Well, because it is a new program, it will be difficult to get any real information from people.

That said, I agree that the program does look like it has a lot of potential. In fact, I considered applying to it. It wasn't what I had in mind when I was looking at programs, but it definitely caught my eye as being something truly unique and very exciting. Digital media is something I'm really interested in. In the end, however, I decided against applying. The reason for this is because, for starters, I hated the idea of having to go between the main campus and the Stratford campus. Too much hassle. And for you, though I'm not sure if it will impact you or not, I've heard that there isn't residence at the Stratford campus. The other thing I wasn't too thrilled about was how many more mandatory courses were required in comparison to Honours Arts. Some might consider that a lame reason, but it is the honest truth. I would much rather tailor my degree to suit exactly what I want to study rather than have it forced on me. Yes, the GBDA program has unique classes only available to people in that program, but -- after checking the list of all UW's available courses -- I determined that a lot of them were very similar to, if not the same as, ones that someone in Honours Arts could take. One could also argue that the paid internship is appealing, just as the international exchange is. Well, co-op is available in Honours Arts and you can study abroad no matter what program you're in. Also, I overall -- even though it is important to have a wide range of knowledge -- get the impression that a graduate from that program will be a Jack of all trades, but master of none. And despite that, the anticipated tuition is over double what someone in Honours Arts will pay.

Anyways, based on all of those things, I decided to go with Rhetoric and Professional Writing. With it I can do the Digital Media Specialization. Doing this leaves a lot of room for electives that I would enjoy much more than many of the mandatory subjects that the other program requires. And it isn't like I'm losing out on business because we're able to take a ton of business courses. As a result, I think it will allow me to be just as well rounded as any GBDA graduate. I also intend on doing co-op so that will benefit me a lot, too. Besides, Honours Arts is a general first year anyway so I could always transfer into GBDA later on if I really wanted to, but that is unlikely. And even if I do, at least I won't be thrown directly into the first run of a new program. In the end, this was the right choice for me, but I needed to look pretty deeply at the options to realise it. You will need to look pretty deep into it, too, in order to figure out whether it is a good fit for you. Good luck in your decision making!

Not sure if this will be helpful to you -- maybe you've even seen it already -- but it is a video UW released of the Fall Open House for the GBDA program.

It is very possible. I wouldn't rule it out, especially if you have a very strong, compelling AIF. Realistically speaking, though, I wouldn't say the chances are exceptionally high. Reason being is that this is a very unique program -- everyone knows such specifically tailored programs usually generate a decent amount if interest -- and also because they are admitting only a very small group of students since this is the first year of the program. And in general, from the video that I linked, it doesn't seem like they will ever take on too many more than they are during this first run. If I were you, I would be actively ensuring that there is a suitable backup that I could be happy with in the event of being disappointed... Just being honest and realistic.

Do you think they give out alternate offers to this program?