Preparing for the FE Exam During Senior Year of Undergrad

Author: Wisden Writers

Fundamentals of Engineering exam is an important step towards becoming a practicing engineer in the United States. I have gone through many examination websites and dealt with many students over the years. I have come to realize that the best time to take FE exam is during the senior year of college. For many students, it seems to be daunting but actually, senior year of the undergraduate studies is the best time to take FE mechanical exam.

Many undergraduates think that life is already very tedious for them with all the internships and examinations, adding FE exam to the mix can be a recipe for failure. However, they are wrong. Taking the Mechanical Fundamentals of Engineering during the senior year gives you an advantage. All the concepts are still fresh in your mind and you will need to spend a lot less time going through FE mechanical practice exam review manual. As most of the questions asked in the FE exam are based on the concept of undergraduate engineering classes

Now if you are planning to take the FE exam during your senior year but stressed out between course load and study schedule, we have some tips and strategies for you that will ease the stress and give you possible guidance you need.

Start with creating a schedule

It is important to set a line between when you are going to be doing the school work and when you will be prepping for the FE exam. We recommend you set the school study time before the FE exam as most of the engineering courses you will be studying will have similar topics that are on the FE exam specifications. Therefore, if you study for school you already have clear concepts about the practice problems and this will reduce the burden on your shoulders.

Now for the FE exam, you will have to block at least three hours per day and rest of the time for school work. Start preparing for the exam three months before the FE exam and you will have enough time to cover the entire syllabus.

Review the FE Reference Handbook in Your Free Time

The only reference material that you are allowed to use during the Fundamentals of Engineering examination is the FE Reference Handbook made available by the NCEES. You can get a free copy of the Handbook from MyNCEES website. It is important that you have a good understanding of the content of this handbook so you won’t be running haywire during the exam. This handbook consists of all the formulas, charts and tables that you will need during the FE exam. If you familiarize yourself with the content of the handbook you will know where to find the formulae during the exam that will save you precious time.

Learn from online materials

Internet has made it infinitely easier for anyone to learn at any time. While you are riding on the campus bus or spending time around friends you can watch interactive FE exam prep course videos.

Resources like FE mechanical practice exam review manual are essential to reduce the pressure of exam preparations. Such manuals have all the information you will need on how to Pass FE Exam.