So I just started my CPA journey and found out I failed AUD with a 61.I feel so bad. I am currently studying for REG. Any suggestions so that I do not lose my motivation 🙁
One piece of advice I have on the SIMS for you… understand the concepts. That, above anything else, will help you pass them. You can do practice SIM after practice SIM until your eyes pop out, but that only will help if you get that topic on an actual SIM. If not, then all of those practices will not help you on those specific SIMS. When I failed REG the first time, I got weaker on SIMS. My strategy was to improve my weak areas in MCQ's and then heavily review my stronger points to solidify the material. Then, on my retake, I'd say I felt comfortable with 5 of the 6 SIMS. I got an 81 on the second go.
Hopefully that helps. The SIMS are most people's worst enemy, but I truly believe having a solid foundation in each topic will be much more beneficial than looking for one specific fool-proof way to prepare for them. If you think about the SIMS, it's the AICPA's way to make sure you didn't get lucky with the MCQ's. Through the SIMS, they test your conceptual understanding. So, any way to improve that should help you big time!
Don't get discouraged. Sometimes it takes someone to go through the process to get prepared. For example, if someone has been out of school for an extended time, they may not be in study testing mode and may take a test to get more adapted. The next time should be better as you are now getting more experienced.
AUD - Passed:)
FAR - Passed:)
REG - Retake TBD
BEC - Missed by 3 points Retake TBD
Unfortunately, I did not receive my July & August scores until Sept 19 & 20 and I was well into my third exam. I know, that for me, doing the mcqs and sims over and over did not work (50+ simulated exams and resetting sims countless times, etc)…I did not pass 3 sections 🙁
I decided to study for the last portion the way I have always studied in the past, and have experienced great success. I have stopped doing all the MCQs and sims…focused on knowing the basic formulas and the material in general.
I do not know if this will be the answer, but it has to be better than what I had been doing.
Keep it in perspective, it's just a test and doesn't mean you are a failure as a person. You are only a failure if you stop trying. Keep taking it untill you pass. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon. Nobody in their right mind is born with this crap in their head. A four year old thinks addition is tough, it's all relative. All good things take time and effort. Try different software, join a study group, get a tutor, keep fighting !!!
I can't stress enough the importance of retention. For me that was writing and rewriting notes…it's not fun and redundant, but you retain. I felt bad the first time since I thought I did everything I was supposed to. What helped me was retooling and fine tuning my studying.
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