Can painting classes in high school be useful in architecture?

Hello, I am going into high school this coming september and attending a very high class art program. In the art program we spend the first term experimenting with all types of art materials but since I have quite a lot of experience with art already, I am aiming towards either painting or drawing once the term is over as we must choose one to focus on. I am striving towards architecture and I will even be taking architectural design classes in high school but I was wondering that if I want to be an architect, must I pick drawing as my focus or can I take painting? I love both, but there are more opportunities with painting project wise. Will the skills I learn in painting help me in architecture? Or do I HAVE to go with drawing? I have done some reading and I have come across that art classes for architecture is more of keeping a visual and creative mind. Are both choices equal? Please help!