Navigating the ARE 5.0 exams with dyslexia was no small feat. It took me 6 months, 900 study hours, and learning from multiple failures. But with persistence and the right strategy, I made it through every exam.
Yes, I even managed to pass 2 exams within 24 hours. If you are on this journey, remember: it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Consistency and persistence will get you licensed. In this blog, I am sharing the study strategy that worked for me.
Round 1: The Initial Challenge
In my first round of studying, I tackled the Architect Registration Examination (AREs) head-on, thinking I could sprint through it. My plan was aggressive:
- 10 weeks of intense study: Studying various ARE 5.0 study guides, reading materials, listening to lectures, and taking detailed notes
- 1 week of active recall: Taking practice tests
- Results: Failed 5 exams, Passed 1 (Project Development & Documentation, PDD)
After failing five exams, I immediately rescheduled each one for 2 months later (the earliest date allowed by NCARB) to keep my momentum going. I also realized my existing study methods were not working, and that I needed to learn how to study effectively. I adjusted my strategy accordingly and pushed forward.
Round 2: Refining the Approach
Determined to improve, I adjusted my study methods significantly in Round 2:
1 week of focused re-study: Researching how to study more effectively, refining my notes, and incorporating diagrams to visualize concepts.
7 weeks of active recall: Focusing on flashcards, quizzes, and practice tests
Results: Passed 4 exams, Failed 1 (Programming & Analysis, PA)
After adopting my new ARE study strategy, I successfully passed 2 exams in a day and found this approach highly effective. Although I didn’t pass PA (which I attempted the same day as CE) I felt confident I would pass it next time.
Round 3: The Final Push
Before Round 3, I took a 2-month break due to personal reasons. Coming back, I wanted to ensure I finished strong:
- 1 week of intense review: Further refining my notes and adding more diagrams to cement tricky concepts.
- 3.5 weeks of active recall: Continuing with flashcards, quizzes, and long practice test sessions to rebuild my test-taking endurance.
- Result: Passed the final PA exam
With that, I had completed all six divisions of the ARE 5.0 in a total of about six months of active preparation.
Lessons Learned from My ARE Journey
As I embarked on the journey to conquer ARE 5.0, I initially viewed it as a sprint rather than the marathon it truly is. I rushed in, planning to finish in just a few months. After my first attempt, I realized that pacing myself over a longer period (like six months or even a year) would have saved me a lot of frustration. Here are the key lessons I learned:
1. Consistency is Key
Just like training for a marathon, preparing for the ARE 5.0 requires consistent effort. You cannot expect to run 10 miles on the first day - trust me, I tried. Similarly, dedicating a few focused hours each day to ARE preparation and sticking to that routine proved far more effective than sporadic cramming sessions.
2. Embrace Persistence
In a marathon, stumbling does not mean stopping; it means getting back up and pushing forward. I expected to fail a few exams during my ARE journey, but I was not prepared to fail nearly all of them at first. Failing 5 out of 6 exams was devastating, but I knew I had to keep my momentum. I rescheduled each failed exam right away to avoid losing my drive. That persistence kept me moving forward, even when things looked bleak.
3. Focus on Active Learning
Initially, I relied heavily on passive learning - poring over textbooks, reading ARE 5.0 study guides, and listening to lectures. However, after my early setbacks, I learned the importance of active recall. This shift in strategy was crucial. Engaging in active learning techniques (flashcards, self-quizzing, and timed practice exams) conditioned my mind to better endure the long hours of continuous questioning that the ARE demands.
Advice for Fellow ARE Candidates
If you are preparing for the ARE 5.0 and wondering how to pass the ARE efficiently (especially if you are dealing with learning challenges like dyslexia) here’s my advice:
- Pace yourself: Treat the ARE journey as a marathon, not a sprint. Give yourself enough time to absorb the material.
- Stay consistent: Regular, focused study sessions (even just a couple of hours each day) are more effective than occasional cram sessions.
- Persist through setbacks: Do not be discouraged by failure. Use each failed attempt as a learning opportunity, and get back on track quickly.
- Embrace active learning: Engage with the material through flashcards, quizzes, and practice tests instead of only reading. Active recall practice will prepare your mind for the exam’s format and the stamina required.
- Adapt your strategy: Be flexible and willing to change your approach if something is not working. Try new resources or study guides that suit your learning style to find what works best for you.
Completing the ARE 5.0 in just six months (while managing dyslexia) was challenging, but it taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the power of consistent effort. Remember, your ARE journey is unique to you. Embrace the process, learn from each experience, and keep moving forward.
As the Latin phrase goes, Perseverantia Vincit - perseverance conquers. With the right mindset and an effective ARE preparation strategy, you too can stay committed to your goal and succeed in your ARE 5.0 journey!