If I could do it, I think everyone can..

This is how I did it:

• Timeline: 6 months, Studying 20-30 hours a week
• Resources used: Amber Book, Black Spectacles, Ching's Diagrams
• Total money invested: $4585

I recently passed by AREs after 6 months of studying with a reading disability. Due to my reading disability, I received an accommodation (50% additional time). I mainly used Amber Book (for content) but also used Black Spectacles (only for Practice Tests) and Ching's diagrams (took snapshots from his books and drew over them for my notes). I have seen people in the forums discussing which one is better but I think the combination of both Amber Book and Black Spectacles works the best. I took copious notes in Apple notes (while I was taking Amber Book courses). I drew my own diagrams using my iPad and apple pencil and incorporated them in by notes. I had so much notes that I had to delete most of my apps from my iPad. I spent at least 20-30 hours a week studying. During exams I took the break just before doing the Case Studies. I spent total of $4585 (around $2000 on the preparation materials and $2585 on registering the exams). I took all the exams remotely. This was my ARE timeline:

My advice:

1. Register the exams before you start studying (this will help you stay motivated)
2. Expect to fail few exams (like Michael Ermann puts it "failing is a feature, not a bug".)
3. Have a realistic study schedule and stick to it (I used to wake up everyday at 4 am and study for at least 3 hours before work)
4. Take notes in your own words (and even draw your own diagrams and sketches)
5. Try taking all the exam in a week or two (since most of their contents overlap, this will save you a lot of time)
6. Take at least 3 practice exams each before taking the exams (I failed 5 exams during my first try because I did not take enough practice tests. On the second try, I passed 4 exams because I took a lot of practice tests. Trust me on this. Practice test and flashcards are more important than you think. For AREs, it is very important to recall the information that you studied...

I hope this helps. I have learnt a lot from this community during the time I was studying for the AREs. So I felt like I needed to give something back.

Perseverantia vincit.

Rajan