Board Exam or Nah?

I recently posted that I am finally graduating, and for your information, the civil engineering course has a board exam that you must take after graduating. This means it's still not the end of this endless studying.

Despite being exhausted from studying, I don’t want to let everything I’ve learned fade away. After studying for so long, it becomes a habit, and solving problems should be a habit for those of us who want to retain our knowledge.

_{This image is generated by HIDREAM from PeakD AI Image Generator}

So, I’ve been thinking – should I take the board exam or not? If you ask me, this shouldn’t even be a question.

I want to take the board exam so I can officially earn the title "Engr." before my name. Everything would feel like it was in vain if I didn’t.

The board exam is scheduled for September, but with only about four months left for review, many say it's not enough.

There’s also a chance that the school might release the TOR (Transcript of Records) late, making it impossible to meet the requirements in time. So, realistically, my opportunity would be in April 2026.

If I decide to take the board exam next year, I should enroll in a review center by August, and the review might begin in October.

Why August?

Well, I received a 50% discount voucher from a review center, and I really need it. Without this discount, I can’t afford to enroll because we’re struggling financially.

Money is the only reason that might stop me from taking the board exam.

With the discount, I can afford the review center – all thanks to Hive, which I can use for my review center fee.

However, my concern is that I can’t support myself financially during the review period. I’ll need to move to Manila, pay rent, and support my daily needs. Knowing the cost of living in Manila, I don’t think I can manage it.

My parents also said they can't help me financially right now.

I could choose the online review setup, which is, of course, less expensive – but let’s be real, it’s hard to study and review alone, especially if you’re an average student.

Sometimes, I don’t understand the topic and need to ask classmates or friends for help.

Another issue is self-discipline. I might ignore the lessons during an online review. I know it’s up to me to find a solution for that, and I am considering the online option.

Still, I’m afraid that if I don’t understand something, I won’t have anyone to ask. Plus, the internet in my area isn’t great, and neither is the electricity.

I live in a remote area, an island, to be exact.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about working instead because I can’t live without money. I want to go out sometimes, but I can’t because I don’t have money.

I’m applying to companies this week, and if I get accepted, maybe that’s a sign to start working, save money, and then review later. I still have a lot on my mind, but I really want to take the board exam.

My aunt offered to help financially, but I don’t want to accept it. It would put pressure on me, and passing the board exam is never guaranteed.

I’d feel ashamed if I failed after taking her help. I also don’t want to announce that I’m taking the board exam to avoid additional pressure.

Maybe I’ll keep it low-key, even if I go for the online review. Maybe I’m just overthinking.

But one thing is sure: I want to become a licensed civil engineer. And I’ll find a way to make it happen.