[Renee]

Hello All!

I’m waiting for my application to be approved. I just graduated from undergrad this spring ’18 and will graduate from Grad school (MAcc) spring ’19. I want to pass all four parts before I graduate next spring. However, I am feeling a lack of motivation to continue to study.

I’m a Full-Time Grad Student and work part-time now. The second 8 weeks I’ve added another class and work is increasing hours so I fell behind on studying. I’m using Wiley to study and already have a plan on how to study. Also, I’m studying for FAR first and I’m comfortable with half of the material. I’ve already outlined what I know, don’t know, and kinda know in the book. If I don’t understand it I look at the videos then do MCQ’s and take notes.

The only problem I’m having is believing I can actually pass FAR or even the whole thing and find it hard trying to study for it anymore. I forgot to add I have 2 weeks left for this semester and then winter break and work. That could give me more time to study and take it in January.

Any advice or tips on how to stay motivated or passing the CPA Exam?

Thanks,

Bun

[felixsphone]

It sounds like you're just ready to be done. You have a very ambitious goal – but nothing is set in stone right now (NTS/Expiring Credits). Try to focus on one step at a time. Do something fun for yourself that's low risk high return. Take a staycation and grab a hotel near sporting event. Once you come back and get approved – hit the ground running. It might feel overwhelming now but it's also overwhelming to do it 6 years after graduation, unemployed, and with a chip on your shoulder coupled with a lot of internal pressure (my situation). Half of it is working hard, the other half is not going crazy. I was more the latter. Good luck!

[Renee]

@Felixsphone Thank you for replying! A little break does sound nice. I wasn't planning on doing all this but life happens. You're so close! I'm sure you're gonna do great ^_^. Also, your story is inspiring you've yet to give up and still going strong. Thank you so very much for the advice :D.

[DM]

Burnt out is working the entire month of February for 10+ hours a day on SEC registered PCAOB broker dealer audits. Suck it up and get it done! I am just kidding. Enjoy being in school and study hard. I wouldn't sacrifice your school work for CPA exams. If you feel overwhelmed then I suggest dialing back the CPA, since grad school is costly and you need money.
Also, CPA firms will work with you to make time to study and pass while you work (you just have to tell your team and engagement partner to set something up). As long as you are striving for the CPA and have a short-term plan to pass, then you will do great in any CPA firm interview. I would focus time on getting an offer rather than the CPA exams at this time with graduation coming in a few months.

[Renee]

@DM XD Thanks for the sense of humor! That's why I left my full-time and did part-time… really miss the pay tho haha. My school work has been fine, I attended the same university for both degrees.

After graduation (undergrad) I couldn't find much work (did later on) unless I was going to graduate school or able to sit for the CPA Exam. Right now, I just want to find a balance with school and work.

You are right I do need to get an offer, it's really hard finding a job later on (I know from experience). On another note… I just got my NTS for FAR today and will probably take it next month ^_^. Thank you for your advice.

[watermelon]

I am kind of jealous that you are still a student! haha trust me, you will feel much relieved to pass all or at least finish some parts of the exams before graduation next year. when I was at grad school, I didn't go for my CPA. now I am paying for that! sometimes I work from 9 to 9 and still need to study. hahaha I am really bad example!!

[Renee]

@Watermelon I love your name haha. You aren't a bad example at all! A lot of our recent grads have given great advice on this. They've inspired many of us to study or take it now. Congrats on your CPA Journey! I'm only using Wiley Review mostly because I won that 2 years ago at school. I'm just not sure if I should be using additional study tools (Wiley is great too). After thinking about it I might slightly change my studying plan. I've changed it a few times and improved a little on MCQ's. Good look and again congrats :D!

[watermelon]

@Bunny good luck to you as well! enjoy your school life!

[Author]

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