PcM passed on the first try - here’s what I did:
I passed PcM on the first try - here’s what I did:
1. I started with Black Spectacles, but found that there was not enough detail - it was too generalized - but definitely a great overview. Then I tried to read PPi’s manual but its just not engaging .... maybe for someone else, but not for me.
2. I then discovered ‘Architect Exam Prep’ ( Eric Corey Freed and David Doucette’s ‘whole enchilada’ program) I took advantage of the free 15 minute coaching call with Eric - it was really helpful, and the price for the comprehensive program is great - definitely a bargain for all that you get in the ‘whole enchilada’. I studied Architect Exam Prep until I could score 95-100% on all the practice tests and case studies.
3. Then I went back to Black Spectacles and did their practice tests until I was scoring 95-100%.
4. Then I looked at the forums and studied Linda’s notes - they are excellent - thank you Linda ! I read relevant sections in AHPP, downloaded the $20 pdf version to my iPad.
5. Please note that taking any ARE test is also a mental game - when I saw that there is a 51/49 % Pass/Fail rate for PcM, it was a wake up call. I usually don’t get much test anxiety at all, but these tests are different. To help with the mental game I used RTT programs at marisapeer.com; the programs on ‘passing exams with confidence and skill’ and ‘memory and concentration’ are both excellent. These are not specific to the ARE’s - just solid training to get the mind ready for any test. Her training took only 20 minutes per day for about a week, and stayed with me throughout the test, eliminating distractions, and made the whole thing easier. I hope this helps, and best of luck to all !
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Hey Susan, congratulations! Thank you for sharing your study plan!
I am also thinking about getting the Architect Exam Prep. Did you get the whole package? I saw that some of the content they advertise are in Gen 1 and some in Gen 2, do you know if there is a difference? I don't know if I am going to get the whole one or get it separately and wait for them to update the ones in Gen 1. What do you think?
Thanks!
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I got the Gen 2 ‘whole enchilada’. It has everything in Gen 1, plus their new case study guide. Its $129 for the whole package, which seemed like a great price to me. In short, Gen 2 IS the updated Gen 1; it has updates based on user feedback as well as the case study guide.
I took the practice tests as a learning exercise, to discover the gaps in my knowledge. So if I got one wrong on the practice tests, it was a positive - it meant I had found out what I still needed to learn. Eventually I felt like I knew what I needed to, and then passed the real exam.
I forgot to mention in my post that I also downloaded a list of current AIA contracts, then just made my own short list of the ones that seemed most important - or that I wanted to remember ( the LEED contracts, etc). The Schiff Hardin lecturers on contracts are great to listen to while driving.
I studied all the info to learn it for use in ‘real life’, not just to pass. That mindset really helped.
Good luck !
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Sorry Thara, after researching that link, it appears to be broken. If you send me your email by assuring my email (info@luxurydrafting.com), I will send you those notes. Hope this helps!
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