PPI gave me an iTunes promo code that expires March 31st, 2010. So let me keep it quick and simple. This is a brief contest. Next Tuesday night, I’ll randomly choose a winner and post it on Wednesday. Leave a comment of any kind to this post with an email that you check, if you would like a chance at winning this code!

The promotion code is for a free ARE in a Flash: Rapid Review of Key Topics (iTunes link). Essentially if you are studying for the architectural registration exam and would like the convenience of using your iPhone or iPod Touch, then this is for you. I just downloaded mine to my iPod Touch.

I am happy to see PPI got gWhiz involved in building this flashcard app. I’m currently using the free “gFlash+ Flashcards & Tests” app by gWhiz, and I’m happy with that program. Now I’ve got an application whose content and features, I hope has been tweaked by both companies. I’m excited to try out the program and happy to be able to provide someone else with another Architect Registration Exam resource. Please leave a comment if you would like to win this program.

(Make sure to use a valid email. I will expect a receipt response within two days from you, or I will forward the code to someone else. If they use it before you, tough. I don’t want this code going to waste.)

(If you haven’t noticed, few people leave comments around here. So chances of winning are very good!)

What does it take for you to switch over? A cup of coffee? A re-run of The Office? A polite reminder from your significant other? See if you can find out what it is. The architectural registration exam (for most) is a longterm excersize, and there will be days when you need to find the extra effort to switch over for more extra mental activity after work.

PPI asked me if I was interested in their flashcard program for the iphone / ipod Touch. I said yes and purchased an ipod Touch. I should get the download code this week. I also asked for a second download code to give away to a reader. If I get one, look out for something like the Win A Tool sweepstakes, I held back in December/January.

I came across an AREforum post recently, that had me thinking this exam could be hard for some. Yes, I failed, so this exam was hard for me. But I mean maybe hard for others. Well I have every intention of finding out again. I don’t feel very confident, but I feel ready to take the Schematic Design exam again. Like most of the architectural registration exams, I also like to think it is easy! I know, time constraints and everything on the interior layout. But I see this Schematic Design exam for the abstract exercise that it is and I’ve conditioned my approach to suit that.

For me, last week wasn’t so great study-wise. Then Friday got sabotaged with 10 inches of snow. Then class got canceled and it was a good opportunity to catch up. I mostly caught up on sleep. I spent time reorganizing the books on my desk. I’ve let a few slip into the mix that don’t pertain to the architectural registration exam (ARE), like “Exploding the Myths of Modern Architecture” by Malcolm Millais. The 6th chapter is on Google books and it basically explodes idealized academic images of Corbusier. I recommend reading the 6th chapter here. Two other non-ARE-related books that slipped into my pile are “Architects and Firms, A Sociological Perspective on Architectural Practice” by Judith R. Blau and “Architectural Practice, A Critical View” by Robert Gutman. These books just happened, and I have to put them aside to focus my time on what’s most important. Keep the ARE books on the ready, and those others on a faraway bookshelf.

On the weekend I’ve been looking at my PPI flashcards for Structural Systems. I want to start studying for it, while studying for Schematic Design. I’ve basically got no problem with that as long as I’m comfortable with my Schematic Design study progress. Which I’m not really. So I need to work on that.

Ok. Here’s something I said I wouldn’t show in the last post. You know the “ideal” interior layout solution for NCARB’s practice problem. See this youtube clip at 2:30 minutes. That’s basically the spacious ideal solution, I was talking about. I know some of you are like, “Wow, I didn’t know there was that much space.” Some of you got the same layout, but with door locations didn’t have such a comfortable furniture layout. I know. By the way, that solution does have errors. None that appear fatal. But I’d only be sure by printing and scaling the drawing to check dimensions. Which, by the way, I encourage you to do with the NCARB solution.

Oh, and Canada rocks gold in hockey! The US team looked too sad faced during the award ceremony. Come on. Be proud! You not only had the opportunity to represent your country, you also brought home a medal as well. Congratulations to both teams on a very competitive game!

I may have mentioned before on another exam, how I might bring it forward if I was ready. I have to admit this is very unlikely. I don’t recommend scheduling an exam and saying to yourself, I’ll bring it forward. There is a slim likelihood of that happening. In my case I adjust to the time I have. So even though I’ve been studying daily, I haven’t progressed to a point where I think I could take the exam earlier.

Having given this warning, I still like to think I might be able to bring Schematic Design forward. I want to restart studying for structures without distractions from another exam. Well, somehow if I’ve practiced enough, maybe. Otherwise, I should really focus on passing Schematic Design and stop fooling myself.