Just a few more additional thoughts, as we hit the 4 week mark, based on the source of all truth--superhero movies:
1. "We're in the endgame now"--Dr. Strange, Avengers: Infinity War
Play time is over, ladies and gents. Things are about to get very interesting, very fast.
2. "You should have gone for the head"--Thanos, Avengers: Infinity War
Remember this when you walk into the exam in a blaze of glory, brimming with power accrued from hundreds of hours of practice. Don't forget the fundamentals, and remember that portions of problems (just like normal engineering) are more important than other parts. Stay focused, otherwise NCEES will snap their fingers, fail you, and all your preparation will be so much dust in the wind.
3. "The training is nothing! The will is everything! The will to act!"--Ra's Al Ghul, Batman Begins
Don't freeze on the exam; or all the practice will be for naught. Don't panic, and don't waste time.
4. "Theatricality and deception. Powerful agents to the uninitiated. But we are initiated, aren't we Bruce"--Bane, The Dark Knight Rises
This isn't college, or the PE. This is the real deal; you can't hide knowledge deficiencies in the afternoon essay problems. And a "throw everything at the wall" approach won't fool NCEES. This test is for the initiated; tread carefully.
5. "Peace has cost you your strength; victory has defeated you"--Bane, The Dark Knight Rises
This test has a pass rate which hovers at around 30%. Most of us here are probably successful in academic pursuits; but don't let previous victories on the PE, in school, or secularly lead to defeat here. The exam is HARD. Don't take it for granted, expect it to be a horrible, painful experience and you will be better prepared.
6. "I get emails from a Raccoon, so nothing sounds crazy anymore"--Black Widow, Avengers: Endgame
Expect the unexpected. The exam will have ridiculous parts to it; don't be surprised or expect NCEES to play fair.
7. "So he turns to me, and he says, WHY so SERIOUS? Let's put a SMILE on that face"--The Joker, The Dark Knight
This process is enough to make you question your sanity. Hang in there folks. Find ways to mentally decompress. SMILE.
8. "14,000,605 possible outcomes. In how many did we win? One."--Iron Man & Dr Strange, Avengers: Infinity War
The odds are not in our favor here, but still, some people will pass. Take solace in that fact.
9. "Why do we fall? So we can pick ourselves up again"--Alfred Pennyworth, Batman Begins
Even if you fail, don't be demoralized. Pick yourself up, ask your family for forgiveness, and try again.
10. "No one cared who I was until I put on the mask"--Bane, The Dark Knight Rises
Covid is annoying. The SE exam is annoying. If you're taking it in a place where you need to wear a mask, don't forget it.
