Cheers, Heavens, don't be so sensitive. I certainly never intended to impugn the intellectual depth of you or your husband. You, your spouse, your kids, your dog all lead very interesting lives and could be a model for any young person. [Same goes for yours truly and international business. I've managed to become healthy, wealthy and wise by following a uniquely personal career trajectory that didn't include a traditional business education.]
My point, in "listening" to the OP is that s/he IS one of those undecided teens who is trying to pinpoint a career appellation. Architecture is one several fields that appeal and s/he admits being drawn to the LAC experience as well. So, in his/her case, as in the case of other kids that I am intimately involved in, going directly from high school to a BArch program would not have been the right decision.
Learning IS is lifelong endeavor. (This coming from someone who a few months short of 60 finally finished the complete works of Henry James.
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The question whether an undergraduate education should focus on abstract thought or practical information can, to me, only be answered by the individual.