[I just love this]

I still can’t believe it, I’m in shock..I got a 60 on REG, my first exam I sat for.

I used mainly CPAexcel for just over 4 months. I started studying casually during my last semester of undergrad and then got more serious after I graduated. I still have my NINJA notes, my notebook of personal notes, flashcards..I did tons and tons of MCQs..

After a day of depression and reflection I think two things to fix right NOW: 1) RTFQ, I think I went wayy too fast with it being my first test and all the test anxiety, I probably didn’t focus on the questions being asked enough. I think I did better as far as reading the questions properly in BEC, my 2nd exam which I am waiting for, and 2) I spread out my study plan over several months..bad idea.

I thought taking REG would be my hardest because I freaking hate tax, in hindsight I should have gone with the other school of thought and taken an easier section first to get more accustomed to the exam experience since I am prone to test anxiety.

Anyways, just venting/fishing for similar experiences I guess. I am going to take AUD and FAR and then go back to REG (after starting work…so much for my great plan..) and go crazy on my old study notes and crank out a bunch of Wiley Test bank problems I guess.

REG- Waiting 7/1/13
BEC- Waiting 7/23/13
AUD- Studying 8/12/13
FAR- Signed up 10/1/13
Studying with CPAExcel and Wiley Test Bank.

[sonygal57]

Hey just curious, how did you feel going into Reg? I am about to take FAR next Saturday. I think with the amount of studying and prep time I have put in would 60 would kill me! FAR and AUD scare me more than BEC or REG…actually I kinda look forward to REG (tax nerd/junky). I think REG will feel more natural to me because I am more familiar with the concepts….as far as FAR goes not too much feels natural. Some things I am able to understand concepts pretty decently…other items that I can't relate to I have memorized key definitions/transactions…etc… to make up for my shortfalls…..Ughh the jitters are taking over me tonight!

Good old Gandalf, "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is give to us."
"Not all those who wander are lost."

FAR: I slayed the Dragon!
BEC: I defeated the Siren!
AUD: I eliminated Medusa!
REG: ?????

[10keyLeah]

@i just love this – I feel for you. I think it's fairly common for people to put in effort and a lot of study time and then fail.

I studied for AUD for 2 months, and I felt like I was was comfortable enough with the material to pass. I did alright on MCQ but then got ate up by SIMS. I failed with a 69 and was quite honestly very upset.

Then, I realized it wasn't the end of the world. So, my plan is to take 1 month to restudy for AUD and schedule it first thing for October. Until then, I'm using my angry energy from failing to study for BEC.

The person that doesn't become a CPA is the person that quits.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[wizards8507]

I absolutely disagree that you “should have taken an easier section first.” Failing the first one is the best way to fail (though you'd obviously rather not). If you had passed AUD or BEC and THEN failed REG, your 18-month clock would be ticking and you could end up losing credit.

NY CPA

[Anonymous]

Dunno what to tell ya except you should have studied harder. Accounting is not a profession to take lightly.

[jkpoker1]

“I absolutely disagree that you “should have taken an easier section first.” Failing the first one is the best way to fail (though you'd obviously rather not). If you had passed AUD or BEC and THEN failed REG, your 18-month clock would be ticking and you could end up losing credit.”

I disagree with this totally. Whats wrong with taking an easy section first? 18 months is a long time to pass 4 parts of an exam. If you honestly can't pass a certain section within 2-3 tries, maybe you don't deserve to be a cpa. Also yea maybe REG,FAR, and AUD are harder than BEC but if you put the time in, you should be able to pass. Its not like you have to put in another 60-100 hours after you just completed studying for a section you failed. I just failed BEC and studied 20 hours. I literally might study 5-10 hours and just take it again.

The CPA exam really isn't that difficult. If you put in 80-100 hours, you honestly should pass.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Anonymous]

****This post has been interrupted by Baxter who is diligently studying for FAR and minding her own business!”****

[foreverstudying]

Don't beat yourself up too much over taking a harder section first. Imagine how defeated you'd feel if you failed the one part you thought you could pass for sure? And as someone mentioned in another thread, there is really is no easy part of the exam. Each is difficult in it's own right.

Regardless of how much (or little) time you spend studying, make sure you're using that time wisely. Flying through MCQ's is useless if you don't understand the reasoning behind every answer. It looks like you already have an idea of how you can improve your study routine so you're already on the right track. Good luck!

FAR - 70, 83
REG - 82
BEC - 78
AUD - 76

[jkpoker1]

I just have to post my scores here after these last two posts! it made me laugh out loud to see that I don't deserve to be a CPA. Where were you two bullies four years ago? You could've save me SO much time.

Seriously?

I guess that is worded really poorly. I don't mean you don't deserve to not be a cpa. More likely someone should re-think their planning phase and dedicate more time before taking exam or take a class online like becker or gleim.

Quest to be a CPA

BEC-74 (7/13),
REG- ?? (8/13)
AUD-TBA
FAR-TBA

[Kenada]

I agree with Baxter… why would you say to someone after two or three tries you fail then you don't deserve a CPA.

I passed AUD on my fourth try and I super Happy I final nailed that exam! I have gotten the two supposedly easier ones out of the way – AUD and BEC.. I am now workings towards REG then FAR last.

Personally I am glad I did AUD before REG as I am noticing a number of similarities which is helping me get through the material.

I will say you can study many hours but its no good if you “Don't understand the material/concept” then it does not matter how many hours your study it won't help.

Important parts to conquer the CPA exams is :-

1. Understand the material and know your material well.

2. Practice makes perfect

3. RTFQ!!!!

FAR 05/27/14; 786/110 - Done !

[Anonymous]

****This post has been interrupted by Baxter who is diligently studying for FAR and minding her own business!”****

[peetree]

I think the people who took the exam 35 times almost deserve to be a cpa more than the people who have taken the exam 4 times.

That is just dedication like I've never seen.

FAR 02/21/13 - 95
REG 07/02/13 - 87
AUD 08/02/13 - 94
BEC 08/30/13 - 85
Ethics Exam - 90

Illinois candidate awaiting his license

Used Becker Self Study | Ninja Audio | Becker Flash Cards | Ninja Notes | Wiley Test Bank

[mnuelreyes]

This shows that you are not a good reader but don't panic or frustrate. You will do better next time, just focus on your reading skills as most of the students start solving without properly reading the question. You can even take the help of some reading tutor.

[mnuelreyes]

This shows that you are not a good reader but don't panic or frustrate. You will do better next time, just focus on your reading skills as most of the students start solving without properly reading the question. You can even take the help of some reading tutor.

[Author]

Replies