[Jodie]

Hi Everyone,
I know there are a few of you over 50, or even late 50. I need some advice from YOU: How do you study for all 4 exams? There is no doubt that our mind and memory are no longer the same as when we were in the 20s, 30s. I know I am slower in reading each topic and trying to absorb the materials. Wonder how “others” study …
Being a CPA is always my dream. Now I am finally free from every burden in life, I really want to do it – just to prove I can still achieve what I want regardless my age. I have been an accountant and work under licensed CPA for a long time, so no worry about getting license later.
The only section worry me is BEC which I don’t like much and totally no clue about it.

Any advice would be very grateful.

Jodie

[krstnam]

I'm in my 30s but wanted to give you a shout out for going after your dream.

I started studying when I had been out of school for 10+ years, and the last accounting class I took was 12+ years prior to starting the exams. What I've noticed is there isn't really a “catch-all” way to study. Many people will say just hammer out MCQs all day. It didn't work for me – I would end up memorizing the answers and couldn't get myself to stop so basically there is a certain point where the MCQs lost their effectiveness. I ended up doing a MCQs, SIMS, note taking, reviewing, memorizing formulas and doing internet searches for the areas that I still wasn't getting. I spent the most time on MCQs and probably the second most amount of time note taking and reviewing my notes. For me I've had to alter my study method for each exam, what worked for BEC and REG did nothing for FAR and AUD.

Best of luck to you!

[Tncincy]

Hi Jodie, I am in my 50's. I started this journey several times start and stop because of obligations and got out of the habit of study. As a matter of fact, I started this journey before all the other stuff was added and shortened the mcq's. I have not passed a section yet, because I have not studied effectively or efficiently to pass.( being honest) and no my college stamina is not there. So, I suggest finding a good review course that allow you to implement the way you learn and go after it. I also tried mcq only, but my scores only get half-way. So I guess that means I know 1/2 of the materials and need to study more. My friends and family keep asking why keep trying, but It's my dream and my goal. I have been in the tax/bookkeeping business for almost 30 years and the industry has changed so much until simply doing taxes and a few financial statements is not worth the worry or expenses without a license. I need a bigger clientele I do intend to keep my business and contract out if I can only pass. At this point, I am reading, note taking, listening to audio with a few lectures and doing non-stop mcq's. Something will work. But my suggestion as been suggested to me is get committed, desire is just not good enough. I'm giving it the old college try and putting in long hours with the above. Hope this helps. Good luck to you. We would like to hear of your successes and learning moments. (at least I would since I am over 50). Which part are you taking first?

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Jodie]

Thank you both!Both of your advice is priceless.
I work in accounting area full time and am an Enrolled Agent for my tax business. My final dream is, be a CPA and work for myself, no more listening to bosses. Oh yes, I am not young anymore, ready to retire soon! but with my own business, I can work until I die.
So, I would start with REG as my first exam section. I have been on and off going back to school to finally finish my MBA in Management a few years ago. So, yes Tncincy, I do know how difficult it is to study again. But CPA exam is much harder and no guarantee success. I am using Gleim premium – access until pass! By reading the forum, seems many people also use Ninja as additional supplement. I might do that too during last few weeks of study. My weakest area are research questions which no clue how it works.

No matter what outcome will be, this time I determine to try my best. If I try and fail (of course after several times), no regret.

[fassopony]

I'm 47 and will start in August (FAR). My coworker is 57 and just passed the final part last month. He did AUD, FAR, REG and last BEC. He studied relentlessly. Every day, getting up to put in an hour or more before work (even during tax season) then after work and most all weekends. It worked for him 🙂 He mentioned that you have to know the information thoroughly, inside and out so anything they throw at you you have an answer for. He never felt like he passed although he did lol He also said the MCQs and testlet practice is necessary.

[Author]

Replies