For those with passing scores..what was your key to focus

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    Topic
  • #180857

    I have yet to embarked on my journey but am doing as much learning as I can about this exam so that I can best prepare myself for what is to come.

    I have a full time job, a 19 month old, and have to use my time very diligently. I also only have enough finances to take each part once. With that being what methods have you used to stay focus? I am planning to use Jeff’s ELL to balance things but am worried about the lack of focus and the reality that if I fail one part I wont be able to take it for a while as cash flow is low at the moment.

    Any help of feedback would be great appreciated.

    FAR: April or May 2014
    AUD:
    REG:
    BEC:
    Scared: 100

    FAR first and only attempt: 2014 Wiley textbook, 10 Pt Combo, and WTB

    I only get one try to have to give it my all and try to get 75 on my first go around.

    -The only thing that stands between you and what you want out of life is the will to try and the faith to believe it's possible.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 38 total)
  • Author
    Replies
  • #456171
    UCMCPA
    Member

    My focus?

    Looking at all the people that failed and have to retake, especially the ones that admit they didn't put enough time into studying or didn't try hard enough.

    It BLOWS MY MIND that someone is going to try and half-ass something like this. Taking this test is not cheap, it's time consuming, and it's hard. Why not just knock it out of the park the first time?

    FAR - 84
    AUD - 94
    REG - 86
    BEC - 86

    #456318
    UCMCPA
    Member

    My focus?

    Looking at all the people that failed and have to retake, especially the ones that admit they didn't put enough time into studying or didn't try hard enough.

    It BLOWS MY MIND that someone is going to try and half-ass something like this. Taking this test is not cheap, it's time consuming, and it's hard. Why not just knock it out of the park the first time?

    FAR - 84
    AUD - 94
    REG - 86
    BEC - 86

    #456173
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    1. Don't pay for all four exams at one time! I made that mistake and it cost me a ton!

    2. Discipline is the key. If you have time before you start studying, read the book The Power of Habit. That will help you avoid bad habits as well as develop new ones.

    3. Find out how you learn and then find the review course that works best for you. You need to invest your limited funds wisely. I wouldn't advise you to buy a full review course from any one provider. I used Roger to pass FAR, Bisk to pass AUD, Wiley to pass BEC and all of them to pass REG, but it was the Ninja audio that actually got me a pass on that one. I supplemented all of them with the Ninja notes as well.

    4. Some people use the Pomadoro technique to study. It didn't work for me, but I do know several people who passed using it. You can do a google search to learn more about it but basically, you study for a specific amount of time and then you take a break for a specific amount of time.

    5. If you don't pass each exam the first time, then welcome to the majority! It all has a way of working out in the end. You just have to keep moving forward and, if it this exam knocks you down, you get back up!

    Good Luck!

    #456320
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    1. Don't pay for all four exams at one time! I made that mistake and it cost me a ton!

    2. Discipline is the key. If you have time before you start studying, read the book The Power of Habit. That will help you avoid bad habits as well as develop new ones.

    3. Find out how you learn and then find the review course that works best for you. You need to invest your limited funds wisely. I wouldn't advise you to buy a full review course from any one provider. I used Roger to pass FAR, Bisk to pass AUD, Wiley to pass BEC and all of them to pass REG, but it was the Ninja audio that actually got me a pass on that one. I supplemented all of them with the Ninja notes as well.

    4. Some people use the Pomadoro technique to study. It didn't work for me, but I do know several people who passed using it. You can do a google search to learn more about it but basically, you study for a specific amount of time and then you take a break for a specific amount of time.

    5. If you don't pass each exam the first time, then welcome to the majority! It all has a way of working out in the end. You just have to keep moving forward and, if it this exam knocks you down, you get back up!

    Good Luck!

    #456175

    @UCMCPA thats exactly my sentiments, If and when I take this test I want to do it once and do not I mean CANNOT put only half effort into it.

    @Kricket 1) I don't even have enough money to pay for all four parts at once so in an oxymoronic manner I lucked out. 2) Since I am still in the early phases of planning I will take your advice and get a quick read in before solely becoming about the CPA. 3) It seems like a lot of people like the Ninja material so I will be buying the 10 point combo to supplement any material I purchase (I am still researching what works best for me but I have a friend who can help me with the Yaeger videos) 5) Although I have no problem with being part of the majority it would be too much of a waste to come up with $400 bucks to retake an exam…i mean thats grocery money for my son and wife

    Thanks for the advice! Love another71.com

    FAR: April or May 2014
    AUD:
    REG:
    BEC:
    Scared: 100

    FAR first and only attempt: 2014 Wiley textbook, 10 Pt Combo, and WTB

    I only get one try to have to give it my all and try to get 75 on my first go around.

    -The only thing that stands between you and what you want out of life is the will to try and the faith to believe it's possible.

    #456324

    @UCMCPA thats exactly my sentiments, If and when I take this test I want to do it once and do not I mean CANNOT put only half effort into it.

    @Kricket 1) I don't even have enough money to pay for all four parts at once so in an oxymoronic manner I lucked out. 2) Since I am still in the early phases of planning I will take your advice and get a quick read in before solely becoming about the CPA. 3) It seems like a lot of people like the Ninja material so I will be buying the 10 point combo to supplement any material I purchase (I am still researching what works best for me but I have a friend who can help me with the Yaeger videos) 5) Although I have no problem with being part of the majority it would be too much of a waste to come up with $400 bucks to retake an exam…i mean thats grocery money for my son and wife

    Thanks for the advice! Love another71.com

    FAR: April or May 2014
    AUD:
    REG:
    BEC:
    Scared: 100

    FAR first and only attempt: 2014 Wiley textbook, 10 Pt Combo, and WTB

    I only get one try to have to give it my all and try to get 75 on my first go around.

    -The only thing that stands between you and what you want out of life is the will to try and the faith to believe it's possible.

    #456177
    Tncincy
    Participant

    Is the power of habit in e-book?

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

    #456326
    Tncincy
    Participant

    Is the power of habit in e-book?

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

    #456179
    lleon
    Member

    Just boils down to careful planning and dedication. If you want it bad, you'll stick to your plan and not lose focus. Just keep your long term goals in mind, and keep coming to this site. I get a lot of motivation by just reading off these forums, sometimes it's hard to come by close friends & fam that understand the task your undertaking, so it's good to have ppl that are just as immersed in these exams as you'll be.

    Licensed in Arizona

    #456328
    lleon
    Member

    Just boils down to careful planning and dedication. If you want it bad, you'll stick to your plan and not lose focus. Just keep your long term goals in mind, and keep coming to this site. I get a lot of motivation by just reading off these forums, sometimes it's hard to come by close friends & fam that understand the task your undertaking, so it's good to have ppl that are just as immersed in these exams as you'll be.

    Licensed in Arizona

    #456181
    tough_kitty
    Member

    Well, I paid for all 4 parts at once back in 2011 when I was still enrolled in MBA program taking 6 units per semester and working full time so it was a HUGE mistake…..I took 12 units per semester before (while enrolled in MS/ACCY program), and figured that 6 units + 1 part of the CPA exam would = less than 12 units, but of course I was wrong! I didn't have a study plan which was also a reason why I failed…..failed to find enough time to prepare for each part before my NTS expired, that is….

    So, this year it was my only goal for 2013 – to pass CPA exam. I decided to invest in Roger CPA review which is expensive, so I figured – I cannot waste any more money! This time I scheduled 2 parts at a time and I ended up rescheduling BEC to take it 1 week EARLIER! Good planning is the key! I'd recommend Roger CPA review at least for FAR and AUD. I don't think I'd be able to prepare for FAR within 2 months without Roger's lectures. I actually don't agree with the idea of changing CPA review for each part – I think it's less expensive to invest into one review – just make sure you do your research and find which one would be the best for you.

    Good luck!

    FAR: 81 (May 2013)
    BEC: 81 (July 2013)
    REG: 83 (August 2013)
    AUD: 82 (November 2013)
    California CPA since 1/30/14

    #456330
    tough_kitty
    Member

    Well, I paid for all 4 parts at once back in 2011 when I was still enrolled in MBA program taking 6 units per semester and working full time so it was a HUGE mistake…..I took 12 units per semester before (while enrolled in MS/ACCY program), and figured that 6 units + 1 part of the CPA exam would = less than 12 units, but of course I was wrong! I didn't have a study plan which was also a reason why I failed…..failed to find enough time to prepare for each part before my NTS expired, that is….

    So, this year it was my only goal for 2013 – to pass CPA exam. I decided to invest in Roger CPA review which is expensive, so I figured – I cannot waste any more money! This time I scheduled 2 parts at a time and I ended up rescheduling BEC to take it 1 week EARLIER! Good planning is the key! I'd recommend Roger CPA review at least for FAR and AUD. I don't think I'd be able to prepare for FAR within 2 months without Roger's lectures. I actually don't agree with the idea of changing CPA review for each part – I think it's less expensive to invest into one review – just make sure you do your research and find which one would be the best for you.

    Good luck!

    FAR: 81 (May 2013)
    BEC: 81 (July 2013)
    REG: 83 (August 2013)
    AUD: 82 (November 2013)
    California CPA since 1/30/14

    #456183
    tough_kitty
    Member

    @tncincy – I'd really recommend to practice your research skills. They would be very useful for the CPA exam!

    The Power of Habit book is available in all kinds of format:

    https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/1400069289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327352858&sr=8-1&tag=randohouseinc3351-20

    FAR: 81 (May 2013)
    BEC: 81 (July 2013)
    REG: 83 (August 2013)
    AUD: 82 (November 2013)
    California CPA since 1/30/14

    #456332
    tough_kitty
    Member

    @tncincy – I'd really recommend to practice your research skills. They would be very useful for the CPA exam!

    The Power of Habit book is available in all kinds of format:

    https://www.amazon.com/Power-Habit-What-Life-Business/dp/1400069289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1327352858&sr=8-1&tag=randohouseinc3351-20

    FAR: 81 (May 2013)
    BEC: 81 (July 2013)
    REG: 83 (August 2013)
    AUD: 82 (November 2013)
    California CPA since 1/30/14

    #456185
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I wonder how many people can pass the CPA exam while losing 40lbs.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 38 total)
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