Free Study Tips
NO SINGLE STUDY MATERIAL IS GOING TO GIVE YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED. STUDY FOUR WEEKS PER TEST.
For example, Amber Book isn’t great for contracts, and Ballast isn’t great for visuals. I don’t like taking chances, so I decided to study all materials I could get my hands on for each test. I was very blessed to work for a firm that provided me with any study materials I requested, so I was able to try everything. These schedules sort through what worked and what didn’t so you don’t have to.
STUDY FOUR WEEKS PER TEST.
Any more time, and you are probably not focusing diligently enough. The only exception to this is for PPD and PDD. These probably need six weeks. I tried studying for eight weeks for one of the more technical tests, and it did not go well. I remember making a mental note that eight weeks for any test is WAY too long. Go ahead and assume you are going to fail each test at least once. Each schedule has a Plan A and Plan B for this reason. For example, Amber Book isn’t great for contracts, and Ballast isn’t great for visuals. I don’t like taking chances, so I decided to study all materials I could get my hands on for each test. I was very blessed to work for a firm that provided me with any study materials I requested, so I was able to try everything. These schedules sort through what worked and what didn’t so you don’t have to.
STUDY PRACTICE EXAMS.
Instead of reading a million books to get ready for the practice test, just go ahead and take the practice test, and then use the incorrect answers to tell you what you need to learn (see this study: https://knowledgeplus. nejm.org/blog/what-is-the-testing-effect-and-how-does-it-affect-learningknowledge-and-retention/).
FOR PEOPLE JUST OUT OF COLLEGE:
START STUDYING NOW. DON’T PUT IT OFF.
There are a million excuses you can come up with…
“I’m moving to a new city.”
Perfect! you probably won’t know as many people, so focus on these tests for just a few months before you start exploring.
“I’ll just wait until I have more experience.”
Very bad idea…the advantage of being in “study mode” from school far exceeds the benefits of experience.
“I’m so tired, I just need a break from architecture school.”
Valid, but you’re stronger than this!
I decided to treat these tests as an extention of school. At work, you’re the new kid.. you don’t have as many responsibilities right now. Take advantage of that.
FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVEN’T HAD TO STUDY IN A WHILE:
START STUDYING NOW. DON’T PUT IT OFF.
There are a million excuses you can come up with:
“I have young kids.”
Yes, your babies are your biggest priority always.
That’s why you want to get this done as soon as you possibly can.
“My mind is not as sharp as it used to be.”
See this podcast by Dr. Rachel Wu:
https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/lifelong-learning
While you probably have more responsibilities at work and home, you have a lot of real-world experience under your belt. Take advantage of that.
BONUS TIPS:
Drink warm lemon salt water every morning.——————— This helps mind clarity
2. Do a morning workout. ——————————————- This rewards discipline.
3. Elevate your feet at night if you’re sleep deprived.————- This helps blood flow to the brain.
4. Turn your phone off.———————————————– This limits distractions.
5. Pin a calendar next to your desk.——————————— This helps you visualize your goals.