Outsmart The Board Exam

by Engr. Rucel Britanico Virata

The statistics do not lie: PASSING THE BOARD EXAM IS TOUGH! For over three years, I have interviewed hundreds of takers who have failed in their board exams. As it turns out, there are common patterns that repeat to almost every student. I call these patterns the “six deadly pitfalls”–they kill the dreams of board exam aspirants.

Armed with the proper knowledge, the six deadly pitfalls are entirely preventable. Outsmart the Board Exam aims to provide every student—especially those struggling but have no one to turn to for advice—a fighting chance in their board exams. Sometimes, people just need exposure to the right ideas and procedures. Or, they just need to listen to stories that resonate with them on a deeper level. In other times, they just need a certain kind of encouragement in order to achieve success.

Genres: Engineering

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was clearly a labor of love. Despite having a lot of familiar concepts, I still was able to gain a lot from the book, especially in regards to how to approach problem solving (my weakness). The book honestly felt like a warm hug for ambitious, but not "the best" people like me, telling you all your dreams are possible and giving you all the tools to get there. I love how the tone of the book also isn't self-righteous. It's well written, well-researched, and the information is even presented in ways that help you digest the concepts better (different concept maps scattered throughout the book). Highly recommended. Am bringing the lessons I got from this book with me as I take the CPA licensure exam.

[Amor Rebecca Ordoyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weeks before my board exam in 2018, I looked up for articles online on how to prepare before the big day (one is the article written by Engr. Rucel B. Virata). I don't understand some of his tips but my take away is the use of summary notebook. While writing the summary of my five chemistry subjects per notebook (I actually bought a lesson plan), I've realized that my time is already constrained. Out of nowhere, I got the feeling that I might fail but I dismissed it and focused myself instead on the intensive review by USC.

Fast forward to 2019, when I was working full-time, I committed myself to review while working. But this wasn't effective to me. At the same time, it was the release of his book but I chose to buy a new calculator over getting my own copy.

When Covid-19 pandemic hit on March 11, 2020, I already started my own review—writing on my summary notebook but due to the postponement, I put my review on hold.

I didn't plan to take the board exam in 2021 for several reasons but after the results were released, I began to contemplate by giving myself a chance in taking the 2022 chem boards. Fortunately, my sister asked me to buy the book after she saw it advertised in Facebook (the same book that I've been planning to buy) and arrived during new years eve.

On the 4th day of January 2022, I started reading the introduction. It's ridiculously funny that I resonated myself with Bryan on my 1st take and Carlo for my 2nd take.

I dedicated myself to finish at least one chapter a day just to absorb the important points in the book until I've reached the last page on the 13th day of January.

I am grateful to the author because I made a fixed decision to comeback by enrolling to a reputable review center through an online platform on March 20, 2022 and during the span of five months of reviewing, somehow I could relate my 3rd and final take with Albert.

It wasn't an easy journey but I kept on remembering the delayed gratification when there were times I'm tempted to engage at my usual distractions.

I applied the 80/20 rule, the quadrant matrix, snowball effect, and most important is the summary notebook.

I finally got my license as a chemist!👩‍🔬 💜💜💜

To God be all the glory! 🙌✨

It is God's will that I stumbled on the article of Engr. Rucel B. Virata four years ago.

This book is highly recommended not only to board exam takers—but to anyone who also needs guidance in the professional world. The book will give us insights on what steps to undertake if we want to achieve whatever our goal in life is.

[Jed · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to read this for free

[Ella Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

best guide book before taking the board exam. very helpful and inspiring. the techniques are very useful and effective. currently waiting for the positive result of my board exam, sana pumasa! 🤞

[engrkindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me pass the board exam for civil engineers by incorporating the right mindset! :)

[Capt. Hans · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Jude Thaddeus and St. Nicolaus Copernicus hear our prayer 🤧🤧📿

[Jhanine O.]

This monday naaaaaa!!! :(

[Eirenne Phae · Rating 5 out of 5]

This helped me a lot during my review days! I'm a licensed Architect now =)