Discussion Thread

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

I was one of the last people to take the exam on pen and paper, in 2019. With only 2 times a year to take it, setting goals (and paying for them) became a lot easier than it might be for those who can sign up whenever and take it whenever. It also helped that many of my friends and previous classmates became eligible around the same time. Occasionally I studied for the general section with other people, but most of it was solo studying. 

My experience studying for the PE was actually similar as it was for the FE. Both times, I started by studying the wrong material, and being inefficient and ineffective with how I studied. I sat there, reviewed problems from 6 minute solutions, and in general felt overwhelmed. Well apparently, those problems are frequently much more difficult than those on the exam. When I switched to the practice tests sold by the NCEES themselves (feels like a bit of a scam considering how much they cost), I started seeing more progress in my studying and I felt that since they were retired exam questions, they were much more reflective of the actual exam experience. 

I would do problems for a few hours after work 2-4 days a week, getting more and more frequent as I got closer to the exam. On weekends, I would do half of a test or a full test while timing myself. I drilled those questions again and again until I knew exactly what the question was asking for and exactly where to go in the reference manual to find the answer before I finished reading the problem. 

I did this focused form of studying for about 6 months according to my notes. The unfocused part probably wasted another 6, but part of that likely also includes the time i took to complete the application and get my references in order.  I am a slow learner and was prepared to invest the time. By taking this long to study, I didn't have to sacrifice my weekends or even too many after-work events if I really wanted to go to them. I still made time for exercise. I am comfortable with how long I studied considering I passed on the first try. 

In your case, I would consider drilling problems until you feel like you're mostly ready, then set a date to take it with enough time left in between now and then to really finalize anything you're still weak on. Everyone's timeline is different. I had friends study for a few weeks, and others for a few months. Good luck!

------------------------------
Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Did you find other reference question book useful outside of the NCEES? The NCEES is great, but with just one available I'd like more practice problems. 

------------------------------
Esther Baas EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineer I
Corvallis OR
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2023 12:39 AM
From: Christopher Seigel
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I was one of the last people to take the exam on pen and paper, in 2019. With only 2 times a year to take it, setting goals (and paying for them) became a lot easier than it might be for those who can sign up whenever and take it whenever. It also helped that many of my friends and previous classmates became eligible around the same time. Occasionally I studied for the general section with other people, but most of it was solo studying. 

My experience studying for the PE was actually similar as it was for the FE. Both times, I started by studying the wrong material, and being inefficient and ineffective with how I studied. I sat there, reviewed problems from 6 minute solutions, and in general felt overwhelmed. Well apparently, those problems are frequently much more difficult than those on the exam. When I switched to the practice tests sold by the NCEES themselves (feels like a bit of a scam considering how much they cost), I started seeing more progress in my studying and I felt that since they were retired exam questions, they were much more reflective of the actual exam experience. 

I would do problems for a few hours after work 2-4 days a week, getting more and more frequent as I got closer to the exam. On weekends, I would do half of a test or a full test while timing myself. I drilled those questions again and again until I knew exactly what the question was asking for and exactly where to go in the reference manual to find the answer before I finished reading the problem. 

I did this focused form of studying for about 6 months according to my notes. The unfocused part probably wasted another 6, but part of that likely also includes the time i took to complete the application and get my references in order.  I am a slow learner and was prepared to invest the time. By taking this long to study, I didn't have to sacrifice my weekends or even too many after-work events if I really wanted to go to them. I still made time for exercise. I am comfortable with how long I studied considering I passed on the first try. 

In your case, I would consider drilling problems until you feel like you're mostly ready, then set a date to take it with enough time left in between now and then to really finalize anything you're still weak on. Everyone's timeline is different. I had friends study for a few weeks, and others for a few months. Good luck!

------------------------------
Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

A colleague of mine who took his PE and passed on the first try recommended a few other books to me for additional practice problems. I just purchased them last week, but haven't gotten the chance to use them just yet. However, they might be worth looking into for you!

Look into PE Prepared as they have 3 different sets of breadth practice problems, and then 1-2 sets of depth problems depending on your specific depth. I have heard from a few people that their questions are very similar in difficulty and format to the ones on the actual exam. They do have a website that you can browse through as well.

If you happen to be a structural depth, I was also recommended to buy a book of structural depth practice problems titled: "Structural Depth PE Civil Engineering Exams - Two Full Exams with Solutions" by M. Rashad Islam, Ph. D, P.E.. I have not had the chance to use this one yet either, but I offer it up for you to look into (if you are a structural depth).

I am also currently taking the School of PE review course because my work offered to pay for it, but they have their own set of practice exams that can be purchased individually as well. 

------------------------------
Gage Parsons A.M.ASCE
Structural Design EIT
Papillion NE
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-28-2023 11:13 PM
From: Esther Baas
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

Did you find other reference question book useful outside of the NCEES? The NCEES is great, but with just one available I'd like more practice problems. 

------------------------------
Esther Baas EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineer I
Corvallis OR

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2023 12:39 AM
From: Christopher Seigel
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I was one of the last people to take the exam on pen and paper, in 2019. With only 2 times a year to take it, setting goals (and paying for them) became a lot easier than it might be for those who can sign up whenever and take it whenever. It also helped that many of my friends and previous classmates became eligible around the same time. Occasionally I studied for the general section with other people, but most of it was solo studying. 

My experience studying for the PE was actually similar as it was for the FE. Both times, I started by studying the wrong material, and being inefficient and ineffective with how I studied. I sat there, reviewed problems from 6 minute solutions, and in general felt overwhelmed. Well apparently, those problems are frequently much more difficult than those on the exam. When I switched to the practice tests sold by the NCEES themselves (feels like a bit of a scam considering how much they cost), I started seeing more progress in my studying and I felt that since they were retired exam questions, they were much more reflective of the actual exam experience. 

I would do problems for a few hours after work 2-4 days a week, getting more and more frequent as I got closer to the exam. On weekends, I would do half of a test or a full test while timing myself. I drilled those questions again and again until I knew exactly what the question was asking for and exactly where to go in the reference manual to find the answer before I finished reading the problem. 

I did this focused form of studying for about 6 months according to my notes. The unfocused part probably wasted another 6, but part of that likely also includes the time i took to complete the application and get my references in order.  I am a slow learner and was prepared to invest the time. By taking this long to study, I didn't have to sacrifice my weekends or even too many after-work events if I really wanted to go to them. I still made time for exercise. I am comfortable with how long I studied considering I passed on the first try. 

In your case, I would consider drilling problems until you feel like you're mostly ready, then set a date to take it with enough time left in between now and then to really finalize anything you're still weak on. Everyone's timeline is different. I had friends study for a few weeks, and others for a few months. Good luck!

------------------------------
Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Sorry! I was away on vacation. I did purchase one other set of practice problems from a 3rd party which were similar in their level of complexity. I found them mostly helpful just to get more spread of questions and things I could review in the reference manual. It was called The Ultimate Water Resources Depth Exam from someone named Isaac Oakeson. The exam was very affordable, I don't remember what else specifically sold me on it. 

------------------------------
Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-28-2023 11:13 PM
From: Esther Baas
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

Did you find other reference question book useful outside of the NCEES? The NCEES is great, but with just one available I'd like more practice problems. 

------------------------------
Esther Baas EIT, A.M.ASCE
Engineer I
Corvallis OR

Original Message:
Sent: 08-25-2023 12:39 AM
From: Christopher Seigel
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I was one of the last people to take the exam on pen and paper, in 2019. With only 2 times a year to take it, setting goals (and paying for them) became a lot easier than it might be for those who can sign up whenever and take it whenever. It also helped that many of my friends and previous classmates became eligible around the same time. Occasionally I studied for the general section with other people, but most of it was solo studying. 

My experience studying for the PE was actually similar as it was for the FE. Both times, I started by studying the wrong material, and being inefficient and ineffective with how I studied. I sat there, reviewed problems from 6 minute solutions, and in general felt overwhelmed. Well apparently, those problems are frequently much more difficult than those on the exam. When I switched to the practice tests sold by the NCEES themselves (feels like a bit of a scam considering how much they cost), I started seeing more progress in my studying and I felt that since they were retired exam questions, they were much more reflective of the actual exam experience. 

I would do problems for a few hours after work 2-4 days a week, getting more and more frequent as I got closer to the exam. On weekends, I would do half of a test or a full test while timing myself. I drilled those questions again and again until I knew exactly what the question was asking for and exactly where to go in the reference manual to find the answer before I finished reading the problem. 

I did this focused form of studying for about 6 months according to my notes. The unfocused part probably wasted another 6, but part of that likely also includes the time i took to complete the application and get my references in order.  I am a slow learner and was prepared to invest the time. By taking this long to study, I didn't have to sacrifice my weekends or even too many after-work events if I really wanted to go to them. I still made time for exercise. I am comfortable with how long I studied considering I passed on the first try. 

In your case, I would consider drilling problems until you feel like you're mostly ready, then set a date to take it with enough time left in between now and then to really finalize anything you're still weak on. Everyone's timeline is different. I had friends study for a few weeks, and others for a few months. Good luck!

------------------------------
Christopher Seigel P.E., M.ASCE
Civil Engineer

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

I'm taking a webinar PE prep class. I find the external structure and expectation to attend and not fall behind is very helpful for me. I know if I were taking a self-paced, self-directed study approach I just wouldn't do enough.

------------------------------
Kathryn Little, EIT (she/her)
Water Resources Engineer
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

I just took the PE exam last week. I was the same way when I first started studying. I'd recommend registering for an exam date, if you haven't already. Once I was registered for an exam date that really locked me in and I had no choice but to commit to studying. Also I'd say reduced your study time, to start, to an hour after work a few days a week and a few hours (3-4) during the weekend morning. Spend some time just reviewing material, looking over problems without necessarily working them out. After a week or so I found myself back into the "learning" mode I haven't been in since college and I was able to ramp up my time, if necessary, or just stay consistent with my study time. I spent a majority of my study time working problems and then reviewing sections for problems I struggled with. Basically I felt the exact same way in the beginning but committing to a date and setting goals for a number of problems to work through or a number of sections to finish reviewing, for whatever review course you use, really helped me get the ball rolling for consistency. 

------------------------------
Khalil Bell EIT, A.M.ASCE
Civil Analyst
Kimley-Horn
Atlanta GA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Thank you for the idea.

I haven't registered for an exam date yet because my application is still in review. Once approved I will set a date.

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-28-2023 10:23 AM
From: Khalil Bell
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just took the PE exam last week. I was the same way when I first started studying. I'd recommend registering for an exam date, if you haven't already. Once I was registered for an exam date that really locked me in and I had no choice but to commit to studying. Also I'd say reduced your study time, to start, to an hour after work a few days a week and a few hours (3-4) during the weekend morning. Spend some time just reviewing material, looking over problems without necessarily working them out. After a week or so I found myself back into the "learning" mode I haven't been in since college and I was able to ramp up my time, if necessary, or just stay consistent with my study time. I spent a majority of my study time working problems and then reviewing sections for problems I struggled with. Basically I felt the exact same way in the beginning but committing to a date and setting goals for a number of problems to work through or a number of sections to finish reviewing, for whatever review course you use, really helped me get the ball rolling for consistency. 

------------------------------
Khalil Bell EIT, A.M.ASCE
Civil Analyst
Kimley-Horn
Atlanta GA

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Good morning, Daniel!

Here is the advice that I would have with taking the Environmental PE Computer-based test.

Specifically, for Structural, here is Mat Picurdal How To Pass The PE Exam (EET Review vs Self Study) I watched his YouTube video before I started studying and it was helpful even though it wasn't in my area. Also, consider watching some of NCEES's videos on Benefits of Becoming a Licensed PE

• Start by figuring out how much of each type of question there will be Make a Plan
• When you have trouble studying, go to YouTube and type in FE/PE Study for your specific type of exam. (Falling asleep to people solving problems is a great way to get it soaking in and to have your brain start thinking about studying.) 
• I think that Pass the PE Exam - Anthony Fasano, PE YouTube videos helped me to get motivated to study.
  • Anthony Fasano, PE recommends calculating the pay bump and thinking through the financial aspects also trying writing PE behind your name and thinking about what kind of projects you will be able to do with a PE license.
  • Choosing which discipline of the PE Exam you will take is the first step.
  • Then make a study plan (At least 6 months is necessary)
  • Start studying....at set increments. (60-90 minutes/day)
    • Ask your employer if you can use work time for study time. How much?

On a personal note, 1 thing that helped me since I am an extroverted engineer is that I reached out to those who had taken the PE before and asked them their thoughts. Be careful with this, because you cannot ask specifics. If you can, study with other engineers. I connected with a guy on Zoom and that was a good kickstart for me.

The 2nd thing I recommend is taking the computer-based exam. Reasons: 1) You can change your test date. (This was helpful to me because I studied Chemical Engineering and was studying Environmental to do the PE exam) 2) You can search the PDF - keywords are important! 3) You will find that what you studied is helpful for your career. Having access to the study materials and reference materials for your exam will help you with figuring out general areas of your expertise and pursuing deeper knowledge.  

Wish you the best, Daniel!

Mark

------------------------------
Mark McClure P.E., M.ASCE
Project Engineer
Topeka KS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Hi Daniel,

I see that you are looking to get your P.E. in Water Resources. Motivation indeed is a crucial aspect to drive ourselves to get our PE completed. I lacked it during my first attempt (June 2022) where I only used NCEES's practice book for Civil: Structural and did little practice assuming it was sufficient. However I fell short by around 15% in making the cut-off mark. I did wanted to take the test immediately as I knew where I fell short and could focus on the items that needed more attention from me - Morning Breadth section which I neglected to practice more problems on. 

However due to circumstances personally and on work front, I could not take it after June last year. During the start of my company's new fiscal year around October 2022, it was clear to me that I needed to attain my PE (which was an outstanding goal of mine for so long) and that is when I regained the enthusiasm and tried to forget the fact that I might fail again, rather focus my attention on practicing more problems. To this effect, I purchased 4 books from "PE Prepared", three of which were editions for morning breadth exam and one edition for depth exam. The problems in the "PE Prepared" books had little higher difficulty level than that given in NCEES practice exams and I must say that it helped a lot in timing my problem solving capability and thought processes. The solutions at the end of each book are much more elaborative than that found in the NCEES book. 

"PE Prepared" also have two editions for Water Resources depth exam which you can start to practice and it rounds up to 80 total problems you can solve. I suggested this reference to one of my colleague who just like me could not pass it in the first attempt but after using these books passed in the second attempt. The solutions at the end are simply clear and it makes us engaged to practice more and stay motivated. 

Thanks!

------------------------------
Sai Reddy P.E., M.ASCE
Senior Engineer, IED
Morrison Hershfield
Visakhapatnam
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

I had to figure out what my why was for taking the exam.  For me, it was getting passed over for promotions.  I know for my wife and kids it was holding us back from doing the things we loved together because I was studying.  I was actually interviewed about the number of failures I had before success and it goes it detail on what worked for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbqW0vky5Ko

------------------------------
James Johnson P.E., M.ASCE
Highway Maintenance Engineer
Mount Carmel IL
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Hey James,

Interesting to hear your story and thank you for the encouragement and the video link!

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 09-11-2023 06:48 AM
From: James Johnson
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I had to figure out what my why was for taking the exam.  For me, it was getting passed over for promotions.  I know for my wife and kids it was holding us back from doing the things we loved together because I was studying.  I was actually interviewed about the number of failures I had before success and it goes it detail on what worked for me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BbqW0vky5Ko

------------------------------
James Johnson P.E., M.ASCE
Highway Maintenance Engineer
Mount Carmel IL

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Hi Daniel,

Interesting topic, as this is something that I think I've seen many struggle with.  For myself, I knew why I wanted to become licensed.  It always was for personal accomplishment, first.  However, I do find that I have to motivate my young team in different ways.  Here are things that I did which can help:

• I agree with the previous comments of "finding your reason" and "scheduling an exam date to lock you in." 
  • I had a college professor who said something along the lines of "Aren't you sick & tired?  You guys, it's time to graduate."  I think this goes well with "finding your reason" and "getting locked in."
• Study away from "office hours" and home. 
  • I took a review course at the local university on Tuesday & Thursday nights.  That was helpful for me because I enjoyed school, and this was set up exactly like a class.  I left the office early on those days, and studied in the library for 2-4 hours before the class every night.
  • I also studied every weekend in the office for about 4-6 hours per day (Saturday & most Sundays).
  • I took the paper/pencil test; so I began studying around 2.5 months before the test. This was about the same time that my review course began.
    • I do feel that the PE exam being a computer based test now, with the ability to take it more than twice a year, can be a demotivator.  
  • Studying @ home was mostly unproductive as there are always distractions.
• If you can, find a study partner.  Not only will you guys motivate each other, you can bounce off your understanding with another person regularly.

This next one might not be for everyone, but I personally enjoy the grind of detailed work with an approaching deadline.  In school, I almost always studied at night; I definitely built a habit out of it.  Burn out from grinding can happen; so, don't make this 6-months long.

For the PE, the only time that I did study at home was at night, after my kids fell asleep.  I had quiet and undisturbed time, with a time limit because I worked the next day as well.  That matched my grinding and study style; this helped me almost "enjoy" studying.

Good luck.

------------------------------
Jefferson Thao P.E., M.ASCE
Engineering Manager
Thornton CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

Firstly, thank you to everyone who responded with the links and resources. I wanted to provide an update since I posted this. 

Since posting, I took some time away from studying completely just to give myself some breathing room and lighten the pressure since I just completed my master's. I shouldn't have started studying immediately after finishing the semester and graduating and should have given my mind and body some time to relax, which I have done over the past two weeks. Over the past two weeks, I completed all my "summer projects" such as reorganizing my apartment, finishing a paint-by-numbers (that I bought in January), finishing a book I started months ago, building a woodworking project, and other tasks.

I know it may not be a lot but last night was the first time I felt excited to start studying again and I studied for an hour!

Thank you everyone for the encouragement and I hope others who are in similar situations find these threads helpful!

------------------------------
Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
------------------------------

I absolutely felt that way. It is all about gaining momentum. The easiest way is to find study partner. If you can't (like me during COVID), create a plan and slowly start increasing how much you study. 

Happy to have a chat about this with you. Also check out my PE Study Guide if you want to learn more about it: https://luisfelipeduque.com/PEStudyGuide

------------------------------
Luis Duque P.E., M.ASCE
Bridge Engineer
Rapid City SD
info@...
[Phone][Phone2]
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 08-22-2023 09:21 AM
From: Daniel Bressler
Subject: SOS! PE Study Motivation Needed

I just became eligible to start taking PE. I asked around what resources people used and found out how long people usually study and came up with a study plan.

For some reason, I feel like I'm stuck and can't get motivated to start studying in earnest. I'll study a little here and there but I don't feel the drive to really dive into this.

I wanted to know if others feel/felt the same way.

Any advice?

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Daniel Bressler EIT, A.M.ASCE
Structural Engineer
Brooklyn NY
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