official Prompt: “One Idea”
“Think of one idea that you have executed which challenged you to be creative in a new way. For example: a problem that you solved; a thing that you made; a situation that you encountered. Tell us about your idea and execution.”
This isn’t about perfect design or technical skill—it’s about creative thinking, personal initiative, and problem-solving.
The Visual Upload
You may submit up to two images that relate to your idea. These can include:
- Drawings or design sketches
- Photos of a model or object
- Diagrams, collages, or construction experiments
- Any visuals that help illustrate your creative process
The goal is to show—not just tell—how you approached your idea.
How to Write a Strong “One Idea” Essay
Step 1: Pick an Idea That’s Personal
You don’t need a big architecture project. Some of the best ideas are everyday things—reorganizing a shared space, creating something with limited materials, or repurposing an object in a new way. The key is to choose something you thought of and carried out.
Ask yourself:
- What problem did I notice and want to fix?
- When did I have to improvise or try something new?
- What was the result, and what did I learn?
Step 2: Focus on the Process
Show the reader how you approached your idea:
- What inspired it?
- What steps did you take to make it happen?
- What decisions or changes did you make along the way?
Admissions reviewers want to see how you work through creative challenges.
Step 3: Use Descriptive, Visual Language
Make your essay easy to picture. Instead of saying, “I built a model,” say, “I built a cardboard structure with intersecting ramps to test how natural light would flow through the space.” Describe materials, shapes, or functions.
Step 4: Connect the Essay to Your Images
If you upload visuals, make sure they reflect what you described. Good pairings might include:
- A sketch of your early concept alongside a photo of the final result
- A layout showing how your solution evolved
- A photo of a handmade model with labels
Even simple visuals can enhance your submission if they’re clearly linked to your idea.
What Not to Do
- Don’t write about a group project you barely contributed to
- Don’t pick something vague or cliché (e.g. “I like art and design”)
- Don’t skip the visual upload unless you truly have nothing that fits
- Don’t ignore grammar and structure—the writing still matters
Key Dates and Where to Apply
The “One Idea” submission is completed via the Join U of T portal after you apply through OUAC. Deadlines typically fall in early February, but always check the official Daniels Faculty website for this year’s timeline:
How Myls Interview Can Help You Succeed
Applying to U of T's architecture is more than submitting marks—it’s about showing how you think and create. At Myls Interview, we help students identify strong ideas, write focused and original responses, and prepare a complete supplementary application that reflects their unique creative voice.
Myls mentors work 1-on-1 with you to:
- Brainstorm meaningful “One Idea” topics
- Develop structured, engaging drafts with targeted feedback
- Select visuals that enhance—not distract from—your message
- Ensure your final submission is clear, polished, and compelling
We also help you prep for university interviews or other creative school applications if you’re applying to multiple programs.
Start your application prep with expert coaching—sign up for free at Myls Interview and get personalized help turning your idea into an offer-winning application.
