An A+ certified buddy, asked for some advice - he's starting on his MCSE 2003 path.

Here's a copy of the "So you want to be an MCSE" rules:
Rule #1 - Set up a lab and practice, practice, practice
Rule #2 - Study, study, study
Rule #3 - Forget you have a life.
Rule #4 - Goto Rule #1

For 2003 Server the
Windows 2003 Server Home Page is probably one of the best places to start...

Apart from the usual www.microsoft.com and Google/Google Groups, a few more links:
Your MCSE lab
Cheapskate's Guide to Guilt-Free Practice Questions
Daniel's MCSE articles
Lots more links at: iCertify.net