When it comes to sitting for the ARE, procrastination really isn’t that helpful. Putting off doing something until someone else completes it, just doesn’t work when it comes to passing the ARE. So just do your best to throw yourself into it. Success in some projects only comes from forcing yourself on to the task. Doesn’t sound pretty, but it’s true.
I liken it to two quotes from friends. When you have a really difficult research paper and time is running out, you have to “pull a paper out of your ass.” Well, I don’t really want to have anything in my ass that I have to pull out. The message is that it may not be pretty, but you’ve got to somehow complete that paper. Whether you think it up and write it out, or pull some crap out of your head, it’s just got to be done.
The second quote is, “Choose your destiny.” Let’s say you want to be an architect. You can be one in every sense of the word. It’s all up to you. So pull out all of the stops, start researching your zoning codes and structural formulas and make it happen! It’s all up to you to form your future.
PPI
Hi, architect54! Stop procrastinating and study! Really, it’s hard to study when you don’t have that date looming in front of you. So get that paperwork in and get that date ASAP. NYSEd didn’t take that long to send out my auth. to test. FYI – I passed the beast, ME. On to BT which may end up killing me…
I’m glad you found my blog, albeit I don’t update it enough, and it will be interesting to keep track of yours. FYI – I did my first couple of years at CCNY way back in 1991. Ended up in Albuquerque at UNM. BIG difference in approach. Shoot me an email if you like.
justdrawinglines,
Thank you for the comment!
I started CCNY in 1992. Our paths have probably crossed.
Well I was inspired to contact the state board because of your comment. They confirmed receipt of the Form 4 Experience Form from my employer. I was thinking to call them again, but I chose patience instead. Now I have to keep on the ball and I have begun studying using the Archiflash cards for pre-design and construction documents.
Congrats on passing Mechanical. Everyone’s opinion is all over the place on these exams. I spoke to an architect, who encouraged me to take the mechanical portion first because it was easy! I think she figured… Well, I’m not sure what she figured. But I am beginning to realize now that passing the exam may be the easiest “part” for me in attaining a license. Part 1: School had a lot of long nights and I had to work tirelessly at conceiving form through reason. Part 2: All of my jobs have taught me, work can snuff out creativity. The exact opposite of what I was taught in school! Part 3: Studying and acquiring knowledge on topics I want to know more about. EASY! Stuff like basic contractual understanding between the architect and owner or owner and contractor. Stuff like heating and cooling systems, baseboards, expansion tanks, recirculation pumps. Stuff I want to know to perform better in my office and to be able to draw with understanding. This has got to be the easiest part in becoming an “architect.” Easiest part of all!
just, we’re gonna get this license and it’s gonna be easier than we thought.
Now part 4: What happens after passing the exam, I’m not too sure about. One part at a time.
Tomorrow is BT and I’m beyond saturation. So now it’s my turn to procrastinate! Probably should turn this into a post.
Take CDs first – it’s an easy study, and getting that PASS letter the first time out is a huge boost.
School and the real world are very different. School for me was a bit different than it is for most – already in my 30s, worked full time, carried a full course load – so I wasn’t able to really participate in the “community” that studio becomes. I had to do most of my work at home, and was on campus only when I needed to be there. I wholly believe that had I gone to school right out of HS (was a drama major at HS of Performing Arts), I would not have completed that journey. But I do regret that I was not part of “the crowd,” so to speak. If you (or anyone else) ever loose your inspiration, chutzpah, gumption, whatever, I suggest you go to the ARE Forum and read a thread about the “oldest intern.” I really thought I was a rarity, and when I discovered the other “senior citizens” there I was truly awestruck.
Ya have to love this stuff to go through taking the ARE! Or be a glutton for punishment, I’m not sure… All I know is that I have really learned a lot because of it, both in terms of base knowledge and what perserverance I actually have in me.
As for post-ARE, well, then the pressure is really on! I’ve been working on my own for a year now, obviously on other RA’s projects. I can’t wait to do my own (been trying to create my own titleblock…), but it scares me because I don’t feel ready for it. Gotta find those wings!
Keep in touch. Oh, and my first two studio critics at CCNY were Peter Lynch and Nandinee Phookan.
Just!
I dropped my first studio at CCNY! The instructor was an African American woman with dreadlocks. I was doing real poorly. One day she and I had a conversation and I realized if I really want to do this I better drop and try again. It was a hard realization, but the right decision. I remember looking into her eyes and feeling like I didn’t have what it takes. I just wasn’t getting it. But I remember this one guy’s work and I said, if that can pass, then surely I can figure this out. In school, you have to believe in yourself. In the real world, your stuff has to pass code (legal) standards. What a difference school and work can be.
Well, anyways the next year I took my first studio with Peter Lynch, too!!! It was my most memorable studio. The students, we all meshed. We all wanted to do good and for some reason we wanted to do good for Peter. We all talked together. It was great. There was a strong religious current too between the students, not so much Lynch. It was a very uncommon experience. I distinctly remember our first crit. I staid up all night working on that. After the model all I could muster was a pencil on trace drawing. I’m still disappointed in the drawing. But THE CONCEPT WAS THERE. That’s what mattered.
I remember when Peter came into the second floor studio. He looked around and seemed disappointed at what he saw. He put his hands thru his wild hair and muttered something like, “Whatever you have put it up.” I was shook. He wasn’t happy. It was like your Dad saying he was disappointed in you. It seemed he too didn’t want the people he had invited to see poor quality. As if to say, “I invited people and this is how you represent me.” I was stricken. What could I do? I could only present what I had. As we each presented he smiled after each one. He approved, man. Each one. And his fellow critics appreciated our efforts and commented accordingly.
I could write more. There are bits and pieces left out. Like when one of my seniors came downstairs and stood off behind the crits as I presented. He’s gone now, too young. But he nodded his approval. It was one of the most memorable experiences in my life. It is why I do this.
Good luck on your exam.