AICP exam prep November 2009 - Page 5 - Cyburbia Forums

FueledByRamen · 2009-11-16, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dandy_warhol

I passed with a 64!

I got beat by a girl?!?!?

Congrats!!!

FueledByRamen · 2009-11-16, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by agoodman0305

Hi everyone,
Congrats to all those who've passed this month...it's good to hear for those of us who are still dreading it. I'm taking next Tuesday, yep, the last possible day we could sign up.

I have a question regarding the "spatial planning" section that's been giving me mixed messages. It stemmed from this practice question:

1. Planning for flooding typically occurs at what level of government?
a. neighborhood
b. city
c. state
d. national

Part of me thinks the answer should be D because of FEMA, but the other part says C because FEMA doesn't actually do the brass-tacks planning itself -- they just fund/review it and provide guidance so that lower jurisdictions can develop their own disaster relief plans.

Any insight there? Am I over-analyzing the definition of "planning" here? Thanks everyone.

I had a similar question on a practice exam:

1. Planning for disaster relief typically occurs at what level of government?
a. neighborhood
b. city
c. state
d. regional

The answer was "regional." I then had the EXACT same question on my actual exam, but "regional" wasn't an option so I chose "national" for the reason you explained.

dandy_warhol · 2009-11-16, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FueledByRamen

I got beat by a girl?!?!?

Congrats!!!

The right man for the job is a woman!

Thanks.

Rygor · 2009-11-16, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dandy_warhol

D-day for me is 11/16.

How did it go?

dandy_warhol · 2009-11-16, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rygor

How did it go?

Passed with a 64.

ThePinkPlanner · 2009-11-16, 06:03 PM

One last question before I take my exam. How did people generally find the time allotment? Did you feel rushed, just enough, or have plenty of time to review your options? I think that the "mark" option for later review seems neat, if there is time.

FueledByRamen · 2009-11-16, 06:10 PM

I felt I had plenty of time. I took me about 2 hours total. I went through everything once, marking the questions that I wasn't 100% sure of and then went through the marked questions once. I only ended up changing my answer on one of the marked questions.

The worst part was the suspense after you click "exit" and its a white screen. Besides the suspense of having to wait for my score, I was afraid the computer had crashed. Oh, and they make you take the survey BEFORE they give you your score.

dandy_warhol · 2009-11-16, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FueledByRamen

I felt I had plenty of time. I took me about 2 hours total. I went through everything once, marking the questions that I wasn't 100% sure of and then went through the marked questions once. I only ended up changing my answer on one of the marked questions.

The worst part was the suspense after you click "exit" and its a white screen. Besides the suspense of having to wait for my score, I was afraid the computer had crashed. Oh, and they make you take the survey BEFORE they give you your score.

It took me about 1.5 hours to go through the test the 1st time. Then another 45 minutes to review my marked questions and then review the entire test.

That white screen almost caused a panic attack. I was sure I had failed when no score came up!

dvdneal · 2009-11-17, 12:29 PM

I agree with the Ramen and Dandy, it took about 2 hours for the test and an 1 hour to go through marked stuff. I took my time and never felt rushed. The painful part is answering the survey and waiting for the slowest computer on earth to tell you that you passed. I actually closed my eyes for a minute and said to my self, "Self, it will be all over when you open your eyes." The computer was still thinking when I opened my eyes.

jebony · 2009-11-17, 01:51 PM

I'm taking it this Saturday. What's the word on stats? Did people who have already taken it feel like there were a good amount of stats questions that you needed to know formulas for? Did you use a calculator?

FueledByRamen · 2009-11-17, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dvdneal

I actually closed my eyes for a minute and said to my self, "Self, it will be all over when you open your eyes." The computer was still thinking when I opened my eyes.

me too!

dandy_warhol · 2009-11-17, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jebony

I'm taking it this Saturday. What's the word on stats? Did people who have already taken it feel like there were a good amount of stats questions that you needed to know formulas for? Did you use a calculator?

I think I used the calculator 3-4 times for some basic calculations. I had 1 question related to statistics.

ThePinkPlanner · 2009-11-17, 02:23 PM

Well I took the exam this morning and passed with a 63. While I have so much stress off my shoulders and generally feel relieved, I can't help but feel annoyed by this exam. Ironically, I went into the exam annoyed at all the dates and legal history that I forced myself to memorize over the past few months, wondering how knowing that one book was written in 1898 and not 1897 or 1899 made me a better planner. I don't want to ramble or complain as a relatively new member here with more yet to contribute, so I'll cut it short: I felt that much of what I studied did me little good for the exam. I felt that much of my practical experience was lost in questions that were vauge, poorly written, or subjective. There were many questions where multiple answers were possible or that I felt more information was needed. I like that the AICP has moved away from rote memorization for the exam, but multiple choice answers are not the best format for subjective questions. I did provide this in the survey while I awaited the white screen. I am so thankful for the tips on the white screen- you all truly saved me from a heart attack. Gosh it took forever huh?

Stepping off my soapbox, I'm not sure how much I can contribute to those still in the exam queue. There were many more budgeting questions that I anticipated, and, as others stated, many questions on neighborhood participation. The ethics questions appeared to make up the 5% advertised and there were plenty of questions that wanted to know whose responsibility something is. They provide you with a calculator, but I didn't have to use it. The two questions I had that had any math were simple enough to do in my head. I'm sure I'll remember more later. For now, I'm trying to figure out how to schedule celebrating in between evening meetings this week with the Development Review Board, Natural Resources Committee, Design Review Committee, and two citizen advisory groups for special projects, haahaa.

dandy_warhol · 2009-11-17, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ThePinkPlanner

Well I took the exam this morning and passed with a 63.

Congrats!

FueledByRamen · 2009-11-17, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ThePinkPlanner

For now, I'm trying to figure out how to schedule celebrating in between evening meetings this week with the Development Review Board, Natural Resources Committee, Design Review Committee, and two citizen advisory groups for special projects, haahaa.

I hear you. I've scheduled my celebration for March 2011.

dvdneal · 2009-11-17, 04:32 PM

We're allowed to celebrate, I thought the APA wanted their money before you do that.

NJVAplnr · 2009-11-18, 11:17 AM

Few things concerning the exam:

1. I agree with all of you - sitting there in front of the blank, white screen was one of the most pain-staking, stressful times in my life.

2. I can't recall, it's been a week now, any stats questions on my exam. Only thing remotely close was 1 or 2 questions regarding sampling.

3. Time wasn't an issue at all. I went through the exam the first time and answered all the questions I without a doubt knew and then came back and put the thinking cap on. Even went back a third time to make sure I didn't do anything stupid...all with a half hour to spare.

4. Definitely know your numbers...ie feet in a mile, sq ft in an acre, etc. You definitely need it.

5. Some questions were certainly ambiguous and I questioned its pertinence to the planning profession. One question was a "what to do" about a male committee member not talking to a female staff planner. Seemed more like an HR issue more than anything. But looking back, I could care less about the question since I passed.

6. In general, it was easier than I expected, especially hearing a few horror stories. At no point while taking it was I sitting there thinking, "man, I have no idea and I'm screwed." I guess it was just a matter of being well read and well prepared.

Congrats to the Nov. 2009 class of AICP'ers!

jnewshel · 2009-11-19, 11:27 PM

I'm taking the exam on Monday. For those that have taken the exam, what you would recommend I focus on this weekend? I'm pretty much gone through the readings, study guide, PA planning stuff, planetizen, etc. Thanks!

ThePinkPlanner · 2009-11-20, 09:40 AM

Have you read the APA policy guides? I thought those were pretty helpful, especially energy, smart growth, etc. If you have any practice exams with situational questions, those are a good bet too. None of my free practice exams had those and they were heavy on the exam. Good luck!

AmwayFaithful · 2009-11-20, 05:07 PM

Well, I passed the exam today, pretty interesting set of questions. Obviously, the tests are different from person to person but I was shocked at the small number of memorization questions on there. I had a whole stack of note cards for planning theories, court cases, people, etc. and it seems like that represented only a very small part of the test.

Lots of questions on situations, very few calculations on mine (2-3 to be more precise). Just an FAR and a parking one, maybe two parking ones. Big emphasis on public participation type questions.

I relied pretty much on the Pennsylvania APA study guide, Henry Bittaker's study guide materials, the AICP study guide 1.0 and a few other sources.

2009-11-16, 06:03 PM	#106
ThePinkPlanner Member Registered: Jul 2009 Location: Vermont Posts: 13	Duration of exam? One last question before I take my exam. How did people generally find the time allotment? Did you feel rushed, just enough, or have plenty of time to review your options? I think that the "mark" option for later review seems neat, if there is time.

2009-11-17, 12:29 PM	#109
dvdneal Cyburbian Registered: Jan 2009 Location: lost in arizona Posts: 203	I agree with the Ramen and Dandy, it took about 2 hours for the test and an 1 hour to go through marked stuff. I took my time and never felt rushed. The painful part is answering the survey and waiting for the slowest computer on earth to tell you that you passed. I actually closed my eyes for a minute and said to my self, "Self, it will be all over when you open your eyes." The computer was still thinking when I opened my eyes. __________________ Why am I still driving the short bus?

2009-11-17, 01:51 PM	#110
jebony Member Registered: Nov 2009 Location: Central Arkansas Posts: 1	Stats I'm taking it this Saturday. What's the word on stats? Did people who have already taken it feel like there were a good amount of stats questions that you needed to know formulas for? Did you use a calculator?

2009-11-17, 02:23 PM	#113
ThePinkPlanner Member Registered: Jul 2009 Location: Vermont Posts: 13	Another pass... Well I took the exam this morning and passed with a 63. While I have so much stress off my shoulders and generally feel relieved, I can't help but feel annoyed by this exam. Ironically, I went into the exam annoyed at all the dates and legal history that I forced myself to memorize over the past few months, wondering how knowing that one book was written in 1898 and not 1897 or 1899 made me a better planner. I don't want to ramble or complain as a relatively new member here with more yet to contribute, so I'll cut it short: I felt that much of what I studied did me little good for the exam. I felt that much of my practical experience was lost in questions that were vauge, poorly written, or subjective. There were many questions where multiple answers were possible or that I felt more information was needed. I like that the AICP has moved away from rote memorization for the exam, but multiple choice answers are not the best format for subjective questions. I did provide this in the survey while I awaited the white screen. I am so thankful for the tips on the white screen- you all truly saved me from a heart attack. Gosh it took forever huh? Stepping off my soapbox, I'm not sure how much I can contribute to those still in the exam queue. There were many more budgeting questions that I anticipated, and, as others stated, many questions on neighborhood participation. The ethics questions appeared to make up the 5% advertised and there were plenty of questions that wanted to know whose responsibility something is. They provide you with a calculator, but I didn't have to use it. The two questions I had that had any math were simple enough to do in my head. I'm sure I'll remember more later. For now, I'm trying to figure out how to schedule celebrating in between evening meetings this week with the Development Review Board, Natural Resources Committee, Design Review Committee, and two citizen advisory groups for special projects, haahaa.

2009-11-17, 04:32 PM	#116
dvdneal Cyburbian Registered: Jan 2009 Location: lost in arizona Posts: 203	We're allowed to celebrate, I thought the APA wanted their money before you do that. __________________ Why am I still driving the short bus?

2009-11-16, 06:10 PM	#107
FueledByRamen Cyburbian Registered: Oct 2003 Location: A Dog in a Hat Posts: 431	I felt I had plenty of time. I took me about 2 hours total. I went through everything once, marking the questions that I wasn't 100% sure of and then went through the marked questions once. I only ended up changing my answer on one of the marked questions. The worst part was the suspense after you click "exit" and its a white screen. Besides the suspense of having to wait for my score, I was afraid the computer had crashed. Oh, and they make you take the survey BEFORE they give you your score.

2009-11-18, 11:17 AM	#117
NJVAplnr Member Registered: Nov 2006 Location: Virginia Posts: 5	Few things concerning the exam: 1. I agree with all of you - sitting there in front of the blank, white screen was one of the most pain-staking, stressful times in my life. 2. I can't recall, it's been a week now, any stats questions on my exam. Only thing remotely close was 1 or 2 questions regarding sampling. 3. Time wasn't an issue at all. I went through the exam the first time and answered all the questions I without a doubt knew and then came back and put the thinking cap on. Even went back a third time to make sure I didn't do anything stupid...all with a half hour to spare. 4. Definitely know your numbers...ie feet in a mile, sq ft in an acre, etc. You definitely need it. 5. Some questions were certainly ambiguous and I questioned its pertinence to the planning profession. One question was a "what to do" about a male committee member not talking to a female staff planner. Seemed more like an HR issue more than anything. But looking back, I could care less about the question since I passed. 6. In general, it was easier than I expected, especially hearing a few horror stories. At no point while taking it was I sitting there thinking, "man, I have no idea and I'm screwed." I guess it was just a matter of being well read and well prepared. Congrats to the Nov. 2009 class of AICP'ers!

2009-11-19, 11:27 PM	#118
jnewshel Member Registered: Apr 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 7	Last Minute Study Tips? I'm taking the exam on Monday. For those that have taken the exam, what you would recommend I focus on this weekend? I'm pretty much gone through the readings, study guide, PA planning stuff, planetizen, etc. Thanks!

2009-11-20, 09:40 AM	#119
ThePinkPlanner Member Registered: Jul 2009 Location: Vermont Posts: 13	Exam prep Have you read the APA policy guides? I thought those were pretty helpful, especially energy, smart growth, etc. If you have any practice exams with situational questions, those are a good bet too. None of my free practice exams had those and they were heavy on the exam. Good luck!

2009-11-20, 05:07 PM	#120
AmwayFaithful Member Registered: Jul 2009 Location: Longwood, FL Posts: 6	Well, I passed the exam today, pretty interesting set of questions. Obviously, the tests are different from person to person but I was shocked at the small number of memorization questions on there. I had a whole stack of note cards for planning theories, court cases, people, etc. and it seems like that represented only a very small part of the test. Lots of questions on situations, very few calculations on mine (2-3 to be more precise). Just an FAR and a parking one, maybe two parking ones. Big emphasis on public participation type questions. I relied pretty much on the Pennsylvania APA study guide, Henry Bittaker's study guide materials, the AICP study guide 1.0 and a few other sources.