PA - 4th FAIL - Out of ideas
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Ivan
I know how you feel I've failed PA just as many in a row. It very discouraging. I've moved onto PPD and PDD and will circle back for PA after I pass those two. Keep your head up, refocus and know that you are not alone. These exams are difficult, but we will push through. Have you heard of Young Architect Bootcamp? I recommend looking up Michael Riscica and his bootcamp. Hang in there. -
Hi Robert,
Thank you for replying. I will definitely look into the boot camp. My plan is to do the same, just move on and circle back. I think my biggest issue is that I can’t study material that walks me through and explains why a location on a site/program is the best choice. We got this!
Edit: I just looked at the boot camp and you need to pass PA in order to sign up. Boot camp is for PPD/PDD
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My advice? Two months I think is not enough, trying to kill yourself only on weekends is not enough and more than help does harm,you need to translate the experience that a long carrier would give you to a short time preparation, and in my opinion constant repetition is the only way to get that
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Ivan, don’t beat yourself up too much. Fails are absolutely normal, and PA is not an easy test at all. Once you pass it, you will be very proud of yourself. Since it took me three attempts to pass it, I wrote extensively on PA (thanks Daniel for the props!), and you will find three specific articles dedicated to PA here:
https://www.marinacurac.com/blog
Also, when it comes to questions related to phasing, I know EXACTLY what you mean. With that in mind, and all other drag and drop site planning/bubble diagrams/floor planning questions, I created a small set of 9 questions which are there to help people navigate those questions very strategically. It all boils down to analyzing every single step of solving this type of questions. Once everything is broken down, you can be a lot more intentional and in control of how you approach these questions. I recorded a video of me explaining my strategy on how to solve those 9 questions I created. If you’re curious, you’ll find it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzRi-1j2xac&t=3156s -
Hey Ivan.
Let me clarify your boot camp comment. You don't have to pass PA to take the Technical ARE Boot Camp. The Prerequisites are to pass pcm, pjm, ce and to have studied and taken PA to be eligible for the technical boot camp. Passing PA isn't a requirement, but studying and taking it is. Many technical bootcampers take PA as a last exam and the boot camp helps them with PA. However there is no bootcamp PA Program. Yes I know that isn't clearly stated on the website. The entire Young Architect Website has been redesigned and will be updated in a week or so.
Good luck moving forward.
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What and how are you studying? I think READING is the key. First read the Ballast book - all the chapters on PA. Then read chapters in the Site Planning & Design book that you need to learn more about. I also read a few chapters of the Problem Seeking book, which I remembered from college, though it was eons ago. Then buy timed practiced exams, and do those for a week or two before your exam. I don't think there's a magical product. Bootcamp is merely provides a cohort and a massive outline of materials from what I've heard (I didn't use it). I suggest digging in and reading. PA is also unique because there are a lot of bubble diagrams, etc, that you have solve. They don't require any special knowledge, but you have to keep your cool and do them fairly quickly. Practicing those types of 'puzzles' will help you do them quickly on the exam. And there are group coaching products out there for PA if you need/want one. We are a 'step up' from bootcamp so to speak. Google search... Good luck!!
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