Muffin HQ

Yesterday afternoon, I scheduled 4 of my 7 exams. I am taking CDS in October and 3 exams in November, SPD, PPP, and BDCS. I started tearing as I scheduled the first one. Emotions were strong because I was so happy to finally be making a commitment to the exams and completely panicked because I am now committed to taking my exams. If you asked me 5 years ago if I thought I’d ever be here, no, it just seemed so far away.

I am kicking myself for not doing it while I was unemployed these last 10 months but I also see my new job as an opportunity to learn more about the MEP side of the business and helping me with the exams. I also wonder if I would’ve gotten the job if I was done or had my license. I also wonder how many jobs I may have been looked over for not having a license. At this point, I cannot stress out about it and just move forward.

I am able to do it mostly because my friend is lending me the money so that I can schedule them all at once. Test fees increase by 25% after the new year and all exams have to be scheduled before October 1st to get the old price. Its so fucked up because most people in my business do not have a job or have experienced a pay decrease like me for new jobs. So aggravating, but its definitely kicking my ass into high gear and I am going to take most, if not all of my exams before the year is over.

Having the money loaned to me reminds me of the time I loaned an old college buddy money to go to Europe after graduation, in 1997. I can’t recall how much it was or how long it took to pay back. All I can remember is how happy and important this trip was to her. I was happy to be able to help her at that time. Kind of weird that I had the money back then to lend her, I remember being poorer than poor back in 1997. I think I was couch surfing for a few months before moving in with Kitty in our Park Slope apartment. So long ago, events start to fade but the emotions are still strong.

Back to exams, last year, I promised to go on a multi day bender as soon as I was done with them all. Now, not so sure. Definitely want to do something to acknowledge being done but not sure yet, open to suggestions, so let me know what you would do. If you are not familiar with the exam process, just understand its a big deal and I am making a big sacrifice. Average time is 28 months from start to finish. I am shooting for 3 months, which is only possible if I pass everything the first time. Wish my ass luck.

Archiflash cards are awesome. Most ARE candidates will agree that the cards are super useful (after study guides) when it comes to preparing the registration exams. Today, as I was going thru the Pre-Design cards, I found one card that inspired an email to the Nalsa, the makers of the Archiflash cards. Below is my email to them:

I am currently using a 2003 set of Archiflash cards. In the Pre-design set, card #5 states:

I look forward to your response. Thanks!

Anyways, I hope they write back to me. One can dream!

Since March, I’ve been studying for the Architecture Registration Exams and I am happy to report that the studying has been going really well. No completed exams under my belt but none the less, I feel great about the studying process and what I am (re)learning. I’ve managed to get all the books on NCARB’s suggested reading list from my local library. They’ve also started carrying LEED reference guides.

Here are a few tips for the underpaid, cheapo’s, living in small houses or apartments with no storage space that need, need, need study materials:

1-check to see what your firm owns or is willing to buy. Most firms will purchase what you need for the benefit of the company, you have to ask. You may have to ask more than once.

2-check with your coworkers and ex-coworkers and see if they have any materials that they are willing to lend or give to you. I found if you just tell people that you’re in the process of studying, they will give you stuff. Flash cards will fall out of the sky.

3-check with your local AIA office and see what is in their lending library. Last time I checked, my AIA had all the latest Kaplan materials for the studying community. How nice!

4-check with your local library. Most libraries will have all the books you need but not always the study guides or flashcards. My library allows you to request that they purchase certain materials for the library. I suggest that you should take advantage of that because if you are paying city and county taxes, you are giving money for the library to buy that stuff!

5-only buy what you absolutely cannot share/cannot find/cannot live without! And buy it used if possible. Keep the materials in good shape and circulating in the community.

This works for any exams you may be studying for. Save your money for beer! Have fun!