Conquering the ARE with Friends
Shelly-Anne Tulia Scott
Licensed 2011
Written March 2017
My ARE journey is built on perseverance, dedication, friendship, sadness and joy, all toward the culmination of being a registered architect. I became eligible to take the exam in April 2008 which was then 9 exams so I decided to wait until March 2009 so I could take the 7 part exam. I took my first exam on April 06, 2009 and my last on December 04, 2010 and finally got all paperwork in February 2011. I decided to take my exam through Florida since they allowed you to start taking the exams before completing IDP. I kicked it off with a bang taking Construction Documents first and passing. When I got out of the exam I was so confident, I felt that there was nothing more I could do so I had to have passed. Keeping the momentum going I took PPP and SPD next and failed both. It was like a kick in the butt. I had no recollection of failing any exam before in my life and it hit me really hard. I contemplated whether architecture was really for me and if I even needed to bother.
Part of what kept me going was the fact that I was studying with an incredible group of people with the ‘Atlanta Architectural Registration Exam’. A meetup group was started by Melissa Middleton who was studying for the exams as well and taking the time to help others. We built great friendships which still exists almost 8 years later. Generally a schedule was set for meeting to study and taking all the exams and we supported each other through it all. If anyone found any helpful info or learned about videos, additional study sessions or other it was shared with the group. Our meetings were usually at a local coffee shop called SIP in Buckhead GA. The goal was usually to complete the necessary readings prior to group meeting allowing us to focus on reviewing questions and vignettes when we got together. It was a great opportunity to have others to brainstorm with on any questions which stumped you.
In the group we had a unique bond. It was never a competition, but a warm friendly collaborative environment where we studied to conquer the ARE. At the time when I was taking the exam the results were mailed to you by USPS. After the shattering experience of failing two I decided that I would hide the envelope with the results until I took the next exam. At times I realized that I did a great job hiding it for myself, so much so that I could not even find it.
I eventually got my rhythm going and passed the others in rapid succession, eventually repeating the missed ones about a year later. My last exam was Structures the one which I was most afraid of and dreaded. I just knew that I had to pass it. There was no way I could come this close and not be an ‘ARCHITECT’. On the day when I got my final results I screamed, I cried, I laughed. It was finally here all those years of studying and working to finally be an architect. After 6 years of late and sleepless nights, scholarships, lots of money and 7 exams here I am. I celebrated several times over and answered to the new title Ms. Architect.
All in all it was a challenging experience getting to be a registered architect, but I am very happy I embarked on the journey. For those currently studying some of the things that helped me along the way was:
- Setting a goal and schedule eg complete the exams in a year, one every six weeks
- Leaving work on time and having a dedicated study time, usually about 3 hours four – five days a week and occasionally on the weekends as it got closer to the exam.
- Staying focused and following the plan to study
- Take time out from studying to enjoy life. I never gave up my extracurricular activities. There was always a day /s to relax and do something fun.
- Practice exams and
vignette practicesfor the new exam takers, the case studies.” - Learning from others
Is it worth it? Absolutely!!! I feel proud of myself and my family does of me as well. Finally I could use the word Architect in its pure form without the word ‘Intern’ in front. Being an architect has opened some doors to help me advance my career. And as I continue to grow and gain more experience I try to make sure I have a seat at the table in bigger discussions.
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Learn more about Shelly-Anne here.