Civil PE Prep

I feel really good about the morning part of the test and not so great about the afternoon. I felt like it was the hardest afternoon of the 3 tests I've taken.

Being that I was a "pro" people are asking me a lot of questions about the test and studying. First of all...I have not passed this test yet. So asking me the best way to study, when I clearly haven't figured it out yet is just as good as asking someone who hasn't taken it how to study. But I'm going to post a few of the questions I got that I can answer, if you have any other questions you want to ask, let me know.

1. Why do second time test takers have a lower percentage passing rate than first time test takers?

Because when people fail the first time, they assume if they just plug away harder at their first approach to studying that they'll do better, because they "only" need 3 or 4 more points to pass, so the second time they try the same approach, with the same outcome. And that's when they finally change their studying habits.

2. It says that you can't have pencil marks in your reference materials; do I have to erase everything I ever wrote in pencil in my reference materials?

I cannot speak for everywhere, but in Houston, they really only care about whether you're copying the questions from the test into your reference materials. So if you keep your pointy little pencil out of your references, you'll be fine with existing marks.

3. Do I have to choose my afternoon session before even seeing the test, or do I get a sneak peak at the other sections?

You can look at all of the afternoon sessions for your general type test (i.e. all the different civil afternoon session is you're taking the civil, or all the different electrical ones if you're taking electrical), and then decide. However, I would not suggest taking anything other than what you had planned on taking. First of all, looking at the other sections wastes valuable time, and second, you cannot prepare for one section and then take another and do as well in it.

4. It says not to bring your own pencil; they're going to supply us with pencils?

Yes.

5. It says I can't have my cell phone. Even if it's off?

The proctors will hold your cell phones for you. It's easier if you just leave it in your car though.

6. What's the timeline, really?

They begin letting people in at about 7:15. They want you all seated, then do a check in and check calculators, etc. The test will start sometime between 7:45 and 8:10 it will run for 4 hours (12:10). Then they collect the booklets and dismiss for lunch (12:20). They give you a little more than an hour for lunch, but you should just bring your lunch. You leave all your stuff at your desk, and just take your lunch. You come back (1:20) and they re-check everyone in. The afternoon session starts at about 1:45 and runs for 4 hours (5:45). They then have to collect the booklets and dismiss (6:15). This can vary in either direction by 15-20 minutes.

7. What do I bring?

Bring all the references they tell you to that you can find. Beg, buy, borrow...I cannot officially advocate stealing...But there are things you will need just to look something up. Add to that, the Lindeburg book, the practice problems, the sample exams, anything you have that you used to study. AND a dictionary, even a normal dictionary will help, but a lot of people say an engineering dictionary is best. If you have any questions, you can email me, or post them as a comment.