From “Freestyle” Review to Rank 1: Engr. Carlos Miguel Mariano’s April 2025 CELE Triumph

Every journey to success has its own rhythm, and for Engr. Carlos Miguel F. Mariano, SO2, April 2025 Civil Engineers Licensure Examination (CELE) Topnotcher, that rhythm was guided by instinct, persistence, and faith. Ranked No. 1 out of 16,913 takers, his story is a powerful reminder that there is no single formula for passing the boards—only the determination to keep moving forward.
After graduating in September 2024, Carlos made a decision that many might consider risky: instead of immediately immersing himself in review materials, he chose to take a well-deserved rest. Coming from the rigorous demands of thesis and final requirements, he knew that pacing himself was essential. “I didn’t want to burn out. I needed that reset,” he shares. That pause allowed him to regain focus and start his review journey with renewed energy.
Unlike many board exam takers who follow strict study schedules, Carlos admits that he took a more “freestyle” approach. He didn’t set fixed daily hours for studying; instead, he relied on instinct to determine what and when to review. His strategy revolved around efficiency: answering practice problems first, then only watching lecture videos when he struggled with concepts. This method saved him time and helped him focus on areas that truly needed reinforcement.
Carlos also discovered the value of technology in learning. Through spaced repetition tools like Anki, he was able to strengthen his memorization of formulas and key terms—areas he admitted were not his strongest. “It’s not about how much you study, but how much you can actually recall and apply during the exam,” he explains. This mindset helped him build confidence, especially during the final months leading to the board.
Of course, the journey was not without its struggles. There were moments when Carlos fell behind on his review schedule, dealt with backlogs, and even experienced anxiety during the exams themselves. On the first day, he recalls feeling disheartened after realizing he had committed mistakes in key subjects. But instead of dwelling on it, he forced a mental reset, focusing all his energy on performing better on the second day. That ability to recover quickly and stay grounded was crucial to his success.
Behind his achievement is also a strong support system. Carlos is deeply grateful to his mentors who patiently answered his countless questions, to his review peers who pushed him to stay consistent, and to his family who motivated him every step of the way. He considers this milestone not just a personal victory but also a gift—especially to his mother, whose birthday coincided with the first day of the exam.
When the results were released, Carlos described the moment as surreal. Seeing his name at the very top of the list was beyond what he expected. For him, the triumph was more than just proof of skill—it was a testament to perseverance, faith, and the belief that efforts, no matter how imperfect, will never go unrewarded.
To future board exam takers, his message is clear: “Find your own rhythm, use the methods that work best for you, and don’t be afraid to rest. Trust your efforts, and above all, trust God. Your hard work will never betray you.”