My Board Exam Experience: The Preparation

Before the Board Exam

We've been given 6 months to formally prepare for the licensure exam, wherein we have to enroll in a review center for 4.5 months of review and 1.5 months of refresher. Honestly, I became very serious on studying during the last month before the exam. Within the review period, I'm really not that focus. Anyhow, it's been a good attitude to attend class on time, copy all the notes in lecture, listen attentively to the instructor (when you're not sleepy.hee hee), and take the evaluation exams (though I usually open notes all the time) so I can assess my learning. Inspiration also helps a lot, motivation from family, friends, and all gave good vibes but also pressure. But based on personal experience, inspiration without action won't work, same as praying without studying isn't effective.

On the first month, June, we were just enjoying the review class and environment. We still felt very relaxed and got the positive spirit aiming to top the board exam. Second month, July, we had lots to review, yet on our mind, we still got plenty of time to prepare. The groundwork we had during August was almost the same as the previous month. We still had fun gimmicks, never ending chats, play, and study once in a while. Thus, when we took the Mid Pre-board Exam, the industrious reviewer only passed as expected, and yes, I belong to the not so industrious. The following month, September was so stressing to me. I got the motivation to study more and more in order to passed the Final Pre-Board and especially the real BOARD EXAM. I felt too much pressure, though I can't help but to be lazy sometimes, I was able to study well. However, what I've learned wasn't enough for the Final Pre-Board, thus I got failing scores again, but to defend myself, I only lack 2% in order to passed. In the refresher, month of October-November, I knew I had to keep my eyes on the goal. The objective is to PASS the BOARD EXAM, I didn't aim for topnotch because I knew I didn't work hard when I still got lots of time. I'm finally back to late night sleeping so I can review and catch up with the lessons everyday. Time has been very important, even in traveling I need to manage memorizing different formulas. Everybody is getting serious, it's cramming time. I was satisfied with the study habits I did within the last month. Though I am not confident enough on the last few days because I still left some lessons unstudied well, prayer has always been a great help in my journey towards my dream. Prayer and trusting GOD is indeed the perfect partner for everything. As this popular quote says, Do your best and God will do the rest.

On my next blog, I will talk about what happened to me during the board exam.

The Review

No uniform
No dress code
No attendance
Can come late
Can eat in class
Can chat in class
Can sleep in class
Can open notes during exam
Can copy exam answers from others
No recorded grades
No checking of notes

Random thought: They give you all the comfort, it's just between you and your will to success. The discipline is within you. If you're really serious, you will attend the review on time and regularly, listen attentively in the instructor, write lectures, and won't use notes and cheat in evaluation exam. (which is btw, I'm guilty with some of those wrong acts :[)

Good vibes to C.E. peeps in Mid Pre-Board Exam. Time to make friends, quoted from Sir Andales "Sino pa ba ang magtutulungan?" Haha.

Innovation in Review

I've gone this far; after 5 years of fun and hardship taking up B.S. Civil Engineering, I finally got my degree. The next goal is to pass the board exam in order to have a license and may soon have the title "Engr." before my name. In less than 5 months, our batch will take the November 2010 Civil Engineering Licensure Exam. I am few steps closer to my dream. Kumbaga sa game show contestant, malapit na sa jackpot round, kumbaga sa artista search, on the way to stardom na. Parang election na malapit na sa proclamation, parang engagement planning for marriage.


Inside a reviewer's bag (photo above)

I am presently enrolled in Review Innovations, a review center that produces successful C.E. through the years. It's been a month of review. Though not yet fully motivated, I'm doing efforts in order to study well enough to pass the board. As days go by, I am enlightened on the things that I need to do. Sacrifice is a must, focus is needed, the time allotted for review is very important, every second counts. It is better to stay away from extra curricular activities, it's best to study hard, tutal after the board naman, it will be all worth it.

Here are some of the "must know" in C.E. Board exam:

Board of Civil Engineering
Hydraulics May 2004 Engr.Apollo S. Enriquez-Chairman
Design Nov 2009 Engr. Praxedes P. Bernardo-Member
Math Nov 2009 Engr. Nigel Paul Villarete-Member

Schedule of C.E. Board Exam:
Nov 20 8-1 Math
2-6 Hydraulics
Nov 21 8-1 Design

Requirements:
*Transcript of Records (T.O.R.)
with date of Graduation
with remark "For Board Exam Purposes"
with printed scanned photo
*Birth Certificate
NSO Issued (in NSO Security paper)
*Marriage Certificate (if married)
*Community Tax Certificate (cedula)
authentic

Subjects covered for C.E. Licensure Exam
1. Mathematics, Surveying, Transportation Eng'g- 35%
2. Hydraulics and Geotrechnical Eng'g- 30%
3. Structural Eng'g and Construction- 35%

Types of Examinations
Situational Type of Problem (usually)
-10 problems
-3 questions per problem
Multiple Choice Type of Questions
Selected Problems by Computers (randomly selected per topic)

Scores needed to pass the licensure exam
1.passing percentage of 70%
e.g. Math = 70x0.35 =24.50%
Hydraulics = 85x0.30 =25.50%
Struct.Eng'g = 60x0.35 =21.00%
Total =70 %
2.must not have a grade for each subjects that is lower than 50%
3.no erasures

Here's a tip for studying suggested by our instructor:
Exam is 5 hours per part
There are 30 items per part
Thus, you should answer 9 mins. per problem

Answering 60 problems per day is advisable but if you find it hard to do try answering 5 problems on day 1 of review, then 6 on 2nd day, 7 on 3rd day, and so on. If you have 150 days to study you will be able to answer
Sn= n/2 (2a + (n-1) d) = 150/2 [(2x5) + (150-1) 1) ] = 11925 problems
Nice di ba! :D

Do not study when your stomach is full, because the brain is focused on digestion, maybe you can review 2 hours after meal. Our instructor also told us that effective study time is at dawn, when imagination is much active.

Lastly, my way of motivating myself:
Kuya Yan says "Do it for yourself."
Think of the people who will be proud of you, your school, teachers, friends and especially your family.
Be inspired by the people you admire.
Think of the opportunities waiting for you in the industry, and the chance to contribute for the betterment of the country and the world.
Lastly, one of my favorite advice: study hard, PRAY harder.
After all naman, it is for GOD, it's giving importance to the opportunities and blessings he has given to us. :D

Good vibes to all that will take the C.E. board November 2010.