PPD or PDD
I have failed both PPD and PDD. I have taken PPD THREE TIMES and failed, and only taken PDD once and failed. I don't even know where to begin again. Any suggestions from those of you that struggled to pass these? Was one easier to pass on the second (or fourth) try??? Losing my momentum here....Thank you for any pointers.
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Jennifer,
Thought I'd throw out a different strategy - have you considered PA? Just wondering if perhaps the detail level of questions that PPD and PDD have might not necessarily be in your wheelhouse, but maybe more Pre-Design questions would? With respect to momentum loss, I've found that a lot of people on here have taken the approach of "get a win under your belt" to quell such feelings. Wondering changing gears altogether and trying to tackle a totally different exam would help out, and allow you to take a break from these. I say PA because you've already studied material for PPD and PDD, and there's a good amount of overlap there with PA too.
Then again, you might tell me you've already passed every other test and it's just these you're trying to tackle!
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Check out the ARE tab to see notes on different building systems formatted graphically on 8.5x11 sheets
Architecture Exam Notes - Arc Infographics
Test taking was one of my biggest weaknesses but after taking and failing the architecture exams a few times, my perspective on the subject changed. I learned that everyone needs to find their approach to digesting the information, and I found that the best way for me is an organized and graphical representation of the material.
While studying for PPD and PDD, I created detailed diagrammatic notes on the contents of the exam using multiple sources including, but not limited to, Amber book, David Doucette's ARE Prep, Building Construction Illustrated, Building Code Illustrated, Architect's Studio Companion, Heating, Cooling, Lighting, Plumbing, Electricity, Acoustics and more.
To digest and organize the information, I found that graphically translating the material would connect the information both visually and mentally. My memory no longer needed to shuffle all the information coming through, but instead was able to construct the connections between each concept.
My classmates found my notes extremely beneficial once some knowledge was already established regarding the content of the exam. It helped teach, double check, and reinforce their knowledge on multiple subjects as they studied through the months, and was a well-rounded resource to review prior to taking the exam. I spent months organizing and reorganizing these notes, not only for my benefit, but for those who are in the same boat, trying to obtain their architecture license.
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