[Anonymous]

Hey guys, I graduated in May and was going to take the exam right after graduation, but I got hired and started right away… leaving me little time to study like I wanted. I am just now getting into the swing of things at my job and I’m ready to start tackling this exam soon. Here are my thoughts on how I’ll approach it. Please, let me know your thoughts if you have any advice or think I’m foolish with my approach.

I work quite a bit, and that’s fine, but in regards to the test I am a bit nervous to take two sections in one sitting. Also, I get a raise with each section that I pass, so I am planning to go from easiest to hardest (B.A.R.F.)… hoping that I don’t get too stuck on FAR. So I’d go in this order —

August – BEC

October – AUD

November – REG

January – FAR

I feel like this is a good way to build momentum as I’m going and gives me sufficient time to rest/recharge and study a whole lot for FAR. I’ll be purchasing Becker soon, and scheduling about 100 hours of study time per section. I’m debating whether to get additional study material for the FAR section, but I will more than likely do that only if I fail it my first time. Any additional materials you would recommend for the FAR section?

Also, I was diagnosed with ADD when I was in 3rd grade, and am debating going to the doctor again to get rediagnosed and get adderall. I have a few friends who say there is no way they would have been able to pass the exam without it, as they were also diagnosed with ADD at a young age. Thoughts on this? I have heard that if I go to the doctor I could also get additional time for the test. I almost think this is cheating, but I am not cheating the system as I legitimately was previously diagnosed with it. Its just often I wonder if the medication is cheating regardless of who is taking it.

Anyway, thoughts on my approach? Any would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[Sandra]

I don't think you will get additional time on the test- at least I've never heard of this ever.

I don't have ADD, but did manage to score an rx for adderall. I don't take it all that often so I wouldn't say I “need it”, but again, I don't have ADD. I do know that the rx is hard to come by, especially for adults, but if your doc will write you a script I don't think it would hurt.

As for the order of the tests- I'll let others that have actually taken all the exams give you advice on that… I'm just doing them in the order that was recommended by my review course (Rogers CPA Review).

[Sandra]

Actually I was totally wrong. Not shocking.

See this:

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/anyone-here-use-the-ada-to-modify-taking-the-exam

[mla1169]

I could have had an ADA accomodation for the exam but didn't put the effort into it because I don't ask for or receive accomodations at work or at home and felt my time was better spent studying than filling out paperwork. Granted its a physical disability so it's a bit different, but I try to be consistent across all aspects of my life. Do you get accomodations at work or did you in college?

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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