[Tootsie]

So I have failed AUD 4 times and BEC twice. I really thought I had passed AUD last month, but I failed by 2 points. It was the sims, as usual. I have been doing practice sims from 2 sources now. One of the sources does not give good answer explanations, unfortunately. I’ve decided to start from the beginning, once again, and do more practice sims this time, and hopefully pass AUD in January. If I don’t pass, I am considering giving up on the CPA exam. I have spent thousands of dollars in exam fees and prep. I just feel like I am throwing my money at NASBA now. I feel like the grading system is vague too. Anyways, I hope I don’t have to give this up, but it’s been over a year that I’ve been taking the exam, and both my husband and me are questioning this, like is it really worth all the money we’ve been spending? I want more than anything to have a CPA license, but I feel like maybe this might not be for me. Anybody else ever feel this way?

FAR - 76
AUD - 88!!! DONE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 76
REG - 77

never, never, never give up

[Keely]

Being a CPA is not for everyone. Not *everyone* can pass this test. I can name quite a few people I graduated with who won't have a snowball's chance in hell at passing it. So I don't understand why it's ‘not right' to tell someone maybe it's not for them. There are downsides to a prolonged exam battle. Money lost, time lost, etc. If someone came to me and said they have failed six times in a row, I would have to be realistic, and I can definitely see how some people would say maybe it's not for everyone. Because that's the truth, isn't it?

That being said, I don't know you, OP, and many things factor into why you haven't passed. It could be you aren't putting your all into it, you're studying distracted, sporadically, etc. (all things I've had to deal with myself). You could be studying with material that doesn't fit your learning style. It could be you are not a good test taker and will never pass the test (I highly doubt this is the case, I'm just playing devil's advocate!).

If this really is something you want more than anything, then completely reassess your study habits, learning style, etc. Make it your top priority. Make a daily schedule and stick to it. Don't get behind. And my biggest advice is to not move on to another test until you've passed the one you've failed. Pick AUD or BEC and just keep on it until you've passed. What's the use in failing one and trying to study for something else when you will have to go back to the one you've failed at some point, but you'll have forgotten everything?

Just my personal opinion. The most important thing is whether YOU think it's worth it, whether YOU think there are ways you can improve and ultimately pass. Good luck in whatever you decide.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Tootsie]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I am studying differently now. I've been taking breaks too to give my brain a rest. I told my husband about quizzing me. He only did that a couple of times, but this time he's going to help me more. I really want the license, just gotta study smarter. I am using Becker, Ninja notes, and Wiley test bank. And about my tree, I love real ones but can't have one in our condo because there's no where close to dispose it. I will miss the smell of a real tree.

FAR - 76
AUD - 88!!! DONE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 76
REG - 77

never, never, never give up

[Anonymous]

I hope you are feeling better about things now. Good idea making your husband quiz you. I wish I had done that to my husband. As for trees, I have a 10′ artificial tree. My house is really old and has 12′ ceilings. A shorter tree just looks goofy. When we bought the tree, the day after Christmas 12 years ago, we didn't take into consideration how big around the tree was going to be. We were just looking at height. I have to move half the furniture out the living room to put it up. But it's worth it. When we bought it, we also didn't think about buying any ornaments for it. We bought lights on sale, but no ornaments. Every year for Christmas, we each get a new ornament. I have all of the ornaments my son made in Head Start and Elementary school. Those are priceless! If you need any thing just shoot me an e-mail, kricket0513@gmail.com.

[Whatdidyou]

“Tootsie…I disagree with @whatdidyou‘s response. I would encourage you to NEVER give up”

“Again, I am not too sure how anyone can coherently encourage someone to give up–I completely disagree with that point-of-view.”

@musicamor: Did you take issue with these items in my post?:

1) It is okay to prioritize family/health over the exam

2) Don't repeatedly study the same way and think the results will be different

3) If you are not going to change your study habbits (for whatever reason, whether trivial (studying gets in the way of happy hour) or important (family, health, cost), then stop.

4) However if you've identified a major deficiency in your study plan, have made plans to address it, and think you'll be able to pass all the sections in a time and at a cost that is acceptable to you and your family, then go ahead and try again.

..and I don't know how you can disagree with them. It is reasonable advice to give to someone like the OP when they ask a question like the one in the original post.

If you are willing/able to put forth a better effort, then do so. If you are not willing or able, and there are valid reasons for not being either, then why continue to go through the motions and waste time, money, effort, health, and relationships to become a CPA?

@Tootsie: The above part of my post is more of a philisophical discussion and not directed at you. Reading your second post, it appears as though you've revamped your study plan, have your family's support, and are optimistic about your next exam. I'm sure you'll do great!

REG - Passed!!
BEC - Passed
FAR - Passed
AUD - Passed

Study Materials: Becker basic course

[Tootsie]

@Whatdidyou, I appreciate your honest feedback. I am keeping positive and am starting from scratch (with emphasis in my weaker areas, like the sims). I can and will pass this exam! HiYa!

FAR - 76
AUD - 88!!! DONE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 76
REG - 77

never, never, never give up

[Lisa]

Tootsie:

DO NOT GIVE UP! You can get through this. My advice is to stay with Audit until you pass.

And it seems to me the keys to passing Audit, are in carefully reading the questions, and making sure that you are answering the question that is ASKED. The “Yeager” instructor kept saying in his lectures that the AICPA would provide 4 MC answers where each one would be a correct response for a different service. For instance, the question might ask about a Review or Compilation and several of the answer choices are applicable to Audits, so eliminate the “Audit” answers, as they are distractor choices since the question is not asking about Audits….Anyway I wanted to pass this piece of advice along because I know this helped me pass the exam….

But even more importantly than the above, believe in yourself, and set up a study system that will help you get to your goal. I have followed your posts on this blog, you are articulate, and I know you can do this, have faith in yourself, you can make it through

---

This process is meant to challenge us. It has definately challenged me! Keep faith and feed your dream of becoming a CPA.

All the Best–

AUD 8/04/11: 78
BEC 1/9/12: 73, 4/04/12: 80
FAR 10/25/12: 80
REG 02/25/13: 79
Ethics 100%
VA License Issued 3/2013

[jenuno01]

Hi Tootsie, sorry I'm a little late for the advice, but here's what I got. You're using Becker right? You need to TRUST it. It really is enough to pass all 4 exams, you just have to do EXACLTY what they tell you. They already spent the time putting the program together to help candidates pass, they know what works… and all the stats are in their favor. That's why you pay a premium for it, because it's the freken best! And whoever disagrees, it's because they're haters who couldn't afford it lol, jk. No but seriously, forget about all your supplements. You really DON'T need them. They're nice to have, but in all reality, Becker has all you need to pass. Set a schedule, stick to it, be diligent, reward yourself every once in a while (go out), exercise, etc. Studying is all about getting into a routine, that's the hard part. Once you're in a routine, it becomes second nature. That's why it's important NOT to take a huge break after taking an exam. I would say a max of 3 days and jump right into the next section. Again, trust Becker, you're in good hands.

Class of 2012

[MICHI2D2G]

Agreed- good advice @jenuno01. If you want to pass, you can do it. If you look at people's signatures on this site or speak with people, you see it takes some numerous attempts and some numerous years. Don't give up, keep trying and you'll get there.

[Anonymous]

I see both sides to this….i would never encourage anyone to give up on something they are pursuing if they really want it, but sometimes people need to face reality….they might not have the willpower, patience, money, strong desire, etc to get though the process. You have to dedicate alot of time and other resources and I think people may need to reevaluate at times whether or not it is worth it for them. Just because you start something doesnt mean you HAVE to finish it if you decide it is not best for you and your family.

There is not a rule that says you have to be a CPA in order to have a successful career in accounting. At the end of the day, it comes down to how bad you want it and are you willing to sacrifice….if the answer is you want it no matter what, be prepared for the journey because lets face it, it is a pain in the ass and very frustrating at times. If you say yeah it would be nice to be a CPA, but whatever if i pass them i pass them….it may not be for you.

[Author]

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