DON’T CHASE PASSING THE FE EXAM
I just finished a phone call with a student who had failed her exam three times. She reached out to ask about the DH course. She had previously taken a well-known course, but felt it didn’t cover the right types of problems that appeared on her exam. In addition, she used a practice portal with plenty of practice problems, but she feels like she’s missing something. There’s something not going right.
So, what was her dilemma?
She told me she needs a resource that will expose her to identical problems she will face on the real FE exam. She felt the resources she’s been using either presented problems that were too difficult or too easy. What she’s looking for is something in between—problems that reflect what she’ll likely see on her next attempt.
I followed up by asking her asked her two questions:
Without hesitation, she said: YES!
I’m here to tell you that this is the WRONG goal to have, especially for students who have failed multiple times. Many students fall into this trap. I call it the “Chasing Trap.”
This happens when a student chases after a resource they believe contains the exact problems that will appear on the real exam. From the start, they approach their preparation with the wrong mindset. Instead of going through the deliberate process of developing their problem-solving skills, they focus on trying to learn the “right” problems they think or are told will show up on their next exam.
But here’s the truth: The FE exam isn’t designed to test whether you can solve specific problems. It’s designed to assess your understanding. The NCEES draws from a pool of over 1,000 questions, which means each exam is unique. Their algorithm ensures no two exams are exactly the same.
As you continue to prepare, I want you to keep this in mind. Don’t chase the latest study tip, don’t chase after the next practice problem you think will be on the exam, and definitely don’t chase a “shortcut.”
Relentlessly chasing success can blind us to what truly matters—our mental and physical well-being, effective study habits, learning techniques, and most importantly, the deeper reason we’re pursuing this exam in the first place.
Instead, focus on developing a deep conceptual understanding. Apply that understanding as you work through problems, breaking them down and arriving at answers you’re confident in. This is especially crucial when it comes to the fundamentals. Remember, the exam doesn’t expect you to know everything—but it will test your ability to apply basic concepts under time pressure. If you can do that on just enough questions, you’ll be just fine.
You got this!