[jeff]

I will be giving away an iPad 3 Thursday to someone in the forum. Here are the details:

Who: 1 Randomly-selected winner.

You don’t have to be a current candidate to enter – Alums are welcome too!

The selection will be recorded through a screencast.

Note – the winner will be double-checked to make sure they don’t have more than one forum account posting in the giveaway thread, so no shenanigans.

What: iPad 3 – $499 model (winner will have the option to pay for any upgrades/features they want added)

Why: iPads are awesome (I have an iPad 2 … hope I win!) 😉

How:

1. “Like” another71 on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/another71)

2. In this thread, post a CPA Exam or Accounting Career tip (or both) that you think would benefit a College Senior or recent graduate. If you work for a Big 4 or Regional Accounting Firm, interview tips or anything making the process easier would be great.

That’s it … Good Luck!

***

New Prizes Added!

– 5 Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Memberships (Online)

– 5 Complete NINJA Audios

– 5 Complete NINJA Notes

– 1 30 Minute Muay Thai training session at Del Mar Beach (CA) in September (you have to get to Del Mar though) 🙂

[Anonymous]

Just get started studying. I've talked myself into not getting started way too many times but once you get started it becomes very rewarding to feel like you're working toward something.

[gt5717b]

Don't procrastinate. Don't be afraid to fail.

I have put off taking the exam but finally sent in my application and just got my NTS, so I really don't have any better tips yet.

REG - 89
FAR - 84
AUD - 73, 86
BEC - 89

GA Licensed CPA

[peter olinto fan]

1. Don't push of studying until the last minute.

2. Do as many MCQ as you can. I know everyone says that, but it truly works. And make sure you not only read why the one option is right, but also why the other three are wrong. You can learn a lot that way

3. Most importantly….NEVER GIVE UP!

Good luck to everyone!

FAR - 81
BEC - 73, 73, 79
REG - 72, 75
AUD - 72, 68, 82

DONE!!!!

[Anonymous]

Make a schedule

Decide on the best of time of year to take the CPA exam based on your work schedule and then set up a study schedule.

Most CPA exam passers tell us that the earlier you take the exam after graduating from college the better. Your work schedule will only get more demanding, and you will still have good test taking skills from school. Put those strong study and test taking skills to work when they're at their best.

[khum2011]

Exam tip: Start taking the exam as soon as possible. It's much more difficult to balance working and studying vs. school and studying. A friend once told me that this exam is more so a test of endurance than anything else. That couldn't be more true. As long as you put in the time and effort, you will pass! I have found it beneficial to rework the MCQ as much as possible. For candidates on the go, flashcards are also really helpful. It's a great way to brush up on a chapter or two on your commute to work or on the way to a clients' location. Best wishes to the recent grads and those studying!

FAR - 82
BEC - 77
AUD - 79
REG - 81

Done 🙂

[Anonymous]

Don't give up. No matter how many times you fall, get back up and try again. Also, you have to realize that you are giving up some of your social life. Every time your friends want to do something – you and they have to realize you can't say yes every time. But realize in the long run, it will absolutely be worth it. Lastly, if you find out you passed your first couple, don't get “cocky.” Every test is different and requires different effort and knowledge base.

[JCASH]

General Advice

Study as much as possible.

Make sacrifices to pass the exam.

Pass as many parts as you can before working cause life/work will distract you from studying.

Intern at as many places as possible to decide if this is what you really want to do.

Do MCs and learn why other things are wrong instead of why your answer is right.

BEC 11/30/10 67 FML Retake 9/8/12
AUD 10/31/12
REG 10/7/12
FAR 11/30/12

[Stephsampson]

Commit to passing the CPA exam. You must decide that you will pass the exam, no matter what it takes. When obstacles arise find ways to get around them. Not passing is not an option.

[Lidis]

For BEC do at least 2 or 3 problems where you have to use the formula. You will remember the formula by using it not by memorizing.

[intersoccer3]

Do everything within your power to pass the exam before you begin work. Once you start a full-time job it is much more difficult to find time and force yourself to study. I took the entire summer after I graduated to study for the exam, and it definitely paid off.

[Anonymous]

Study Tips:

For those just starting, try to take the exams as soon after college as possible.

* Find a review course that matches your learning style (ie. auditory, visual, linguistic, kinestetic, etc). This will be the most efficient way for you as an individual to study.

* Use updated materials.

* Do a little every day.

* Timing is everything! You can know the material inside out and run out of time. Practice with software and/or the AICPA tutorials so you are prepared. Pace yourself to make steady progress through the exam testlets so each section gets its fair share of your consideration.

* Delegate household chores, but remember what really matters (spouse, family, etc). They are your support team! Be open and honest with them so they can help you. Remind them it's just a season, and celebrate when you're done.

* Set reasonable goals.

* Sleep, rest, exercise to avoid emotional and physical burnout. You will be asking a lot of your brain, so why not feed it good food and be kind to it, so it can help you overcome this?

* Use the Pomodoro Technique to help your focus if your having trouble. One step at a time.

* Believe in yourself and don't give up! If you study, you will pass. This is not for geniouses, but a test of endurance and discipline. Yes, your analytical and comprehension skills will be tested, but you are a college graduate! You can do this!

Good Luck!

[usiguy1981]

I just found out that I finished this two year long journey yesterday. Here are my top study tips.

1) Set up a study plan and stick with it. Do not get discouraged when you fail.

2) Complete a review course that best fits your learning style. Mine happened to be Becker.

3) Do all of the review course homework

4) Rewrite the NINJA notes

5) Nonstop MCQ's clear up to test day

Good luck!

B - 58, 78 (Expired), 76
A - 57, 75
R - 37, 49, 65, 71, 61, 87
F - 61, 71, 77

[jenn603]

I attempted this beast right out of college without success. I finally had a steady income and all I wanted to do was shop and party. My words of advice. Put life on hold and get this stupid test out of the way. Say no to friends. Save your cash. Because once this test is finished, you have so much free time! Totally worth it. Just get er done!

FAR 81
AUD 82
REG 70, 67, 82
BEC 74, 77

[jwaalkes]

Interview Tip: Check out your school's Career Resources department. They often offer mock interviews so you can have someone who knows what they're doing give you tips on how to approve your interview!

[Srdennison]

My advice would be to start the whole exam process before your life becomes complicated. After almost 4 years of ‘part-time' studying and sitting for these exams- I am FINALLY taking my last section this Saturday. Take the exam while you are single, fresh out of college, and only have the responsibility of taking care of yourself. Studying (as much as you really should) is pretty difficult once you throw a spouse, job changes and moving, and kids into the mix. My other piece of advice would be to make use of your local library where you are away from the comforts of home and not tempted to turn on the tv, do laundry, play with your kids, etc. At the library you can force yourself to focus on studying and the peace and quiet surrounding you is definitely much needed to get any of these exam topics to ‘stick'. Good luck and do NOT give up. I can't tell you how many exams I have failed/lost credit for—but I might actually be finished after Saturday's exam!

[Author]

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