[10keyLeah]

I graduated about three years ago with a B.S. in accounting have not been able to find a job (i live in a rural area). I have no other major responsibilities at this time, so I’m considering taking the 4 classes I need to sit for the CPA exam.

My concern is that the information I learned in school is starting to get a little dusty since I took the major accounting classes 3-4 years ago. Also, I took all of my classes online and did not receive the benefits of in-class study such as having a teacher work problems out on a board. I feel my word problem solving skills are not up to par.

I would like to try and take the CPA exam, but I’m quite frankly scared. I don’t want to waste thousands jumping through the hoops and preparing only to find out I can’t pass the exams because I received my education online and am not that great with word problems that involve calculations.

Anyone else have a similar experience or any advice?

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

[Kru]

No accounting in general, if you don't like word problems with calculations.

AUD - 82p
FAR - 69, 72, 75p
BEC - 09/2012
REG - 10 or 11/2012

Using CPAExcel, Gleim for SIMs, and Red Bull

[mla1169]

Really whether you took your classes online doesn't matter nearly as much as what kind of a student you are. If you are the type of person who actually learns while taking classes online then yes you can certainly do this. If you barely skimmed by googling the answers to your homework questions (which I know people do), you could probably still pass but it would be tougher.

I got my bachelors & masters online, and did the CPA exams during my final year of my masters. I do very well with self taught material so I got through this despite a few retakes.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

So, you're questioning your smartness?

When I decided I was going to do it, I haven't even opened a review course. I got Wiley from the library just to see what the CPA exam looks like and decided to try some of the audit questions because they seemed the easiest.

I had a hard time just reading through them, let alone being able to solve them. I failed two ways. First, because my theoretical accounting knowledge was basic due to minimum accounting classes and second because I felt uncomfortable with the level of my language skills.

I realized the amount of work and dedication this was going to take but this realization didn't change my mind. I just knew I could do it. I haven't questioned my abilities for a second. The people around me, on the other hand, did so and constantly discouraged me. This just added more fuel to my determination.

I decided to go with the hardest one first. It was either fall or fly. After passing it, the rest felt much easier.

I'm not trying to convince you. You'll decide for yourself. Just wanted to share 🙂

[10keyLeah]

I have not cracked open any type of study material, but I have seem examples of simulation problems. I don't have a problem with memorization in general, but I've always had a horrible time with word problems involving calculations. If it's a MCQ, I could probably deal with it with study, but the idea that there are simulations and that it is 40% of the tests is terrifying to be quite honest.

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

[Author]

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