Structural Systems, the Motherload of too much information

I thought I was making really great progress skimming through the first three sections of the ARE Review manual. Then came the structural systems portion which is about half of the entire book. Structures looks like a big pill to swallow. I can see 40-60 hours easily devoted to this section. In retrospect the first three sections aren't too intimidating, especially if you have studied for LEED. Schematic Design has no multiple choice, just two graphic vignettes. That said, these are considered to be very challenging. I will blog specifically about this section so you know what to expect.

Week 1: Lots of skimming

I spent the last week skimming the first couple chapters of PPI's ARE Review Manual. I only got through the first two test sections, that being said I am confident that my LEED exam will help me in the Programming, Planning & Practice Exam. Some things I have noticed in my first week of studying. Get your self organized both in studying and at home. Though I budgeted my time well and have a very understanding spouse, I kept thinking about how my workspace in the basement was kind of a mess and the office upstairs was completely unorganized. Though I lost a day or two in reading, now that I have organized, my study spaces are less distracting. At the beginning, you will go crazy if you try to read every word of the Review Manual. Skimming the pages just to get a sense of the material covered has helped me speed things up and get a greater sense of things I remember from my undergrad Programming class.

Where to begin?

I started with the Ballast/O'Hara PPI ARE Review Manual. This is a huge book, but I figured it was a great resource. It covers all components of each exam. I wanted to get familiar with the exam from a macro level in which I studied the components as a whole. Once I am authorized to take the test, by skimming this book I should know which sections are my strengths and weaknesses. The authors indicate that generally 40 hours should be spent preparing for each section of the test. I will chart the amount of time I spend skimming this material as to keep an accurate amount of time I have dedicated to passing these exams.