ENGR. DANIEL JAMES MOLINA

Top 4, November 2021 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination

• Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union

• Current Work: Junior Structural Engineer / Civil Engineering Review Instructor

• Other Recognitions:

  • International Vedic Math Olympiad Open Category

  • 2022 – Gold Medal (Top 1 Global)

  • 2023 – Gold Medal (Top 1 Global)

  • 2024 – Silver Medal (Top 4 global)

After graduating in 2019, he began reviewing for the May 2020 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination. But when the pandemic caused three postponements, he persevered and extended his review until the November 2021 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination—where he placed 4th overall.

Engr. Daniel followed a strict yet flexible study routine, focusing on mastering every topic instead of rote memorization. He solved past board problems, broke down complex concepts into simpler steps, and used every preboard exam to track and correct his mistakes. When burnout hit, he rested for a few days to recharge, always reminding himself that he was doing this for his loved ones.

Now a Junior Structural Engineer and Civil Engineering Review Instructor, Daniel has also made his mark internationally, winning Gold (Top 1 Global) in the International Vedic Math Olympiad in 2022 and 2023 and Silver (Top 4 Global) in 2024.

His advice to future board takers: study all topics, master the basics, and take care of your mind. And most importantly, he reminds them: “With great power comes great responsibility. Be good civil engineers—and build a world where everyone can thrive.”

FULL INTERVIEW:

Personal Journey

1.Can you tell us a little about yourself and where you studied?

I am Daniel James Molina, born and raised in Pidigan, Abra with roots from Bato, Catanduanes and Pugo, La Union. I graduated in Saint Louis College of San Fernando, La Union.

2.When did you start preparing for the board exams?

When I graduated in June 2019, I started reviewing circa July 2019 in Manila. I reviewed for the May 2020 licensure exam but unfortunately, the pandemic happened. I went back home and continued reviewing which extended from March 2020 – November 2021 due to 3 postponements.

3.What motivated you to pursue civil engineering and to aim for the top?

I have been interested in mathematics ever since I was in high school. When I entered college, I believe that my problem-solving skills are best used in Civil Engineering. Although it was not my first choice (BS Math, BS Electrical Engineering, BS Industrial Engineering), I ended up taking BSCE. My inspiration in taking engineering are my parents and some of my relatives since they are also engineers. I enrolled in a school that is not that popular in the country. Actually, some people that I know told me to study in prestigious universities in NCR; but way back, I wanted to prove that even though I graduated from a school in the provinces, I can still excel in my studies. That is also one of my motivations in aiming for the top in the licensure exam.

Study Habits and Strategies

1.How did you structure your review (daily routine, schedule, or approach)?

During my review, I’ve always wanted to wake up at 4:00 am to start my day, start my review at 5:30 am, take a rest at around 10:30 am, review again at 3:00 pm, then rest at 11:30 pm. My schedule varies everyday based on my mood and drive to study. What I am most focused in terms of scheduling are the topics that I need to study. I plot the topics on the days of the month so that I know how long should I need to study a topic to fully master it. I also do my best to take all preboard and evaluation exams seriously so that I will know what mistakes I always do when answering problems and I make sure that I make mental notes/cues on how to prevent such mistakes during the board exams. I do not memorize the problems / answers / solutions. Every time I see a question, regardless whether I encountered it already or a new question, I answer the problems from the top – no skipping of solution lines, to prevent carelessness.

2.What review materials or techniques worked best for you?

For review materials, it depends on the topic. For mathematics, I answer problems from foreign competitions that are short-answer problems (no proving of course). For design subjects, I usually read foreign-authored books since the commentaries / explanations are based on the general concept of each topic. For other subjects, I usually study solved problems to understand when and how the equations are used. For practice solving, I answer compilations of past board exam questions so that I know the type of questions I will be expecting during the actual board exam. Memorization of terms were done around 3 weeks before the board exam since I do not like memorizing words. When memorizing formulas, I do not use index cards or formula walls. Instead, I study their derivations so that I know how the formulas can be retrieved in my mind whenever I forget them. Sometimes, I picture the formulas in my mind, study the pattern on how it is written for better retention. Mnemonics are not effective in my case (sorry hahaha).

3.How did you handle subjects or topics you found difficult?

I evaluate. If historically, the topics frequently pop out in the boards, I study those topics with more time allocation. But if it is seldom asked in the exam, I just try to study its concept and how can it be used in the boards. If it comes out, then I will answer it last. For me to fully understand the topic, I try to break down the concept into smaller bits. If it needs to be understood word-by-word, line-by-line of solution, then I do study it. I write beside the solution the reasons why I need to use each formula, method, assumption, etc. I try to simplify the solutions that I encounter in books in a way that I can teach them to fellow reviewees in a simpler way.

Mindset and Challenges

1.What were the biggest challenges you faced during your review journey?

First is the decision for me to skip the November 2019 board exam. I am confident that I can pass the said exam but I know that I will not be fully prepared. Taking the exam is only once in a lifetime, so why not give it all. My goal was to take the board exam wherein I will not have any regrets. The second major challenge I experienced was the pandemic. There were 3 postponements of my board exam: May 2020, November 2020, May 2021. When the postponement of the May 2021 exam is announced, I made the decision to start looking for a job if there is another postponement of the November 2021. (Buti nalang natuloy na)

2.How did you stay motivated and focused despite burnout, pressure, or self-doubt?

When I feel the pressure or the burnout, I always take a rest. I will not review for 2-3 days. Then when I remind myself that I need to give my best performance for this board exam, I instantly go back to review. I pray whenever I feel the pressure and the uncertainty of the board exam during the pandemic. I reminded myself that this board exam is dedicated for my love ones.

3.Did you ever experience setbacks or low points? How did you bounce back?

Yes I did. There were few evaluation exams and preboard exams where I almost felt like I will not pass the exam or I will not have a good score. I take rests by helping with the chores, watching the news, or sometimes… doom scrolling … for fun. Sometimes I meditate, too. Point is, I just want to take a break by not thinking about the review just to clear my mind then after some time, go back with the grind.

Advice to Future Takers

1.What are your top 3 review tips for future board exam takers?

a)No topic left behind – I know this is hard but this actually works. Regardless of what problems will be asked during the board exam, when you have studied every topic, you can have a starting point in your solution to every problem that is asked in the boards. Once that you have a starting point, there is always a high probability for you to solve it.

b)Master the basics – most of the mistakes that you commit when solving a problem are actually basic concepts from basic subjects. For example: You got a question in steel design wrong… but it is due to an inaccuracy in geometry, specifically: similarities – a math concept. Always make sure that the basic topics are mastered and are used whenever solving problems in higher topics.

c)Take rests in between – your mind is your weapon during the board exam. Make sure that you have enough rest during review and during the board exam. Eliminate or minimize distractions during your review so that you can think clearly.

2.If you could talk to your “reviewing self” a year ago, what would you say?

Your struggles are valid. Just do your thing, do it best. Everything is falling into place. Just be patient, live a little, but be reminder of your goals.

3.What mindset should future engineers have as they prepare for the board exam?

Always have a goal. We are engineers, thus we must think, like an engineer, to achieve that goal. Whenever we have setbacks, we go back and remind ourselves of our goal.

4.Any final message to inspire future civil engineers?

Remember that with great power comes great responsibility. Our work will shape our world, and it is our duty to build a future that is not only strong and durable but also just and sustainable. Be good civil engineers, and let’s build a world where everyone can thrive.

#InhinyerongSibil #CELE #RCE #CivilEngineer #EngrMolina #Top4