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Madonna
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | San Diego, California USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP, BP | | Exams Passed: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 02:39 am |
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I wish the NCARB would extend the deadline on ARE4.0 by 6 months. That will give us 3 shots to pass the test. I still have not passed BT. and I have already passed GS LF MM SD ME. Anybody any suggestions?
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dottie
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Wasilla, Alaska USA |
| Posts: | 481 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | Just took nine tests, now waiting for 1 letter! |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 07:39 am |
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I see your posting history is 5? You attempted a graphics exam without PARTICIPATING in the forum. That means post and comment, a bunch. Wow, I can't believe you got through the other graphics without that. If you go back, practice with the program and post and comment, a bunch, I guarantee you will know why you failed the BT and you will pass the second attempt.
I took SP in December of 06, failed. I "browsed" the forum and only acted as a spectator. Then this spring, I tackled it with a vengence, practiced, posted and commented on others. TA_DAH! I passed and I had a real good grasp on why I failed the first time.
You don't need the extension, just practice, post and comment.
Good Luck!
Last edited on Fri Jul 25th, 2008 07:40 am by dottie
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Madonna
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | San Diego, California USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP, BP | | Exams Passed: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 09:31 am |
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There's something wrong w/ the info. on my account. I only passed the site design on graphics. I did not pass the BP and I never even once took the BT. I was too scared. i just realized yesterday what a big mistake I have made. I only have 2 shots now and i am scared as hell. I also have CD and PD and BP. left. If I don't pass the BT I have to take all the other tests that took sooooo long and hard for me to pass again.
Please help me. Tell me what I can do? What seminars are good on BT.
Last edited on Fri Jul 25th, 2008 09:35 am by Madonna
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Coach
Member
| Joined: | Tue Mar 4th, 2008 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 3007 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | CSE bound |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 09:55 am |
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Lose the fear now! It's not a tough exam.
Dig in and start practicing. Read the forum. Buy Dorf's "SOLUTIONS" and post your vignettes.
You do not need a seminar. In fact, if you go to a seminar that uses Kaplan, you'd be better off without it.
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Madonna
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | San Diego, California USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP, BP | | Exams Passed: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 10:13 am |
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Thank you Coach. It's 3:07 am and I am looking at the NCARB practices. Where can I get the Prof. Dorf's notes? I was going to take his seminar but sadly he passed away. It was very sad. I read your other comment. I will be focusing on BT. no PD or CD. I have been such a fool. I have missed my chance. But let's stop the damage now. Where's the best place for me to start. I just downloaded 3.1 nad am looking at practice stuff. How many vignettes are there available for practice?
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techman123
Member
| Joined: | Mon Sep 17th, 2007 |
| Location: | A R C H I T E C T, Texas USA |
| Posts: | 135 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 12:16 pm |
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| You may have more help in the Building Technology forum of this site.
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Madonna
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | San Diego, California USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP, BP | | Exams Passed: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 01:20 pm |
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please tell me where to start?
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slhill
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| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 188 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | SPD down, 6 to go! |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 01:38 pm |
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Madonna wrote: please tell me where to start?
To get Dorf's Solutions book, keep an eye on the "marketplace" forum of this site - about once a week or so someone has one to offer.
Downloading the graphic software is a great start. To find additional vignettes, go to the FTP site (3rd button from the right at the top of this webpage) and browse through the folders there for the Building Planning and Building Technology alternates. This thread should help you use the alternates: http://www.areforum.org/forums/forum10/51786.html. You can also download the practice programs for 4.0 - for the most part they will be similar to the 3.1 problems.
Last edited on Fri Jul 25th, 2008 01:39 pm by slhill
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Madonna
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | San Diego, California USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP, BP | | Exams Passed: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 02:37 pm |
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What about the Funkaar seminars? What's their material? Shall I take it?
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AbracaPocus
Member
| Joined: | Sat Dec 11th, 2004 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 642 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 02:57 pm |
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Funkaar hasn't gotten very good reviews on this forum. Also it has appeared at times that they've used some shady marketing techniques, like starting threads about themselves and writing good reviews of themselves.
Most people really don't need to do any seminars for the graphic exams. Start with the Dorf Solutions book, then read through the graphic exam forums here, then do some practice vignettes and post your solutions here for critique, and repeat until you have all the vignettes down cold.
techman is right that you'll get better feedback specific to BT if you move your questions off the General Topics Forum and onto the BT forum at this point!
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Madonna
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | San Diego, California USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP, BP | | Exams Passed: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Jul 25th, 2008 03:42 pm |
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OK. I'm on that forum as well. Thank you all so much. Wish me luck and talk to you very soon.
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gcpickering
Member
| Joined: | Mon Jul 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | New York USA |
| Posts: | 62 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | better late than never |
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Posted: Sun Jul 27th, 2008 05:33 pm |
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Madonna -
the advise above is crucial - I took BT twice without knowing how to do the vignettes, then spent several weeks reviewing this forum and posting my solutions - the help you get here is invaluable - i just received my Pass letter! I also took the funkar class at the aia convention - it was helpful, but frankly you can get the same advise here by posting and reviewing comments.
I have my notes from funkar and both Kaplan and Dorf books if you are interested -
let me catalog exactly what i have - send me a private message if you are interested in purchasing any of the texts - you can down load the alternate tests as well.
good luck - you can do it!
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dottie
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Wasilla, Alaska USA |
| Posts: | 481 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | Just took nine tests, now waiting for 1 letter! |
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Posted: Sun Jul 27th, 2008 06:18 pm |
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I bought Dorf's book this spring. Just google it. You can buy it by several sources. It is about $73.00. Combined with the forum, well worth the investment. I got mine in about a week.
Good luck, and use this forum for its intent, PARTICIPATION!
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Madonna
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jul 22nd, 2008 |
| Location: | San Diego, California USA |
| Posts: | 60 |
| Exams Taken: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP, BP | | Exams Passed: | GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, SP | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Sun Jul 27th, 2008 07:16 pm |
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Thanks for all the good advice. I'll be working on the vignettes and check all the stuff that's posted in the BT forum + etc.
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dottie
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Wasilla, Alaska USA |
| Posts: | 481 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | Just took nine tests, now waiting for 1 letter! |
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Posted: Sun Jul 27th, 2008 11:32 pm |
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AND POST YOURSELF OR ELSE YOU DON'T GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU NEED!
TRUST US, WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.
Okay, did I shout that! POST, POST, AND COMMENT ON OTHERS AS WELL.
 Good Luck!
Last edited on Sun Jul 27th, 2008 11:33 pm by dottie
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brudgers
Member
| Joined: | Thu Jun 1st, 2006 |
| Location: | The Moment |
| Posts: | 6746 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 01:34 pm |
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dottie wrote: I bought Dorf's book this spring. Just google it. You can buy it by several sources. It is about $73.00. Combined with the forum, well worth the investment. I got mine in about a week.
Good luck, and use this forum for its intent, PARTICIPATION!
$73.00!!!
That's about twenty bucks more than when Dorf was alive.
I guess some people are just greedy weasels.
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Meigs9
Member
| Joined: | Fri Jun 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | ARCHITECT, LEED, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 931 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | I'm done! I'm doing my happy dance now! |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 02:31 pm |
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brudgers wrote:
$73.00!!!
That's about twenty bucks more than when Dorf was alive.
I guess some people are just greedy weasels.
Actually B, that's how much it was when I bought it......while the good Prof. was still alive and active on the forum.
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AbracaPocus
Member
| Joined: | Sat Dec 11th, 2004 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 642 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 03:02 pm |
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| A quick look at the Wayback machine shows that the highest price Prof. Dorf ever put on Solutions was $54 in summer of 2007 (it steadily rose from $40 when he first launched a website in 1999). NALSA's price is currently $72.
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rixtar
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 35 |
| Exams Taken: | ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Exams Passed: | ME, BD/MM, CD | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 08:26 pm |
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dottie wrote: AND POST YOURSELF OR ELSE YOU DON'T GET OUT OF IT WHAT YOU NEED!
TRUST US, WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT.
Okay, did I shout that! POST, POST, AND COMMENT ON OTHERS AS WELL.
Good Luck!
So how did people pass this exam before this forum was up? When anyone posts solutions to this forum you get so many different opinions and critiques. Who's right?
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AbracaPocus
Member
| Joined: | Sat Dec 11th, 2004 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 642 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 09:01 pm |
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Before this forum there was another one, and that takes us all the way back to 2001. But until around 2004-2005 the posting of solutions for critique didn't really happen like it does now. When I was testing I emailed solutions to other forum members on here and on the old forum and got some feedback, and then others emailed me their solutions and I reciprocated, but it wasn't like it is now with all the posted images and the feedback from everyone.
There were always Dorf's books and seminars, which helped many years of candidates, and back before the computerized exams the ALS books (which are now the Kaplan books) were more in touch with what was actually on the drawing parts of the exam than they are these days about the graphic portions.
Various AIA chapters, architecture schools' alumni associations, etc. had seminars about the exams and organized study groups - I think more of these existed some years ago than seem to now, as the internet has made that type of local effort less critical.
People do pass without ever visiting this forum.
But the forum is great for commiseration and feedback.
As for which critiques and opinions are "right": everybody's opinions are based on their own experiences, their own research, etc. but there's also now several years worth of informal "evidence" on this forum now as to what works and doesn't. Many posters have been around for a long time and have spent lots of time debating and forming opinions about what is right, and what matters, and what doesn't on these tests. In general most folks who have hung around here for some time have a good general idea of what they're talking about, though disagreements certainly exist. To some degree it's a "use this forum at your own risk" situation - but it's rare that you see posts from people who think that information/advice from the forum hurt their performance or made them fail...Last edited on Mon Jul 28th, 2008 09:02 pm by AbracaPocus
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dottie
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Wasilla, Alaska USA |
| Posts: | 481 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | Just took nine tests, now waiting for 1 letter! |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 09:06 pm |
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Also, as Coach pointed out in some other thread, if someone is way off the mark, someone else will come along and correct it. Which is okay, even if you are the one that is wrong, you learn. There are many eyes on these posts.
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claudia
Member
| Joined: | Tue Mar 11th, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| Posts: | 27 |
| Exams Taken: | CD, SP | | Exams Passed: | CD | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 09:09 pm |
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I wanted to say that I too relate to Dottie's experience. I took the SP back in early May of this year and failed (just one freaking marginal in Site Design! Arghh!). I too was only an spectator. Did not post and reply. I still have no clue what I may have done wrong that was sooo marginal in just 1 vignette to not pass. It is OK, come late september I will be posting and replying for SP as I should have done from the start.
Due to my SP experience, I am attacking BT very differently. I am posting and replying as much as I can. I do feel more confident. I have received comments to each one of my postings. My questions, as silly as they may be, get answers! Coach and others are always there!
This is my advice:
- Don't be cheap, get the Dorf Book as soon as you can, right away, today, now! Toss any other study book for the graphics portion (someone lend a Ballast, not good at all!).
- I have also done searches for Prof Dorf in this site and many questions that I've had Prof Dorf had already answered to someone else. He was really good, his answers are short and straight to the point.
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
- As dottie said, post and answer. I think I was a little too lazy at first. The whole posting and getting the alt programs to work takes a little bit of a learning curve.
- Read and print others BT study methods and advice. It helps to find out what others have done to master the NCARB program. Not everyone's advice will work for you. Test what works best for you.
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.
- Have a positive attitude. It is only NCARB. Do not let NCARB get the best of you! If you fail an exam just take the it again. Just as many others before you have done in the past.
- Lastly, do not focus on the v4.0 transition, focus on the exam at hand. This v4.0 transition is a little unfair, I believe, but is it out of your hands. So do not focus on that. And don't forget to PRACTICE.
Good Luck in your studies.
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rixtar
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 35 |
| Exams Taken: | ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Exams Passed: | ME, BD/MM, CD | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 09:29 pm |
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| so what you are saying is i should practice?
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dottie
Member
| Joined: | Fri Sep 14th, 2007 |
| Location: | Wasilla, Alaska USA |
| Posts: | 481 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | Just took nine tests, now waiting for 1 letter! |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 09:36 pm |
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TA_DAH! And Post and Comment. You learn so much from commenting as well. You see things others don't. You start looking at your own solutions from a more neutral perspective, and you see so much more than before.
Trust us.
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Coach
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| Joined: | Tue Mar 4th, 2008 |
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| Posts: | 3007 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 10:00 pm |
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AbracaPocus wrote: There were always Dorf's books and seminars, which helped many years of candidates, and back before the computerized exams the ALS books (which are now the Kaplan books) were more in touch with what was actually on the drawing parts of the exam than they are these days about the graphic portions. Dorf published the paper & pencil version of SOLTIONS too as well as review of practice exams via mail.
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Coach
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| Joined: | Tue Mar 4th, 2008 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 10:04 pm |
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dottie wrote: TA_DAH!
This calls for some headbangin'.... ..even though I know (hope) rixtar was being facetious. Attached Image (viewed 230 times):
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rixtar
Member
| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 35 |
| Exams Taken: | ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Exams Passed: | ME, BD/MM, CD | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 10:25 pm |
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Coach wrote: ..even though I know (hope) rixtar was being facetious.
trying to be funny out of frustration.
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slhill
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| Joined: | Fri Nov 2nd, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 188 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | | | Describes Me: | SPD down, 6 to go! |
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Posted: Mon Jul 28th, 2008 10:34 pm |
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rixtar wrote: Coach wrote: ..even though I know (hope) rixtar was being facetious.
trying to be funny out of frustration.
at least you've retained a semblance of a sense of humor 
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Funkaar
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Posted: Fri Aug 1st, 2008 08:32 pm |
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Dear Students:
Its best to research our archived courses and current courses to make a reliable self-assesment of the courses. You can always call us to discuss. Our classes speak for themselves.
We are committed to education and try our best!
Last edited on Fri Aug 1st, 2008 11:34 pm by Funkaar
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AbracaPocus
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| Joined: | Sat Dec 11th, 2004 |
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| Posts: | 642 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Exams Passed: | PD, GS, LF, ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP, BT | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Fri Aug 1st, 2008 08:36 pm |
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There are several bad reviews on this forum - doing a search by "funkaar" will lead to 10 pages of related posts, both good and bad. Here are a couple:
http://www.areforum.org/forums/view_topic.php?id=25919&forum_id=10&highlight=funkaar
http://www.areforum.org/forums/view_topic.php?id=37487&forum_id=10&highlight=funkaar
There are also several legitimate good reviews.
And there are also some good reviews that strongly appear to be "planted" by funkaar studios themselves - the type where somebody (usually just registered on the forum and with no prior posts) will post asking about their seminars and then within a matter of minutes two or three other newly registered posters will appear to give glowing reviews.
To be fair, it appears this has stopped occurred recently.
There are also posts from people who warned that once funkaar got their email addresses they were relentlessly spammed.
And there are people who have mentioned that funkaar has given them some very "unique"/questionable advice about the graphic exams.
I encourage you to do your own research and form your own opinions.Last edited on Sat Aug 2nd, 2008 02:42 pm by AbracaPocus
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Funkaar
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