[neika822]

So, I have big problems with paying attention while studying. I’ll find reasons to distract myself. I use the pomodoro method during the weekends because I have a lot of time, but during nights I try to use all three hours that I’ve allotted myself. One of the college students who works in our office told me about this:

https://selfcontrolapp.com/

Apparently, it’s for Macs only, but I’m going to try it as soon as I get home. Thought you guys would like to know!!

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[Anonymous]

its tough at times…for me it was even more tough when the weather was nice. i couldnt stand sitting inside and studying. however, most of the time i fought through it and stayed focused just so i could get it done and still have plenty of time to workout, or go out, or do whatever.

just tell yourself every minute you waste during your study time is a minute of free time when you could be doing something you enjoy.

stay focused and good luck

[Anonymous]

I don't have a Mac, but have had to attempt measures like that to keep myself focused…tried things like using my boyfriend's computer where I wasn't already logged into Facebook, email, forums, etc… Kinda wish this app existed for Windows, though, because it would be useful!! I especially like the fact that you can't just turn it off.

[snb]

x

IL
FAR (2/20/13): 76
AUD (4/8/13): 78
BEC: (5/20/13): 86
REG: (7/10/13): 76
Ethics: Done
Operation "Hurry up and pass this thing before we have our first baby in October" COMPLETED

[Zaq]

Biggest most effective method for me when studying is putting away my laptop when I don't need it. When I'm done with a lecture and I'm doing review/notes taking, I just put my laptop in another room. Other methods:

1.) Unplugged and put away all the chords to my PS3/360. I'm too lazy to hook it up so it removes the temptation to play video games.

2.) Deleted my FB app on my iPhone. Been using my notecard app and Wiley Question app much more often.

3.) Go to a library, book store, etc. I find my most effective, non-interrupted study sessions happen when I get in the “zone”. And I tend to stay in the “zone” when I have less outside factors that can break it.

But yeah, staying off Facebook has been huge. Productivity levels have gone out the roof.

FAR: 50, 76!
REG: 74... (ouch baby, very ouch), 76!
AUD: 65, 91!?
BEC: 80! Aaaand doneskies!

May 2012 to August 2013. Can't believe it's over.

[ruggercpa2b]

I am like InfernoOmni, I go to the library at a community college close to my house. I cannot log into their wifi so I can't surf the net on my laptop and I do make a conscious effort to leave my phone at home. I am the most productive during the hours I am at the library because I have nothing else to do other than study.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[StephAV]

I need that app for my work computer! Right now my favorite distraction is right here… Then I get all stressed out reading about people's exam experiences. It is a vicious cycle!

FAR - 7/13 - 72, 11/13- 74, 2/14- 82!!! Best score ever (for me)!!!
BEC - 1/14 - 75!!! Perfect score! First Pass! YAY!!!
AUD - 8/14 - 80!!!
REG - 5/14 - 72, 10/14 - 66, 1/15 - 78 - DONE FOREVER!!!
I did 5 of the UNA and CPAExcel classes to earn units.

[neika822]

Hahahaha @Steph – me too!

I can't just hide my computer since I'm doing the MCQs for Becker. They're online, so I can't just shutdown my internet either. #firstworldproblems

Either way, maybe this app will work for me :). I was so much better from Jan-April, but once that warm weather came, I cannot stay focused.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[Anonymous]

I'm also using the Becker Self-Study, and I am going through similar problems. When I first started studying I found myself checking Instagram or Facebook every ten minutes. In order to combat this, when I study I leave my phone in another room..on airplane mode. Next, if you can, download the Becker self study right on your laptop (you should have enough space on your computer). Turn off your wifi/internet connection on your computer.

I find this very helpful because it deters me from checking social media or browsing the web! The material in Becker (and all of the CPA courses for that matter) is very VERY boring but just keep chugging through it!

[neika822]

That's true, @accounting. I usually just sign in through the online version, but I definitely could just download the desktop version. But I think my problem is the ability to just turn the wifi on/off. I think if something legitimately STOPS me from checking online, it'd personally work better for me. I need to just get on better track. I blame summer!!!

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[StephAV]

I'm pretty good at focusing on stuff that I already know how to do or easy questions… It is when I REALLY need to focus that I seem to find every possible distraction. Over the weekend it was let me sort through all of my kids closets to get rid of clothes that no longer fit. I listened to my NINJA audio while doing it… But listening to NINJA audio on the topics I really need to focus on is not helping me. Boo:-( I like those ideas though. I already told my husband I'm leaving the house to study this weekend. At least on Saturday.

FAR - 7/13 - 72, 11/13- 74, 2/14- 82!!! Best score ever (for me)!!!
BEC - 1/14 - 75!!! Perfect score! First Pass! YAY!!!
AUD - 8/14 - 80!!!
REG - 5/14 - 72, 10/14 - 66, 1/15 - 78 - DONE FOREVER!!!
I did 5 of the UNA and CPAExcel classes to earn units.

[Anonymous]

Let's just say my house has never been cleaner. I've never had an absolutely overwhelming desire to scrub the grout in the bathroom with bleach and a toothbrush before…

Edited to add: I just found out there is a street festival a block from my place with a band playing 5-10 on Friday, 12-10 on Saturday and 12-8 on Sunday. I can hear everything that happens on the street as it is–even 40 floors up–so I'm sure I'll be innundated with bad 80s music all weekend along. Northwestern law library here I come.

[Amay]

Thank you! I really needed this. Wasting too much time on stupid crap online when I should be studying! 4 hours block to start my power weekend right. Let's do this!

BEC: 73, 81
AUD: 85
FAR: 71, 77
REG: 74, 75...finally DONE! 😀

*This is my 2nd attempt at the CPA exam. For all of you who have failed this exam many times, given up on it, or taken a break like me, remember that it is still possible to finish what you started...failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently 🙂

[Future GA CPA]

Cold Turkey is the app for PCs

https://getcoldturkey.com

I do love self control on my Mac though. Super helpful

AUD - 87 4/9/13
FAR - 85 5/17/13
REG - 75 7/1/13
BEC - 82 7/29/13

Now just waiting on experience starting in January

[Author]

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