Done with ARE

Finally, the post I always dreamed of writing since starting the ARE journey in 2016. I'm done with the ARE, and all I can say that no matter how dark and long the tunnel looks, there is an end to it!

I joined the Bootcamp in March 2020, the very week when COVID madness started, and the reasons were simple: I knew nothing about the content of PPD & PDD, I failed PA although I knew the content, my experience is not that rich at the technical component of architecture. the only thing I was good at is making excuses so I needed the accountability partners and gosh! the Bootcamp has a LOT of awesome people who will answer your melt down text messages in the middle of the night, and they'll support you no matter how stressed out they might be. Not gonna tag here, you know who you are.

Here's the list of the most helpful tips and materials:

1- MEEB, a dry book and not so easy to read, but the diagrams are a must for PPD & PDD.

2- Heating Cooling & Lighting, easier than MEEB and to me it changed everything.

3- Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders, for structures.

4- Architect's Studio Companion. Start with this one, visit and revisit as you go. I remember reading it multiple times, and it's very user friendly.

5- Practice questions:

Erik Walker's, Elif Bayram's, WEARE. these were the best guidance for my studies I did them so many times, and I can't be thankful enough for the wonderful -yet affordable- products.

6- I didn't bother a lot with third party study materials especially for the technical exams, maybe Ballast was helpful a bit.

7- Michael Riscica's bootcamp. The best investment I made in my architectural career, not only the wealth of information and the overwhelming support; but the personal growth: before the bootcamp, I always used studying as an excuse to not treat my body well: bad eating habits, irregular sleep, no workout. The advice Mike gave in the first bootcamp meeting will stay with me for the rest of my life. I'm waking up an hour earlier, getting so much done around my house. I'm happier and healthier, and I even trained to run, pushups and pullups while studying for PPD & PDD.

8- To the awesome ladies out there who are juggling family, work and the ARE: don't listen to those telling you it's hard to do the ARE after having kids... it's totally doable and you will have more discipline than you thought,. Keep in mind that family needs routine, and you can implement your study time into it. This is a very healthy thing to do because your family will learn appreciate your "me time".

That's it folks! Enjoy the process, all the tears and the stress and the heartache will be behind you soon.

Done with ARE

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