I'm about ready to schedule my first exam PcM and sit one month form now but I'm still confused
I recently wrote to the Community about taking my ARE for the first time after graduating a long time ago. I cannot believe all the information about what to study, how to study, techniques, strategies, etc...Can someone out there give me a straight answer about what to study for my first exam and the best set of study guides and materials? I bought a brand new AHPP and I have been reading through Chapters every day (and night) since I received my book. I also bought the Brightwood ARE Practice Management Study Guide. This guide seems a little simply to me since I've been going directly to the end of each Chapter before reading and taking the Chapter quizzes first. I'm averaging after 7 Quizzes 80%. Not sure if I'm brilliant or the book is easy. I'm going with the latter...
Am I on the right track and should I just enroll in an ARE Prep Study Course? With all the information out here, I can see people wasting their time studying erroneous information that is not relevant to their particular exam. A little HELP would be greatly appreciated!!
PS: Predators stay away please!
Thank you for taking the time to read my plea.
Paul
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Hi Paul, you're right, there are so so many different sources for study materials, etc....If you are starting the exam process and have all 6 to take, I highly recommend signing up for the Platinum Program of ARE Prep, it's a combination of study materials and coaching (to put you in an appropriate mindset for the exams). It has been so incredibly helpful for me, I'm 3 down, 3 to go, started with the program in July. Not only are the study materials excellent, but the coaching and community of others in the program make it a truly inspiring and FUN experience!!! Yes, fun, hard to believe!!! Here is the link, in case you are interested in taking a look: https://areprepschool.com
Best of luck to you!! Keri
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Hey Paul,
From my perspective, doing practice exams is very helpful. And based on my own experience, when I answered a practice question wrongly, going back to the books/AIA contracts and reading that part thoroughly is essential. Only remembering that specific question is not enough.
Besides, I like Elif practice exams (I only used PA, PPD, and PDD which are super good, but I heard that she have PcM recently), WeARE practice exams, and Hyperfine assignments. Young Architects PcM and PjM video classes are good as well. I did not use any materials which need a subscription.
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You should check out ARE Boot Camp from young Architect.
My friend at work took the ARE Boot Camp for her first exam and she just got licensed a few days before christmas. She has repeatedly told me the ARE Boot Camp was the best money she ever spent studying for the ARE, because of all the time it saved her. She used the ARE Boot Camp to study for every exam, even though she only signed up for 1 exam.
I have researched it pretty thoroughly and spoken to several other people who have done it. I plan on taking bootcamp in the spring, when i have more time to study. I need the structure and im sick of wasting my time following bad advice.
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There are AHPP study guides for each exam to keep you focused: https://sganwdesign.com/wiley-publishing/
In addition to the AHPP, I would recommend to study the Ballast material for 3 weeks and do plenty of practice exams for 1 week, such as Designer Hacks. Then do more practice exams.
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