[Anonymous]

Just curious if I’m taking on too much. I have finals in a few weeks and will be graduating May 10th. I also will be sitting for AUD on May 15th. I initially planned to sit the last week of May but once I received my NTS, May 15th was the latest available date in this test window. I received my Becker materials last week and am currently trying to finish up A2. I’m not going to lie, I have my doubts, but I’m trying to stay positive. Btw, this is my first post, any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

@mla1169 Thank you! I just needed to hear that it can be done. I know it will require a lot of dedication and sacrificing but I know I can do it if I really put my mind to it. I'm not your typical college student, I'm 31. I decided to return back to school at 26, and have worked full-time throughout college. Most of my professors said it couldn't be done, that working more than 10 hours a week would make it almost impossible to pass their classes. I'm not gonna lie, it was hard to do, but I'm no stranger to hard work, even if it means many sleepless nights lol

I just want to get this thing over with so I can finally live my life!

@brian11785 I've heard that as well, taking them right after graduating while your still on “school/studying mode” is the best way to go. There were no more available seats for the two last weeks of May so I got stuck with May 15, just means I have to study a lot more often but that's okay. This semester I'm only taking 4 classes and a couple aren't so demanding of my time. (ie. Ethics) Also, I know once I start my new job, I won't have as much time to study (especially while at work, which helps a lot!) Thanks for your input!

[OtherGuy]

I took AUD near the middle of my last semester, and BEC during finals week of my last semester. I failed AUD with a 74, and BEC with a 70. I'm not going to lie, I failed because I simply didn't put in enough study time. I wanted to enjoy what was left of college.

So make a decision now. Do you want to enjoy your last few weeks of college or do you want to pass a CPA exam? You can't have both, and I'm saying that from experience.

Passed all sections.

[OtherGuy]

I took AUD near the middle of my last semester, and BEC during finals week of my last semester. I failed AUD with a 74, and BEC with a 70. I'm not going to lie, I failed because I simply didn't put in enough study time. I wanted to enjoy what was left of college.

So make a decision now. Do you want to enjoy your last few weeks of college or do you want to pass a CPA exam? You can't have both, and I'm saying that from experience.

Passed all sections.

[Anonymous]

@OtherGuy I've made up my mind. I want to pass the CPA exam! I don't live your typical “college life” since I'm a little older (31). The only day I do plan on taking a day off from studying is graduation day, which is 5 days before my exam. That day “off” might be just what I need though, then I'll final review until the day of the exam.

[Anonymous]

@OtherGuy I've made up my mind. I want to pass the CPA exam! I don't live your typical “college life” since I'm a little older (31). The only day I do plan on taking a day off from studying is graduation day, which is 5 days before my exam. That day “off” might be just what I need though, then I'll final review until the day of the exam.

[Kimboroni]

It sounds like you work full-time and are taking 4 classes. That does sound like too much to also be able to study as thoroughly as these exams require.

I understand wanting to take AUD while the subject matter is fresh. I did the same thing. I also work full-time, but I'm a part-time student (1 class per term), and I was able to fit my exam prep into our winter break while I wasn't in class at all. That really helped.

I'm taking my last class while concurrently studying for FAR, but I'm auditing the class so I can learn the material (which applies toward FAR) but not have to worry about taking tests or turning in homework. That is really helping my workload so I can dedicate enough time for my FAR studies.

You might be able to fit it all in, but will likely be exhausted when you get to test day, which to my mind doesn't give you as much of a fighting chance as these exams deserve and require. I would also recommend waiting until July.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[Kimboroni]

It sounds like you work full-time and are taking 4 classes. That does sound like too much to also be able to study as thoroughly as these exams require.

I understand wanting to take AUD while the subject matter is fresh. I did the same thing. I also work full-time, but I'm a part-time student (1 class per term), and I was able to fit my exam prep into our winter break while I wasn't in class at all. That really helped.

I'm taking my last class while concurrently studying for FAR, but I'm auditing the class so I can learn the material (which applies toward FAR) but not have to worry about taking tests or turning in homework. That is really helping my workload so I can dedicate enough time for my FAR studies.

You might be able to fit it all in, but will likely be exhausted when you get to test day, which to my mind doesn't give you as much of a fighting chance as these exams deserve and require. I would also recommend waiting until July.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[Anonymous]

I took AUD in May last year while taking a full course load, working 20hrs/week, volunteering for VITA 10hrs week through tax day, and with a family at home. It was a lot of effort, but worth it. Also had a classmate who passed all four parts before graduation and another who passed 3 parts before graduation. We're allowed to sit for our first exam 6mo before graduation here.

In my opinion, everyone has senior-itis the last few months of school anyway. I was still able to enjoy the final stages of college by hanging out with friends AND pass an exam simply by staying focused until the very last day of class.

[Anonymous]

I took AUD in May last year while taking a full course load, working 20hrs/week, volunteering for VITA 10hrs week through tax day, and with a family at home. It was a lot of effort, but worth it. Also had a classmate who passed all four parts before graduation and another who passed 3 parts before graduation. We're allowed to sit for our first exam 6mo before graduation here.

In my opinion, everyone has senior-itis the last few months of school anyway. I was still able to enjoy the final stages of college by hanging out with friends AND pass an exam simply by staying focused until the very last day of class.

[klink24]

I already have my MBA, but I had to go back to community college to get my accounting credits. Right now I'm finishing up my Auditing class and Practices in Accounting class, but neither are too strenuous. Just a homework assignment here and there and tests. I have a pregnant wife and 2 kids at home (5 and 9) and work 40+ hours a week. I'll be sitting for FAR Saturday. I've put in about 20 hours/week studying between end of February and 2 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago I started final review and have put in about 30+ hours/week studying. Helps to have an understanding wife!! Of course, she reaps the benefits afterward too so I guess it's not that much of a sacrifice, lol.

Basically what I'm saying is, it's absolutely possible.

FAR: 4/19/2014 - 85!
AUD: 5/27/2014 - 90!
REG: 7/18/2014 - 81!
BEC: 8/13/2014 - 84!

4 up, 4 down, in 4 months.

Licensed 9/22 in NC.

[klink24]

I already have my MBA, but I had to go back to community college to get my accounting credits. Right now I'm finishing up my Auditing class and Practices in Accounting class, but neither are too strenuous. Just a homework assignment here and there and tests. I have a pregnant wife and 2 kids at home (5 and 9) and work 40+ hours a week. I'll be sitting for FAR Saturday. I've put in about 20 hours/week studying between end of February and 2 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago I started final review and have put in about 30+ hours/week studying. Helps to have an understanding wife!! Of course, she reaps the benefits afterward too so I guess it's not that much of a sacrifice, lol.

Basically what I'm saying is, it's absolutely possible.

FAR: 4/19/2014 - 85!
AUD: 5/27/2014 - 90!
REG: 7/18/2014 - 81!
BEC: 8/13/2014 - 84!

4 up, 4 down, in 4 months.

Licensed 9/22 in NC.

[samdiegoCPA]

@angelica ugh, I remember one of my professors saying you shouldn't work at all while in school fulltime. crazy talk. i am working FT now and doing the exams and they are 500000x harder than my Bachelors degree classes combined. the exams don't give you “partial credit” or any leniency. not to mention, they are comprehensive containing every tiny detail imaginable!

I guess you could probably finish up college while doing AUD. Just understand that you aren't studying the same way in the slightest. I guess that was my biggest concern for you.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[samdiegoCPA]

@angelica ugh, I remember one of my professors saying you shouldn't work at all while in school fulltime. crazy talk. i am working FT now and doing the exams and they are 500000x harder than my Bachelors degree classes combined. the exams don't give you “partial credit” or any leniency. not to mention, they are comprehensive containing every tiny detail imaginable!

I guess you could probably finish up college while doing AUD. Just understand that you aren't studying the same way in the slightest. I guess that was my biggest concern for you.

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[Anonymous]

@CareBear Yes I've had senior-itis all semester long! And somehow getting As and maybe one B in my classes as of right now. This semester isn't so bad compared to the last few. I think the professors know we are mostly all graduating and have other things on our plate like CPA, finding a job, etc. I actually have enjoyed studying for the CPA exam, not so much the time I'm sacrificing but the learning experience I'm really enjoying. I decided to take AUD first b/c I know it can help me with my final Audit exam while also preparing me for the CPA. I've actually learned A LOT more from reading Becker's text book and the lectures, things are making so much more sense to me than when my prof. taught them to us.

@nclynch Having an understanding spouse definitely helps! I also think being a parent helps as well. I'm married myself with 3 kids, I had my last child while going to school and surprisingly, I survived it! lol But they are my motivation, I'm not sure I'd be this driven and determined if I were single with no kids.

@samdiegoCPA thanks for your input! I already do see a huge difference in studying for the CPA. I also feel like I've learned a lot more just from studying for it than from taking the classes, but I'm definitely putting in more effort. In most of my accounting classes, I would skim through the chapters, not really read them, then do the homework and quizzes. I am an A/B student and that's always worked for me. But now, for the CPA, I read all the material, once or twice. I also watch EVERY single lecture, sometimes going back to parts that I really didn't get. I redo the MCQs. The only thing I will say I DO NOT DO is take notes. I've never been a note taker. I learn better by reading something over a few times than writing it down.

[Anonymous]

@CareBear Yes I've had senior-itis all semester long! And somehow getting As and maybe one B in my classes as of right now. This semester isn't so bad compared to the last few. I think the professors know we are mostly all graduating and have other things on our plate like CPA, finding a job, etc. I actually have enjoyed studying for the CPA exam, not so much the time I'm sacrificing but the learning experience I'm really enjoying. I decided to take AUD first b/c I know it can help me with my final Audit exam while also preparing me for the CPA. I've actually learned A LOT more from reading Becker's text book and the lectures, things are making so much more sense to me than when my prof. taught them to us.

@nclynch Having an understanding spouse definitely helps! I also think being a parent helps as well. I'm married myself with 3 kids, I had my last child while going to school and surprisingly, I survived it! lol But they are my motivation, I'm not sure I'd be this driven and determined if I were single with no kids.

@samdiegoCPA thanks for your input! I already do see a huge difference in studying for the CPA. I also feel like I've learned a lot more just from studying for it than from taking the classes, but I'm definitely putting in more effort. In most of my accounting classes, I would skim through the chapters, not really read them, then do the homework and quizzes. I am an A/B student and that's always worked for me. But now, for the CPA, I read all the material, once or twice. I also watch EVERY single lecture, sometimes going back to parts that I really didn't get. I redo the MCQs. The only thing I will say I DO NOT DO is take notes. I've never been a note taker. I learn better by reading something over a few times than writing it down.

[Author]

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