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brudgers
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| Joined: | Thu Jun 1st, 2006 |
| Location: | The Moment |
| Posts: | 6601 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 9th, 2007 06:22 pm |
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| Just wonder'n.
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Unsportsmanlike Conduct
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| Joined: | Sat Feb 25th, 2006 |
| Location: | A-R-C-H-I-T-E-C-T, Illinois USA |
| Posts: | 565 |
| 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 9th, 2007 11:02 pm |
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I took one look at that huge book and decided on the spot "no freaking way!"
I took it out of the library and skimmed thru it looking at the pictures the night before the exam. I don't coun that as "using MEEB"..... so I picked never used and passed.
I used ALS, Ballast, and then went to the library and got "Plumbing for Dummies" and "Electrical for Dummies" and so on..... I found this to be just about right for the ME exam. Passed and thought it was easy..... (course, that was before they changed the format.)
My favorite tip is to take out a set of drawings that you've never looked at before, and carefully read thru the MPFPE documents to see if you can understand them and explain them in detail.
Good luck..........
Last edited on Mon Jul 9th, 2007 11:03 pm by Unsportsmanlike Conduct
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gsaarinen
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| Joined: | Fri Jul 7th, 2006 |
| Location: | ARCHITECT, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 747 |
| 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 9th, 2007 11:41 pm |
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| Never used it and passed first try. Gsaarinen
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ebo
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| Joined: | Tue Apr 17th, 2007 |
| Location: | A-R-C-H-*-*-*-*-* Easton, PA, USA |
| Posts: | 140 |
| Exams Taken: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD | | Exams Passed: | PD, ME, BD/MM, CD | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Wed Jul 11th, 2007 01:20 pm |
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So after all this fuss, I hunted MEEB down in my office. One of our PMs had a copy, and it was tabbed and labeled every dozen or so pages. It seems that when she took the exam, she had thought that you were allowed to take books into the exam (long time ago)...so she earmarked EVERYTHING. I think I'm just going to keep it around for a "second opinion" on things Ballast might not explain so good. But there's no way I'm going through this thing cover to cover. Nuh-uh.
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lug-nut
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| Joined: | Mon Oct 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Black, Unmarked Helicopter |
| Posts: | 10048 |
| 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: | private messages disabled. |
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Posted: Wed Jul 11th, 2007 01:41 pm |
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gsaarinen wrote: Never used it and passed first try. Gsaarinen
Same here. Test didn't seem all that difficult.
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Meigs9
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| Joined: | Fri Jun 9th, 2006 |
| Location: | ARCHITECT, LEED, Virginia USA |
| Posts: | 899 |
| 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: Fri Jul 13th, 2007 04:52 am |
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I voted that I used MEEB but I only read it for certain topics that I needed some more clarification. I used the psych charts, HVAC diagrams, fire supression systems and vertical circulation.
I really don't think anyone needs to read it cover to cover. If I hadn't already owned it, (school textbook) I doubt I would have searched it out. Otherwise, Ballast and ArchiFlash were my study materials...
(I passed first try)
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Stillhouse Branch
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| Joined: | Thu Jun 21st, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 14 |
| 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 13th, 2007 03:44 pm |
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gsaarinen wrote: Never used it and passed first try. Gsaarinen
Same here. Studying that monster is WAY over-doing it, IMO.
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xingle
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| Joined: | Fri Jan 6th, 2006 |
| Location: | New York USA |
| Posts: | 112 |
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Posted: Mon Jul 30th, 2007 12:18 pm |
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Used MEEB for diagrams and some problems & solutions ONLY.
Mostly common sense and experience!!! (It applies to all divisions that I have taken)
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OUArch
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| Joined: | Tue Feb 27th, 2007 |
| Location: | ARCHITECT, LEED AP, Oklahoma City, OK |
| Posts: | 160 |
| 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: Tue Jul 31st, 2007 01:23 pm |
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I did the same thing as Unsportsmanlike Conduct did. I dug it out of my old studio supplies box and flipped through the pages, looking quickly at the pictures/diagrams, but I wouldn't say I really used it. I think my comfort level with the test would have been the same if I hadn't flipped through it.
I thought the test sucked, and was ready for a fail, but somehow passed. That was a confidence booster, though. I thought if I could pass that monster surely I can pass the rest!
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Julia
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| Joined: | Mon Dec 3rd, 2007 |
| Location: | Oak City, USA |
| Posts: | 147 |
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Posted: Fri Mar 7th, 2008 01:10 am |
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Great topic - I was waiting to weigh in on this until I got my results (i found out today that i passed).
I didn't even look at MEEB, because it was just too much to handle. What I did do was read Ballast and ALS, taking extensive notes and comparing each (over three weeks). Each one had gaps, but they complemented each other well.
Comments on each:
Ballast did have alot of information not remotely covered on the test. (although maybe it would have been on another test).
ALS is a little simpler and more general, probably better to start with.
Also, calculations are provided are part of the software! I didn't realize that until the last week before I took it.
Good luck to everyone!
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msnuhn
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| Joined: | Thu Jun 7th, 2007 |
| Location: | Moberly, Missouri USA |
| Posts: | 145 |
| 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 Mar 7th, 2008 02:50 pm |
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I just received the pass letter last Saturday so I guess it's appropriate for me to add a little to this topic. I did buy the big'ol book, lugged it around for a few weeks but never really used it as a source of study. I did look up some definitions which I'm sure could have been found else were...for free and a whole lot lighter. My take on these tests is that the only thing you need is experience and the Kaplan study guides. I tried Ballast but didn't care for it at all. I used Kaplan study guides and CD practice software for all six MC exams. I've past 5 of 6 first try and am waiting on a PD result taken last Friday. I assume anyone reading this would take full advantage of the information on this forum as well...that goes without saying. Yes there is a ton of information out there, but why go a wild goose chase when enough of it is presented to you in an adequate concentrated form such as Kaplan.
...Good luck
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cereal gal
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| Joined: | Thu Mar 29th, 2007 |
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| Posts: | 185 |
| 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: Sat Mar 8th, 2008 03:26 am |
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I just read the chapters recommended by this orum. There's a document on FTP that serves as a guideline to which chapters to read from the book.
I think reading the WHOLE book is over-doing it but it doesn't hurt to have another source that can clarify topics that Kaplan can't. Overall though I'd say wikipedia was pretty damn good for this exam. But that's just my opinion.
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Mation
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 24th, 2007 |
| Location: | London, United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 232 |
| 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: | Architect |
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Posted: Thu Apr 24th, 2008 11:31 am |
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I'm glad this poll was started, because I was wondering as well, and I have followed this poll, hoping it would yield a larger response.
To date, according to those who have responded to the poll:
16 out of 25 (64%) of those who did not use MEEB passed.
23 out of 28 (82%) of those who did use MEEB passed. Actually, according to the wording of the poll, those 82% never failed, whereas the other group may have failed before eventually passing.
I used MEEB moderately. I did more than just quickly skimming it, but I also didn't try to read it all. As others have recommended, I used it as a second source beyond Kaplan, to give further insight into some topics of which I had little experience.
Obviously, some people will not need to use MEEB to pass. Hell, a lot of people don't study at all for the MC exams and pass. Others (such as myself) realize, after reading Kaplan, that they don't have a strong background in some of the ME topics, and the MEEB is very useful to enhance the understanding of such topics.
On my particular exam, there were approximately 20 diagrams pulled straight from MEEB. It certainly helped me to have familiarity with those diagrams, especially ones relating to obscure HVAC systems and passive solar design, etc.
This exam isn't as bad as it is sometimes made out to be, but do be prepared. I recommend reading Kaplan straight through once, taking the quizzes/exams/questions, to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses, and then tailor a study strategy to strengthen your understanding of your weakest topics. MEEB may be helpful as part of that strategy, depending upon your comfort level in the Kaplan topics.
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CA Girl
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| Joined: | Wed Oct 26th, 2005 |
| Location: | Architect, California USA |
| Posts: | 312 |
| 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: Sat Apr 26th, 2008 07:39 pm |
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| I used MEEB in college but didn't touch it to study for the exam. I would recommend using it as a source if you don't understand something in Kaplan. The only thing I was clueless about on the test wasn't even in MEEB I had to look it up on the computer. I used Kaplan, Archiflash and Kaplan test bank CD. Definenently don't read it cover to cover and I don't think you need to buy it. Find someone you know who has a copy. In my office alone I think we have half a dozen floating around from our college days.
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BetterMousetrap
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| Joined: | Tue Mar 18th, 2008 |
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Posted: Mon Apr 28th, 2008 09:00 pm |
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The number of people who used MEEB and failed is less than half the number of people who didn't use it and failed. On the one hand the number of respondents is hardly enough to be statistically conclusive, but on the other this particular group of responses points toward MEEB being beneficial more often than not.
Of those who didn't use MEEB 39% failed (12 of 31).
Of those who did use MEEB 16% failed (5 of 32).
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Gdrinkh2o
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| Joined: | Tue Sep 25th, 2007 |
| Location: | NY |
| Posts: | 129 |
| 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: | Done! |
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Posted: Wed Apr 30th, 2008 06:36 pm |
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| these forums scared me into using it. It was my last test so i didnt want to take any chances.
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brudgers
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| Joined: | Thu Jun 1st, 2006 |
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Posted: Thu May 1st, 2008 01:53 pm |
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Mation wrote: 23 out of 28 (82%) of those who did use MEEB passed. Actually, according to the wording of the poll, those 82% never failed, whereas the other group may have failed before eventually passing.
I realized the asymetric wording after I posted the poll.
But you cannot edit a poll question, so I had to let it go.
I suspect that not using MEEB probably correlates with a lower level of overall test preparation in general, and vice versa.
And the higher level of overall preparation my be the determining factor rather than the use of one particular resource.
The reason for creating the poll was the high number of people reporting failures (at the time I created it) who were citing MEEB as a study resource.
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icarusburns
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| Joined: | Fri Feb 2nd, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 342 |
| Exams Taken: | | | Exams Passed: | ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Describes Me: | . . . cautiously watching out for the Olduvai cliff. |
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Posted: Tue May 13th, 2008 02:34 am |
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I voted for "used meeb and never failed", although such a response may be a bit misleading.
During my study session, I pulled out my 7th edition from my mom's attic, and while I did browse through certain parts of the book - mainly circuits (diagrams), and some HVAC (diagrams), I barely scratched the surface of the the entire 1500 or so page BOOK OF . . . DEATH. When I look back on my test, I'd say there may have been 2 or 3 questions, if that, where I can honestly say meeb was a big help.
. . . While the statement that, I "used meeb and never failed" is true, I do not feel that the book was key to me passing the test.
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evreinhart
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| Joined: | Mon Jan 2nd, 2006 |
| Location: | Baltimore, Maryland USA |
| Posts: | 36 |
| 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: Tue May 13th, 2008 01:57 pm |
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I didn't vote, because none of the selections accounted for my situation.
First time I took it, I did not use MEEB, failed. That time I only used Kaplan and Archiflash, which was not enough.
Second time, I used MEEB, but only skimming, taking the MEEB online quizzes, which were hard, but probably the best application. I then referenced the MEEB chapters where I scored low. I reveiwed diagrams, but didn't "read" the book by any stretch, but it definitely helped clarify some things. I think despite its magnitude, it is very well written, concise information. The only thing to be afraid of is lugging it around.
The second time I also supplemented with various resources, although I never touched the Ballast book for this one. Mainly, I referenced MEEB, AGS, and Studio Companion, Kaplan CD and flashcards, Archiflash, and forum FTP. I think multiple study guides challenges you to process the information, using different wording, etc, which is the best way to prepare. You can't know everything going into this exam, you just need to prepare to apply concepts. Memorizing one study guide, no matter what is not enough.
This was my very last exam, which I took on April 21. I have yet to receive my pass letter on this one, but GA state emailed me my license number yesterday!! Now to contend with NCARB and reciprocity issues!!
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rixtar
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| Joined: | Tue Apr 10th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 29 |
| Exams Taken: | ME, BD/MM, CD, BT | | Exams Passed: | ME, BD/MM, CD | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Tue May 13th, 2008 09:04 pm |
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| 2 weeks ago I took ME. I received my pass letter yesterday. It was the diagrams in MEEB that helped me. In fact it looked like the diagrams in the exam came directly from MEEB.
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Archi-Mom
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| Joined: | Mon Jul 25th, 2005 |
| Location: | Denver, Colorado USA |
| Posts: | 19 |
| Exams Taken: | ME, BD/MM, CD, SP, BP | | Exams Passed: | ME, BD/MM, CD | | Describes Me: | |
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Posted: Sun May 18th, 2008 02:13 pm |
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| Never used MEEB & passed. All I did for the m/c tests I've taken so far has been read the ALS study guide--so far that's worked fine & only takes a couple evenings to read.
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