Architecture Exam Review, Volume I: Structural Topics

Rating:
Summary: Targeted to Actual Exam
Review: I found the Ballast guides to be concentrated specifically on the exams that we are acutally going to take. The subjects were organized and concise. Not too much time was spent on "advanced" topics not necessary for the structural topics tested in the exam. It provided most of the rules of thumbs that can be used by architects not only for the exam, but everyday practice. One could purchase the guide strictly as a desk side companion.

Rating:
Summary: Targeted to Actual Exam
Review: I found the Ballast guides to be concentrated specifically on the exams that we are acutally going to take. The subjects were organized and concise. Not too much time was spent on "advanced" topics not necessary for the structural topics tested in the exam. It provided most of the rules of thumbs that can be used by architects not only for the exam, but everyday practice. One could purchase the guide strictly as a desk side companion.

Rating:
Summary: Targeted to Actual Exam
Review: I found the Ballast guides to be concentrated specifically on the exams that we are acutally going to take. The subjects were organized and concise. Not too much time was spent on "advanced" topics not necessary for the structural topics tested in the exam. It provided most of the rules of thumbs that can be used by architects not only for the exam, but everyday practice. One could purchase the guide strictly as a desk side companion.

Rating:
Summary: Informative and concise.
Review: This book is a complete study guide for the major structural topics and questions for the architectural licensing exam. My overall enthusiasm for this book was average. I found that there were chapters that were too vague or simply did not have enough information on specific equations. I also found that I did have to supplement the studying from this book with my own notes from my structures courses along with additional study material from other sources. I do recommend this book for anyone wishing to brush up on thier studying for the Lateral Forces and General Structures portions of the ARE/NCARB. Keep in mind, as with any other division of the exam, this would not be a single source for study material.

Rating:
Summary: This book is a great helper in the study of the ARE
Review: This book offers a great summary of the main issues tested in the A.R.E. Although it should not be used as the only resource to study from, it explains most of the terms in a clear and concise manner. Be forewarned, the book does not provide enough information to pass any of the 9 parts. The test taker must use other resources to find and understand all of the required information to prepare successfully for the exam.