August Exam Results- Failed Section 3

[watson....@gmail.com]

Hello All,

I failed Section 3 on my first attempt. I am a little discouraged on what do next. Should I retake Section 3 again or move on to Section 4?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. 

[K.G.]

How did you find out you failed? My results don't show anything on my profile yet...?

[K.G.]

And I would recommend you retake section 3...the material is already fresh in your mind :)

[watson....@gmail.com]

I got an email from CLARB saying the LARE results were posted. 

[haimlan...@gmail.com]

I also failed and plan on retaking it ASAP.  It is very frustrating, especially considering I actually felt pretty confident at the end.  It took me 4 times to pass section 4.  I really hope it doesn't take me that many times to pass section 3. Retaking in December.  Their goes my bank acct. 

On Friday, October 2, 2020 at 8:04:45 AM UTC-7 watson....@gmail.com wrote:

[Lee]

So many questions on the August exam 3 weren't in the study material. i dont know who clarb gets away with it! Has anyone ever approach them for justification? 

[Julia]

I also failed Section 3 and left fairly confident that I had passed.  I cannot believe the images that were used for this exam and their poor quality, almost like the CAPTCHA images, blurry and convoluted.  Would love to find out regarding who the heck creates these - questions seem to be so subjective, and not clear and practical.

[w]

I agree with K.G. Definitely stay with Section 3 because the material is still fresh in your mind.  Can you share some of how/what you studied so that we can maybe give better advice?  Here was my study plan: 

- Lots of reading and taking notes

- My main reading source was the LAGS book, with just the chapters that Ray Freeman recommended here in the google group

- Site Analysis from LaGro: section IV Design and Implementation (assuming you already read section I-III for Exam 2)

- I suggest reading the few sections from TSS as recommended by Ray Freeman (I didn't have time to read these, but they seem to be a good supplement to related chapters from LAGS)

- Sample exam from CLARB (short, but the most helpful sample exam out there)

- I bought both section A and B from the lareprep sample exams. Right after I take these practice exams, I thoroughly review the answers. This was also good for just being able to practice taking a long exam.  It's true that they say it's not just knowledge you need to have, but also stamina.  Being mentally stressed for a few hours straight will have an impact on your physical state.  (These were helpful, but the ones they have for Section 1 and 4 were much more on point in comparison to the actual exams)

- I bookmarked all tips related to Section 3 from this google group (lots of different topics to study, but when I was running low on time, this especially helped me to focus on what to review after all the initial reading/note-taking was done)

- I didn't have time for the other recommended reading, which would have been really helpful, especially topics related to stakeholders, so I tried my best to gather that information from this google group, google search, and the lareprep sample exams.

*note, Section 3 was the last one I took and passed it on the first try! so probably some of what I learned from Section 2 and 4 helped a little.

On Friday, October 2, 2020 at 8:04:45 AM UTC-7 watson....@gmail.com wrote:

[watson....@gmail.com]

I attached the study guide I created to prep for Section 3. I have learned that from passing Section 2 that the exams are mainly based on critical thinking and understanding the concepts then being able to apply them. My study method consisted of reading chapters of several books, taking practice exams and reviewing my notes and flashcards. 

[P]

So close, got 621!!  Very upsetting!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonder how many questions I missed to pass, passing rate for Aug. was 64%, not sure how and why the June exam was 84%!!!  This is messed up.  

[P]

The flashcards you mentioned, were they from MoMetrics?

On Friday, October 2, 2020 at 3:34:39 PM UTC-4 watson....@gmail.com wrote:

[watson....@gmail.com]

I created my own flashcards just writing them on notecards. Digital flashcards don't work for me to study. 

[watson....@gmail.com]

For those of you who are retaking Section 3, will you study differently? Read different books? Try different prep test? 

Because since CLARB only provides the failing score and no indication on what you got wrong, I am at a loss on what/how to study to retake Section 3. I came out of the Section 3 exam feeling fairly confident but obviously that was not the case. 

Today, I will be updating my study guide and going through this forum for additional topics to study, books to read and notes. 

[ErDer]

I failed Section 3, which I was initially to take in April but had been postponed a few times due to Covid. I have exhausted the practice exams and study guides since I have been studying since February. Needless to say I'm feeling defeated and would like some recommendations on study material and what may have worked for those who passed?

TIA!

[ldsmi...@gmail.com]

I too failed Section 3, this will make not the 1st, not the 2nd, not even the 3rd, but the 5th time I have failed this section! I've been working for nearly 15 years in the field from traditional LA firms, to Public sector, to Design-build, I have been taking this exam when it was the old format, (which I preferred because in the design section, you can get your Redlines for $100 that shows exactly what you did wrong) I  have taken two exam prep courses, one at UCLA and one at UT-Austin, changed everything in my studying from completely new notes, read nearly entire books and still cannot seem to get past this section. I"ve spent nearly $5,000 on the exam, prep courses, books and materials. Frustrating is the nicest I can say about this.  I"m going to stop writing, because I'm getting pissed off....

[Sara Reinstein]

This exam is so frustrating. Like wtf! Who is grading this? We need to band together and see if we can ask for a curve or at the very least for them to take another look at these questions. I studied for months, since I was planning on taking the April exam. Now, I don't know what to do! UGH!

[SY]

I am chiming in here to mention that I have taken Section 3 multiple times and failed again. I am upset, frustrated, discouraged, and close to giving up. I called CLARB immediately after receiving my results to ask for help, for guidance, for hope and received absolutely no help. I asked that CLARB start seriously considering providing test takers with feedback about their grades as it is becoming insanely expensive to guess what you got wrong on the exam. I told CLARB that I'm noticing the same questions asked on exams but have no way to improve my chances when I have no idea which topics I'm struggling with. CLARB doesn't give a damn about test takers and I am tempted to cancel my membership with them and give up on licensure. I asked for updated material, updated test exams, and any helpful guides or tips. I was told to check the CLARB and ASLA websites for resources. Like a poster before me mentioned, I have exhausted the resources and have exhausted the old CLARB practice exams and and the LAREprep exams that at this point, I've just memorized the answers. I have taken full day courses and done my best to create detailed study guides and note cards. I AM AT A LOSS WHAT TO DO! I told myself if I failed again, I'd consider taking a break. It is truly discouraging to see so many people trying their best and failing. For those who have passed, congratulations and please help! At this point, I'd rather connect with someone who has passed Section 3 than give any more money into training courses or study material. Last time I took Section 3, I failed with a 640 and was POSITIVE I would pass this time around. In fact I walked out of the test center, convinced I did well. To see that I did worse was a really hard hit for me. It leaves me lost and confused and burned out. I have worked in the private sector and currently work in the public sector, entering my 5th year. This exam is seriously impacting my well-being at this point. I suggest those of us who failed Section 3 and anyone else thinking about taking Section 3 in December start a weekly study Zoom session. There might already be a study group in the makes, but let's connect here and share our contact information and organize days to meet. I am not going to give up but I am absolutely feeling defeated. 

[ErDer]

I would definitely join a study group, I am registered for Pennsylvania December 2020 and I am determined to pass. I plan to read most of the recommended readings and take notes as I go. I wouldn't mind a group discussion once a week to share any material/ information I have gathered. 

[yorvin...@gmail.com]

SY,

Lets get a study session going. I just took section 3 and failed. Anyone welcomed. 

Regards,

Yorvin

[jenniferggarcia01]

I have also taken and failed Section 3 multiple times.  I understand how everyone feels and I'm glad I'm not the only one in the same boat, even though it's a boat I don't want to be in.  I also reached out to CLARB, and of course, they were absolutely no help.  I have every study material, practice exam and taken prep courses to no avail.  This is the most demoralizing experience in my career.  It's embarrassing when my colleagues ask how I did on my exam.  Anyway, that was just a lot of venting.  But I don't want to give up.  This exam will not beat me.

I see several of you have suggested forming a study group.  I would be interested in joining.  I'm out in California.  Maybe we can all share our study strategies to see where we can all improve.

On Monday, October 5, 2020 at 10:05:21 AM UTC-7 KRMill wrote:

I so feel all your frustrations!  I have finally passed all the sections and failed section 4 once last August.  It's taken two years to finally pass all of them with a number of setbacks including COVID and my work schedule -- it feels like I'm coming out of the black hole that is studying for the LARE.

 

CLARB takes the position that because this is a licensing exam they are not in the business of telling you what you missed or which topics or sections you didn't do well on.  They feel the test taker should already know the material before coming to the exam (although on other exams including the architecture registration exam, they allow you to see the questions you missed)...remember they are testing for "minimum competency."  The way they grade the exam is somewhat a mystery including a curve they put on the test and how do you know the number of questions you missed from the score??  With all that being said, I would not focus on those things!  There are so many better ways to spend your time than focusing on CLARB and their processes and red tape and the way they grade the test.  I can only hope that now I've gone thru the process and I am on the other side that I can begin to help and volunteer some time to help others and maybe help CLARB and ASLA develop some more helpful resources.  

It is so, so frustrating but don't give up!  Group study sessions definitely help--just make sure they are focused and stay on track.  I left every test feeling like I failed.  This time on my 2nd time taking section 4, I took a bit of a different approach and in addition I felt that I had an easier test this time.  This may have also been attributed to my round 2 studying, taking a prep class and having a different mindset.  If you are having a tough time, I would recommend signing up for the course "Learning how to Learn" on Coursera as a good refresher.  I started my studying 2 years ago by taking the time to go thru this course and was able to finish it in a long weekend.  Very helpful to me.  

With the many prep classes I took including the ASLA LARE review, UGA prep course and Freeman's Prep course for section 4 (Now taught by Sarah Gronquist) I can say the running theme through them all is to focus on the studying not on CLARB.  I constantly was reminding myself that most registered Landscape Architects have gone through this frustration and made it to the other side.   In one of the prep courses I took, Tom Nieman kept telling us " Remember this is 'LARE-y Land' not the real world".  He mentioned that most people with a lot of real world experience tend to overthink the exam questions.  Which seems a**-backwards that a licensure test would be more beneficial to take earlier in your career.  BUT - just remind yourself this is "LARE-y Land" .... a national test has to be standardized to cover best practices for nationwide testing.  I imagine it much like taking a driving test when you're 16 - you are tested on minimum competency understanding the rules and laws of the roads and how to drive and once you've been driving for a while you might forget some of those things and drive differently than you did when you first started.  You may even know some shortcuts to the rules of the road...and how the real world of driving ACTUALLY works.  LARE is not testing that knowledge from years and years of experience, they are testing minimum competency.  

Best of luck to everyone in the upcoming exams!  You got this.  

[watson....@gmail.com]

Has a study group been formed yet? I would like to join. I am on the east coast. 

I have already begun studying for Section 3 to retake in December. I have been going through the bullet points in the orientation guide and I am going to read a few chapters from TSS this weekend.  

[LP]

I would also like to join a study group! I failed with a 640 😭😭😭 i need more motivation to study and would love some extra motivation! I am not going to try to take more than one exam at the same time again and focus on section 3. 

[Lisa]

I am on the same boat and would like to join the study group too! I'm in California. 

Lisa

[JT]

Hi peeps,

I'm not sure how to ~study group~ but I made this google spreadsheet. Put in your info and I'll email everyone to get something going. I'll make it anonymous after a month or so.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SeLBfEW4iVJOnbiTlwus0M10bjYd_HkmUsvB2OaYgZw/edit?usp=sharing 

[rayfr...@comcast.net]

About 3 questions

[rayfr...@comcast.net]

For G***D sake, dont buy anything from Mometrics!

[rayfr...@comcast.net]

Ouch. I dont know about UT Austin, but since Jerry Hastings left UCLA extension, they've gone way downhill. Sarah Gronquist is forming an online study group, but I dont think she is offering Section 3 this fall. She has a demanding day job and converting what used to be face to face courses to an online format takes a lot a work.

Um, shameless marketing plug here. I am selling Section 3 study guides for $250 which includes shipping via Priority Mail. Information on getting my guides was posted on this discussion board an hour ago.

Ray Freeman

[haimlan...@gmail.com]

I just placed my name on the study group spreadsheet.  

I realized something this morning when I looked at CLARB's pass rates.  It's important to note that these pass rates aren't only including people who are taking the exams for the first time.  They're including EVERYONE taking the exam (obviously).  For example, section 3 had a 64% pass rate but what's the pass rate for first timers?  Probably less than 50%.  Many are re-taking and re-taking as shown in this google group.  No use to continue complaining though.  Just need to keep plugging on and studying.

This group is great because it helped me realize that I'm not the only one.  Ha, sadly, I'm the only one I know outside of the google group that struggles passing them.  My co-workers and friends all took these exams for the first time and passed.  Many of them study less than me, too.  A co-worker of mine took section 3 last year and studied a total of 2 hours/weekend for 4 weeks.  That's 8 hours of studying and he PASSED (and he has a newborn)!!!  I guess I know some smart people, but it's easy to get caught up in other people's study habits and realize 'oh, they only studied that much so that must be sufficient'.  Nope.  We all have our own study habits and I'm realizing more and more that the 4 hours/week I do for 6 weeks prior isn't enough.  Ugh.