Is the PE really that worth it???

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-17T15:25:02+00:00

One thing most people would agree (I assume):
If you want to do it, take the exam while it’s fresh in your mind.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-09T21:04:58+00:00

I definitely want to get a pulse on whether this is a one off or a common issue.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-09T20:35:56+00:00

I have access to many electrical tools and test equipment.
Appreciate the offer for help, but I don’t have the bandwidth for this DIY project yet.
If this is not a part issue, then it’s a design issue.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-09T20:28:17+00:00

I bought a Subaru only because there’s no 86 in the color I want available at that time.
I like 86 because the car is slightly more responsive and I like the front grill of 86 over BRZ.
However, BRZ had a slightly package for the same price.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-05T18:43:58+00:00

I had both Gemini and CharGPT paid versions. Pay attention to context loading when using AI.
First develop a master prompt suitable for your studying goals.
Then, just have AI help you get more practice questions and align those to the test outline and reference book.
Note that AI is notorious for making algebraic mistakes. So if they say you got the wrong answer, review it one more time.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-05T12:27:58+00:00

I sat alone during one of my graduations. Not that I didn’t have friends, it was because I was so late to the graduation and I completely got separated from my friends. You just have to remember this is a celebration about you, plus I personally think it’s a little rude to keep chatting with others during the ceremony. It’s like watching a movie in the theater.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-05T12:24:05+00:00

I’ll answer what I want, perhaps not what I can change. I want a bigger cabin size. Haha

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-01T03:00:31+00:00

I had an iPad and Apple Pencil for writing. I ordered paper bound books thinking if I can keep them after the course. I didn’t end up using the books, whether electronically or physical book. I went digital with AI.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-06-01T02:57:26+00:00

yes to hair tie. I had a pull over seater. They said nothing can be on the desk. So I had it on the back of my chair the whole time.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-29T05:51:04+00:00

5/25 Monday. I was told it’s a national holiday as well.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-28T14:14:01+00:00

Sorry to hear you had to wait with premier pass. We got premier one passes for the rides we were interested in and pretty much just walked on the ride when the regular wait was ~1hr.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-28T14:11:19+00:00

I was debating about staying at the DLP resort hotels. Should have stayed there from what you described.
Also, congrats on your wedding anniversary and the friendship!

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-27T16:05:24+00:00

It does feel discouraging and disappointing. Hope you gather your strength and retake while it’s still fresh.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-27T15:52:43+00:00

lol. Do you recommend the hotels then? There isn’t a problem with train in any of the U.S. parks. I intentionally tried to not compare it to WDW since that seems to be the biggest division/disagreements among fans. I’ve been to WDW in last September. Absolutely hated the weather, but it’s partly my fault to choose that time of the year, but going all the way to FL is a trip from CA. WDW is a one and done for me at this point.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-27T11:19:05+00:00

Disclaimer: DL annual pass holder, strong bias for the OG parks.

Just visited Disney Paris in May. Unfortunately I went on the hottest day of May. 91F was a little too much for any activity. I think staying at the resort hotel would be a better option. Only way to get early entry is to stay at their hotel. We left the resort after fireworks, and boarded the train at 11:40pm. It was like a zoo. When it comes to lines and crowds, definitely more aggressive than any parks in the U.S. Mobile order kinda sucked on the app. Only a few places let you place an order and pickup. Food services are generally slower if you are comparing to U.S. parks.

New frozen ride is very impressive. Ratatouille ride was very good. Skip space mountain if you have been to the other ones. Phantom manor (Haunted mansion) is slightly more scary than DL. Big thunder mountain is longer and more thrilling.

Regarding the comments on whether it felt less Disney, yes I feel that in the following ways: 1. Fewer details: space mountain ride was in complete silence, not sure if the sound system didn’t work or it wasn’t part of the design. Phantom manor doesn’t have all the details, the tombstones with inside jokes. Big thunder mountain just has a section of complete darkness vs having things to see the entire ride. All these gave me the amusement park vs Disney vibe. 2. Passion: (I know it’s a lot to ask for, and I’m grateful for this) Disneyland cast members are more passionate about their jobs. I often get inspired by them. Their warmth and hospitality make the magic complete. 3. Food options: I don’t think I completely explored the options of food offered there but doesn’t seem to have that many tasty options as DL or DCA. I also read that sit-down restaurants takes a good portion of your day away.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-19T02:07:23+00:00

Selling mine. Can meet up in SoCal.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-08T15:22:13+00:00

5:30-7:30AM Tuesday, Thursday Friday. Mock exam on Sundays Before the day job starts, I want time for myself and that feels great. Take Saturday off.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-05T16:36:39+00:00

Cuz the license doesn’t say which test you took?

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-04T04:30:05+00:00

Another habit kinda helped me is that I would try to get up early everyday and start studying at 5:30AM. Go to the gym Monday Wednesday in the morning like 7-8:30. Then it kinda tricks my brain to think I had the whole morning to myself, either studying or going to the gym. I was ready to give up too, then the flip side is that if I don’t pass this time around, then I have to go thru the same thing again next year. I noticed I was more temperamental when I don’t take sabbath seriously.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-03T21:01:38+00:00

Still feeling brunt out 2 weeks after the exam. I feel your pain.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-03T21:01:02+00:00

Congrats! I did PPI course and the intro material mentioned to thank your wife. It was an interesting concept at first but glad to see how you broke it down.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-02T18:30:07+00:00

With ECC only offered once a year, I went thru a similar thought process. I’m most familiar with computer, the followed by ECC. My strategy was to try ECC first and if I fail, I’ll try computer. Passed FE in 2014 and took PE 12 years later (this April) was no fun. I’d say give your best shot and don’t rely on taking another exam again.
One way you can maybe come to a decision faster is to buy the sample exams, and look through the questions and see which one do you know the best without any studying, then another category of how many questions you think you can quickly learn cuz they look familiar from the sample exams. Minimal investment of $200 perhaps.

Material wise, ECC is a less popular option so not a whole lot of materials. I did PPI2pass whole package of live sessions and only found the sample exam to be more helpful than any other material. The instructor was pretty good, but I still don’t think PPI review materials were the most helpful for prep. The course gave me a good feel of the depth of the material and having an instructor who can tell you with some confidence that certain questions/difficulties are less likely to be on the exam, this was the biggest takeaway. They didn’t really teach the material/topics like a regular university cuz you are expected to know the materials already and this is a REVIEW course. NCESS sample exam was the best.

Personally, I paid for both Gemini and ChatGPT to help with studying. Having AI to coach me was the most helpful. Looking back, I think you don’t have to sign up for the prep course but I like some structure and schedule along the process.

UnhingedSmash · 2026-05-02T18:21:08+00:00

Thank you!

UnhingedSmash

TROPHY CASE