PPD + PDD Multiple Fails - third party resource suggestions?
All,
I have passed all four exams except PPD + PDD. Between the two I have 5 fails. Feeling a bit discouraged to say the least. I've used this forum a lot in terms of resources for all of the exams. Since I can't seem to pass these two studying the materials on my own I'm looking into a third party resources. I've read a lot of Amber Videos, Hyperfine and Young Architect's Boot Camp and am wondering which of these has been the best resource for those struggling through these two tests in particular? Thanks!
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Don't feel bad...I failed PDD 5 times (yes 5) before i finally made it through just last week!
Of all the times I took it, the most recent was the most relaxed, steady, and least confusing out of all of them.
Mind you, I have 20+ years of experience, so things are a little different on my end.
Hyperfine is excellent. Ben does a great job explaining the basics for you. Designer Hacks has some great questions (used those for both PPD and PDD). Building codes Illustrated, Building Construction Illustrated, and look for Jenny's notes (Should still be pretty easy to find, and they are great for quick reading after you have familiarized yourself with the content.
Very important thing to keep in mind, which took me forever to figure out....relax and take your time. read the questions. First understand what they are asking for. Far too many times I would read the question once, glance and think I found the answer, and moved on. With this one you have to be methodical.
Good luck!
For all of the complaining I have done about this exam, I am finally passed it, and I don't know if it has changed or I just figured out what was being asked.
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Vanessa,
I agree with Brian--don't feel bad about your fails. It's important you learn from them. As for which resource you might want to use next, I would strongly encourage you to use the Bootcamp. You will receive so much support and accountability. It's a huge network of folks and if you don't know about a subject, likely someone else knows about it, and vice versa. We learn a lot by teaching and the Bootcamp gives you plenty of opportunity to be a teacher.
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I think that hyperfine is your best bet. That and a copy of Ching building codes illustrated and building construction illustrated. Also I would go ahead and buy a copy of MEEB, architect studio companion and the IBC code. My guess is that you are already reading a lot of this material and since youve taken the exam that many times, I wonder if your having test anxiety over it? what are you studying right now?
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All,
Over the past three tests I have studied: Ballast 5.0, Building Codes Illustrated, Building Construction Illustrated, MEEB, and Architects Studio Companion. I've done practice tests, flash cards and practice problems, studying for each exam for about 2 months. I am definitely having some test anxiety going into it but I'm thinking that's only part of the problem. I tend to struggle with the questions themselves and their wording. It seems like they're always looking for some trick answer or something. All of this has me a bit confused on how to move forward because of course I'm going to try again.
Since I have studied all of the recommended resources of the forum I'm at a loss and thinking I need to change up my way of studying. Which is why I'm looking into paying for one of these courses. My issue with the Boot Camp is the structured schedule, since I tend to be very busy working full time etc. I like the sound of Hyperfine paired with Amber Videos being a bit more relaxed regiment wise. But I've also read some posts stating that people have done the Hyperfine/Amber and still failed, then to only pass after taking the Boot Camp. Any recommendations on which route to take?
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It sounds like your hitting all the right material. I have to imagine that your highlighing the right sections and reviewing your highlights. IF not then you should def do that. Ballast should be PA, PPD and PDD and SKIP ALL THIER MATH. literally just block all that crap out (other then PA net to gross calcs.)
All calcs should come from Hyperfine for like $50 and then check out Engineer4free on youtube.
I didnt see you list Architectural Graphic Standards, which I think is a good resource to have on you.
Other then my recommendations would be:
GET A SUPPORT GROUP. either friends who have taken it and passed, coworkers who are taking the exams now, employers or the like. Find some people whom you can meet with on the regular and chat with them about it. I dont know you but on this post is sounds more like anxiety is your worst enemy right now.
THERE IS NO GOTCHA MOMENT ON THE ARE's the test is not trying to sneak one by you. They are looking for baseline understanding of the material and it sounds like your reading to much into the questions. IF it says whats the cheapest option for structural think about the span and then the cost. what works best for the bottom line.
I run and enjoy doing it and find that it really helps with anxiety. Maybe you should look into other things before hitting the books again. There studies on the effect of Supermanning and tyring visualization techniques before exams. I would look into these before signing up with another service outside of hyperfine.
YOU GOT THIS VANESSA. I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR I PASSED POST. -
I have failed PPD twice and I still think that the exam is fair, and maybe easy too. However, in addition to my language barrier (I guess I spend more time reading carefully than native english speaker) so I street out with the time management. The last take, I had 1 hour 45 minutes for the Case Studies and I finished all 8 minutes before the time expired. I was happy but surprised when I saw that I did not pass. I only have two exams to gom so I will try PDD for the first time in early November so, I don't have to wait two months to retake. Studying for PDD will reinforce contents for PPD. If these are your last two exams, keep trying, you will pass them sooner or later. After having taken PPD twice, I do not think I need to study much more. I need to improve my performance.
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I would strongly suggest using Elif's Study Questions! its AREquestions.com they are really good and are WAY more reasonably priced than some of the other third party study resources you mentioned. Amber Book is good if you can afford it. For Elifs Questions, all her questions are well thought out and are backed up with where the information came from so you can look up the book and chapter and dive deeper if needed! Its also a one time fee which is great, you don't have to pay a monthly subscription! I would definitely check it out if I were you!!
Her study questions have really helped me understand the information, its similarly priced as Hyperfine (maybe a little cheaper) but the content is there and in a similar format as the exam. Hyperfine is a good one as well for making you think but not structured as the exam would be, more of making you think about the information which is good too. I would pick Elif's Questions then Hyperfine then Designer Hacks. Well worth the price if you ask me! I'm just starting to use Archizam which seems good as well from what I've seen, but I haven't really dived deep into those questions (looks similar to Designer Hacks).
also before I forget Elif also hosts some free webinars (listed under the webinars tab) which have been great! she has some others that are paid but VERY cheaply priced! I've attended some of her structures webinars and they are been very helpful if you struggle with structures. She is really good at explaining everything and even takes the time to stay longer on the webinars to answer all the questions she can and explain into depth more if you are still struggling! - Finally someone who actually cares and takes the time to help all of us to understand and pass these beasts of an exam!
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