[1skibum]

Hi everyone! I’ve been on the journey of trying to pass the CPA exams for a solid 2 years now. I started studying in college, then continued studying when I started my job in public accounting. I went to a top 20 business school and was one that never really had to study. Upon taking my first CPA exam I realized that does not work for an exam like this. Needless to say I’ve failed FAR once, REG 3 times, passed BEC and am waiting on my AUD score. After getting through the material I feel like I know the stuff, but when it comes down to it, I have just memorized the questions.

I’ll take days off or set aside time on the weekend to study and I find myself just not being productive. I’ll put my phone in another room or shut it off and I still find something to distract myself such as zoning out or thinking about random stuff. As much as I try to focus, I cannot get into it. I switched from Becker to Wiley study materials thinking that may be part of the issues, but I’m still finding myself struggle. Has anyone else experienced this? Any thoughts or tips? I really want to pass these damn exams and definitely put the time into it, but I need to improve my focus. I’d really appreciate any feedback! Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I have ADD very severely and I am prescribed Adderal and have been since I was 10. I didn't take it once to study for my exams and passed. It's really mind over matter more than anything, adderal is just a crutch.

[Missy]

and for what its worth ADD is a very real thing (did you know its not an INABILITY to focus but instead focus on too many things at once?) but I'd never trust a general practicioner who would prescribe amphetamines after one office visit and no definitive testing and I know adults who've gotten them that easily. My kids both saw their pediatrician, then a neurologist before we would accept the diagnosis. In other words a proper evaluation takes time but I guarantee given a certain type of doctor just saying I can't study will earn you a prescription. Also keep an eye on your blood pressure if you do start them.

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

[Anonymous]

1. Create a study plan and stick to it
2. Stay healthy (exercise/sleep)
3. Caffeine/Supplements
4. Try studying in different areas – room, dining area, patio, library, coffeeshop, bookstore, etc. (and bring headphones)

I have found number 4 works well for me. The variation and being in a public location tend to help keep me awake instead of dozing off and losing focus. Also, if you are having trouble in a certain area and it's putting you to sleep, you can search for videos of the topic on YouTube. There are a few decent instructors and videos on accounting/CPA exam material and videos tend to help explain things and keep your focus a bit more than reading a book and doing endless MCQs.

[1skibum]

Thank you everyone for the replies! I don't know that I have ADHD/ADD, but I surely have a difficult time studying. It's weird because I can put in 13+ hour days at work, but I try to study for 30 minutes and I can't focus.

[Twenty17]

I had huge issues with focusing since college, and it sucked because I knew I could understand everything and do really well if I could just FOCUS.
Anyway what helped me, not sure if this will help anyone else:
1) Quit caffeine- I know everyone swears by it helping them but quitting it has been life changing for me. Depending how much you drank prior, you are going to feel REALLY crappy for a while, not just 1-2 weeks, but the good news is that it will gradually get better as time goes on. You will need to factor in that period of withdrawal into your study plan because you won't be 100% productive but it is so worth it and once all those symptoms subside and you are running on your own natural energy, it's an amazing feeling.
2) Exercise- really helpful with focus too
3) Eat well
4) Studying somewhere outside of the home might be helpful

[Author]

Replies