ARE Bootcamp Reviews

5 Rating 111 Reviews

About Young Architect:

Young Architect began collecting customer reviews on Reviews.io in June 2025.

About Young Architect:

Since 2013, we've helped over 20,000 emerging architects on their path to licensure. Through our coaching and online programs, we've created 200+ hours of video content and 1,000+ practice questions, designed to support your success.

Our flagship program, the ARE Boot Camp, offers an innovative approach to preparing for the ARE:

Learn exactly what to study, when to study it, and how to align your preparation with NCARB’s objectives. It’s a method found nowhere else, and a big reason why Young Architect continues to be a leader in the ARE test-prep industry.

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Dorothy Morrow

Verified Reviewer

“I've recommended YA to a lot of colleagues and explained the great success I found with the program for Group Accountability and finding study partners at the same point in the process and level of knowledge. For the rigor of a syllabus, weekly meetings / Drills/ meetups and being a concise way to hit the study materials hard for a mostly known period. I passed all of the exams on the first try using the YA Bootcamps and finished in just under a year!”

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Posted 1 year ago

Dyuthi Prakash

Verified Reviewer

“I’d recommend the Bootcamp for anyone who feels stuck in the ARE process. I’ve found that there isn’t a shortcut to studying for these exams, and the Bootcamp helps you identify your weak areas and gaps that help you get across that finish line. The community Mike has created is one-of-a-kind and is so positive and keeps you going when you just want to get away from all of it. It really is a great opportunity to create a network that beneficial even post-licensure.”

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Posted 1 year ago

Megan Stenzel

Verified Reviewer

“Joining this ARE bootcamp was one of the best decisions I made during my licensure process. Not only did it provide structure, accountability, and clear content breakdowns, but the real magic was in how it connected me to others on the same path. Studying for the AREs can feel isolating, but this bootcamp builds a genuine sense of community. Through small group sessions, study chats, and weekly check-ins, I found a network of peers who were supportive, driven, and always willing to share resources, tips, and encouragement. It felt like I had teammates in a process that’s usually solo. The instructors truly care and create a space where asking questions feels safe and encouraged. If you're looking for a way to stay motivated and not feel alone in the ARE grind, this is the place. I not only passed exams—I made lasting connections.”

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Posted 1 year ago

Joseph Hounarmand

Verified Reviewer

“I recommend the young architect bootcamp over the others, reasons why. You study what you need to study, your not studying someone eles interpretation of the study materials, also your apart of a community. Micahel and his team have created a really great thing at the Young architect”

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Posted 1 year ago

Susan Movassagh

Verified Reviewer

“ARE Bootcamp has been a game-changer for me. After multiple failed attempts and struggling to balance a full-time job, parenting, and a long commute, I had almost lost hope of ever passing my exams. But joining the Bootcamp gave me the structure, motivation, and support I needed to succeed. Mike Risica’s guidance on time management, study planning, and use of resources combined with weekly check-ins, study logs, and the accountability of the Bootcamp community helped me pass several exams. Being surrounded by other professionals on the same journey made a huge difference in staying focused and not giving up. I highly recommend joining the ARE Bootcamp if you’re looking for a proven path forward in your licensure journey.”

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Posted 1 year ago

Isha Fathmath

Verified Reviewer

“The ARE Bootcamp by Young Architect has been a game-changer for me. As someone who really benefits from structure and accountability, this program gave me the direction I was missing in my study process. The study plan was clear and manageable, and the meetups and community kept me motivated every step of the way. It felt great to be part of a group that truly understood the ups and downs of preparing for the exams. I don’t think I could have stayed as focused or consistent without it.”

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Posted 1 year ago

Kevin Concolino

Verified Reviewer

“This ARE Bootcamp changed my life! Before I met Michael and his team, I tried taking the AREs on my own and failed miserably. I scoured suggested resources, flashcards, YouTube videos, online forums, etc. and felt as prepared as I possibly could be with the resources I had found. Unfortunately on test day I showed up and it felt like I was taking a different exam than I had studied for. I got my score report back and it was dismal. I felt so discouraged and overwhelmed that I was not sure I was ever going to be able to get through the AREs. After putting the tests off for a few years, a work colleague who was also considering joining the bootcamp referred me to Michael. Michael was very responsive, especially given our different time zones, and took the time to walk me through what makes the bootcamp so unique and successful. I emphasized my biggest concern was that I did not know where to start - what should I spend my time studying? What do I need to know? What are the best resources? Should I spend hours making my own flashcards? Ultimately I needed a coach who would answer my many questions and guide me through the test preparation process. Not only did Michael and his team do that, but they provided me with so much more! Through structured syllabuses, practice questions, check-ins, meetups, and a community of peers going through the same thing, I now had more support than I could have hoped for. Michael, his team, and this new community supported me through my ARE journey as I was able to pass nearly every exam on my first attempt. Now, I am now a California licensed architect - something I had been dreaming about since I was 5 years old! Thank you Young Architect, ARE Bootcamp, my fellow bootcampers, and Michael Riscica!”

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Posted 1 year ago

Page Robbins

Verified Reviewer

“The Technical Bootcamp has been absolutely amazing! I had failed my last two tests a couple of times and was feeling really defeated. I decided to give this a try, and I’m so glad I did. The fact that they stick with you until you pass and offer continued support the whole way through is more valuable than I can put into words. The community support has been a huge help—it’s reassuring to know I’m not alone in this tough process. I also love the meetups and all the great discussions we have!”

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Posted 1 year ago