[sar_rah]

What is everyone’s advice as to studying for the CPA while being a full time MAcc student and working (and still wanting to have a social life…)? What sort of schedule did you put yourself on and hour many hours a day/week did you force yourself to study for the CPA while being an active student? I was lucky enough to be able to study for FAR full time without anything else going on and banged it out in 7 weeks. Unfortunately I won’t have that sort of luxury while studying for the rest of my exams and was wondering how long I should allocate to studying. Up next is BEC, so thats what I’m focused on for now. How long should I give myself for BEC? I’d assume that time frame will be similar to audit. Thanks in advance 🙂

AUD: 98
REG: 91
BEC: 86
FAR: 83

DONE DONE DONE and DONE all on the first try! It IS possible, just keep on studying!

[Missy]

I did my CPA exams while finishing my MACC and working full time.. Also had 2 kids so if you have no kids, you can still get some social life in.

I worked 7:30-5 studied at lunch every day and then did schoolwork from 9-10:30 and CPA from 10:30-midnight. Weekends I got in 5 hours each day.

That said you could mix that up and work 8-5, do schoolwork from 5-6:30, CPA from 6:30-8:30 then be social afterward, if you wanted.

Its a lot but you already have the “beast” of FAR behind you,

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[silvercamaro77]

I'd say it's much more doable than you'd think especially if you plan your exams around the courses you're taking so that the class and study materials align themselves somewhat (i.e. study for AUD during the semester you have AUD). You won't get everything you need out of your classes for the exam and the study material won't always go as deeply as you need for your class but they'll the groundwork for each.

AUD- 95
FAR- 75
BEC- 83
REG- 85

Officially done! Exclusively used NINJA for BEC, REG, and FAR

[Anonymous]

I Studied for 3 of the CPA Exam's While Taking my MTAX, Working Full Time During Tax Season, and being a grader for the Accounting Department. It is Doable, you just have to put in a lot of time and effort. I was still able to hang out with friends every once in a while but not much. Very Important to schedule the Exam's around your class schedule.

[spikesrd]

Going through the same ordeal now. Taking the exams, finishing up MACC, and juggling work and family time (clingy wife, six year old, and four year old). I've had the summer off from classes so I decided it was a perfect time to go ahead and begin taking the exams. If everything goes well in the next few weeks, I'll only have to study for REG while Fall classes are underway.

I am implementing a modified ELL to get my hours in during this stressful time. 2 hours before work, 30 minutes to an hour at lunch (if I can get away from my boss at the right time), and anywhere from 2-3 hours on weeknights. Then at least 5 hours on Saturday and another 5 on Sunday. Using Yaegar and the Ninja 10pt Combo for FAR right now and I am way behind. Will need to get at least 40hrs per week over the next 3 weeks to have a shot at passing on Aug. 31st. Fingers crossed and coffee pot on perpetual brew.

“The reward for work well-done is more work.”

BEC - 05/26/2015 77
AUD - 07/27/2015 88
FAR - 08/31/2015 80
REG - 11/30/2015 73, 04/18/2016 80 Done!!!

[sar_rah]

Arg. This seems like it's gonna be hard! Any more advice? Bye social life

AUD: 98
REG: 91
BEC: 86
FAR: 83

DONE DONE DONE and DONE all on the first try! It IS possible, just keep on studying!

[Dog pounder1977]

Great question and I love the responses. I will be doing this starting Spring Semester and also during busy season. Looks like I have an idea of how to go about things.

One day I will face that exam.

[Author]

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