Re: Section 3 - Study Help Appreciated

[Colette Curran]

Hi Drew,

I am sorry that you did not pass Section 3. You were so close! Congrats on passing Sections 1 and 2.

I took Section 3 in December. I agree that it can be hard to know what to focus on studying, especially for Section 3. I took Sarah Gronquist's class for Section 3. I recommend this class since the class helped me narrow my focus down and focus on topics that were likely to be tested. The prep class syllabus is also a useful resource and has some helpful practice exams.  

I also found the Section 3 LarePrep.com practice exams to be helpful for giving me an idea of where I stood and what I needed to focus on. I like how these practice tests include answer explanations.

The book that I used the most to prepare for this exam was Planning and Urban Design Standards. I just got the student edition. This book helped me learn more about the different types of plans listed on the CLARB Section 3 topics list.

Colette

On Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 8:58:46 AM UTC-8 andrew...@gmail.com wrote:

Hi all,

I have been taking these tests for years now, usually failing once or twice before finally passing sections 1 and 2. As of today, I have now failed section 3 twice, and am really feeling pressure to pass 3 and 4 before December, and the format changes, so I don't have to take section 1 again under the new format. To say the time and financial commitment behind this is getting frustrating is an understatement. I can only assume I do not have the right study material, though I only failed section 3 by 10 points this time (another extremely frustrating note). That's been the story this whole time, as I know people know. It is really difficult to know what is appropriate to spend time on, even with the study outline provided by CLARB.

All this to say, if anyone has any surefire study materials or tips for Section 3, I would love a share. Feeling pretty beat up over here.

Thanks,

Drew

[Rebecca Shepard]

Hi Drew,

I am sorry you didn't pass the exam again. It is extremely frustrating the way the exams are set up with confusing questions and very vague study information. I would highly recommend Sarah Gronquist's classes. I took her class and it was well worth the time and money. If for some reason you do not pass any one exam (and if you took her class to study for that exam), she will let you audit the next class, but this time for free. She will cover most everything you need to know on the exam. You have the added benefit that you have already been studying for section 3 for at least 6 months, so what you will learn in the class will just add to your wealth of knowledge. 

Try to remember that what you are learning will just add to your knowledge of being a landscape architect, and you will be a better person and a strong mentor for those who work around you.

May the force be with you (-:

Rebecca