by Sarcasmo » Thu Mar 01, 2018 9:18 am
ayoitsjoco, sorry to hear of your results.
Read the thread titled 5.0 Study Materials in General Discussion for my opinion on approach to 5.0 and reference materials.
The transition from 4.0 to 5.0 has many layers -- people, places and things are all affected. Although the 3 + 2 is a remarkable option, and a pretty large group of testers have now successfully passed the ARE via this 3 + 2 option, I really do not envy the majority of those candidates attempting it. It is definitely a transition, and often a tough one. While -- of course -- the profession and technical information remain the same, there are definitely differences between the 4.0 and 5.0 exams.
I also don't see those candidates applying strictly 4.0 methods to 5.0 typically having great results, which it appears that you've done. To give it to you fairly straight, you're either getting some less than great advice on what to study, or you're ignoring the information and advice given on the NCARB site and in the ARE5.0 Handbook. As I say, read my 5.0 Study Materials thread for my opinion.
Like a lot of "transitioners", you've focused on materials other than those given to you straight from NCARB.
Of course, no one can say that third-party resources have no value, but they should not be your primary study resource.