[Hut-Hut]

I have two cousins that graduated May 2011. Before starting EY in Sep 2011, they sat for 3 exams in August, passed all 3, and took the 4th in Nov and passed. I couldn’t be happier. But man, my freakin’ parents lol. I hoped they wouldn’t find out but they recently did. First thing they said: “They passed all 4 tests within 6 months, and you’ve passed 3 in…. what has it been? Almost 2 years now?” They don’t want to say it, but you can definitely tell from the looks on their faces that they’re thinking “Jeez son, are you an idiot?” Then the questions begin. “How were they able to finish that fast? Isn’t this supposed to be a hard test? Why is it taking you so long?” ugghh so frustrating. It took a lot of energy not to spit on them lol.

They’re normally supportive of my work/study schedule, but what caught them off guard and triggered these questions were my cousins taking and passing 3 tests in August. I tell them that it’s not unheard of when you don’t go to school and have nothing else to do (sure, it’s still tough but not impossible). The best part was when they asked, “Is it possible they cheated?” I almost lost it. I had to explain to them literally for an hour (an hour that I could’ve been studying) that they did not cheat (it is possible to some degree, but a serious CPA candidate is not going to risk it). Their attitude is basically insulting my intelligence and the certification process. I know that’s not their intention, but it’s still annoying. My main purpose of passing now is to shut them up lol.

So yeah, please share some annoying/frustrating stories of your support system lol. I’d love to hear what you guys go through. If someone is not a CPA candidate, he/she will never truly understand what we go through, which is why this site is awesome.

BEC - 67, 79 - (expires 5/24)
REG - 74, 72, 77 - Key to Passing: RTFQ
FAR - 77 - Chance favors the prepared mind.
AUD - 64, (5/14) - FREEDOM!! (i hope)

[pacific1]

Yes…that one is bad as well! I really do feel it is so hard to determine how it went, did the questions get harder or was I just not prepared for those questions. I took AUD once I and I so felt I rocked it when I left, actually had a smile for the first time walking out the door…worst score I had ever gotten. It is just so hard to tell with the pretest questions as well, maybe those are the ones I did really well on and they didn't even count. So yes, when they ask how did it go I usually just say we shall see.

[Smbundy13]

I know I'm lucky because both my dad and sister are CPAs and know how tough this exam is… but, I have been taking this thing since august of 07 pretty regularly… granted I wasnt “Really” studying until 2010…. so that is somthing I guess..

I did have to put my foot down on both my parents and my wife at one point… it was about studying etc… but after that “converstaion” everything has been good.

good luck to everyone waiting on scores!!!

FAR - 75 (Expires April 30, 2012)
BEC - 74,74,69,83
AUD - 72,65,70, 4/20 Last Score???
REG - 69,84

[rezaking]

My entire life ive done things to make sure i live comfortably. my experience has taught me that the best thing to do when attempting to accomplish something major like the CPA.. is to not tell anyone about it until it is complete. let me explain…

my parents, my sisters, and a few of my co-workers, including my boss obviously are the only people who are aware of me doing my CPA. and even to them, i dont talk about it in detail at all… I dont call people and talk about how my exam went afterwards… i dont tell them i cant hang out because i have an exam coming up.. i dont tell them when i study or how hard it is.. no one knows when i take my exams.. no one knows when i get my scores.. only I know. sure most of you arent able to do this for different reasons but to me thats the best way to avoid all the pressure everyone would otherwise be putting on you. keep it to yourself and tell everyone once you are done. skip all the drama.. skip people asking you questions and focus on whats important.

I havent gotten a single call before or after the exams from anyone asking me questions.. I havent had any sort of pressure from my boss or any of my family members.. and its simply because im doing what i do quietly and telling everyone when its over. when i told my boss i passed the first part she was shocked.. i explained to her why i do it this way and she respected my decision.. she has not once asked me another question about it.. same for my family. None of my friends are aware of this either.. except for a few of my best friends who are far away or in different countries or states right now (I recently moved to CA)

I hope this helps some of you.. at least those getting started.. dont talk about it and no one will talk about it to you either. Just do it and dont even announce it when your done.. everyone will find out once you get that promotion anyway 🙂

BEC - Passed
REG - 7/21/2012
AUD - 8/18/2012
FAR - 11/10/2012

[kandisjoy]

@rezaking – I think it's really cool that you were able to do that. I don't think that 90% of the people on this forum would be able to do that though… Maybe I'm wrong, but I know that I couldn't do it! Sure, you don't get the pressure from people all the time if you don't tell them you're taking the exam, but you also don't get to celebrate with people when you pass a section. I could never keep a secret like that… no way! When I'm overjoyed, there's no hiding it!

FAR: 71, 77
BEC: 70, 82
AUD: 62, 78
REG: 71, 68, 85

CA Licensed 11/2011

[rezaking]

im not “hiding it” and i did mention this in my last post and you are right.. most people cant do this or arent in a position to do so.. this is a personality thing for me.. i complete things before i talk about them.. and everyone who knows me knows that.. Ive shared my exam experience with this forum only for example.. i dont care about what others think.. i dont need anyones support.. i dont need someone to cry to or talk to when im stressed.. when my mind is 100% set, whatever i am doing will get done. regardless of all the detail surrounding it.

and believe me i do celebrate.. but i dont need to scream out at the bar that im drinking cuz i passed a CPA exam.. i just go out and have a good time.. i dont care if people know why im doing it. i guess its just how i am.. i dont care about what people say so i dont even give them a chance to say it (if negative).

BEC - Passed
REG - 7/21/2012
AUD - 8/18/2012
FAR - 11/10/2012

[Mom2two]

I agree with rezaking. I am taking the same approach with the exam. After I quit and walked away from the exam in 2007 and went back for my MBA, I didn't want to go down the road of constant questions. But I always had these lingering doubts that I needed to complete this. So here I am getting it done this time. But I am not sharing the news with anyone but a few close friends. At first, it was just my husband (for obvious reasons) and my BF who is a CPA. I eventually let one other close friend know but never coworkers, nor my parents. They just wouldn't get it and I didn't want to answer the same questions over and over again about how this process works, when is my exam, when is my score released, what is my score and on and on. I celebrate when I pass a section but I feel way less pressure this time around. I have finally come to realize I need this and will do this but I only answer to myself, my husband and (of course to God).

B: 81 (3X) May 2012
A: 76 (1X) Nov 2011
R: 86 (2X) Feb 2012
F: 64, April 2011, retake 10.01.12 - 75!!!!!!!!!!

[rezaking]

@Mom2two .. thats exactly what im talking about… i dont know about everyone else but im getting my CPA 100% for me and for my future. I dont need anyones opinion.. positive or negative.. but especially if its negative. just do your thing and get it and once your done just the fact that youve finished it will be the biggest slap in the face to whoever said anything negative to you.

and for someone like me, thanks to jeff.. this forum is where i can let things out if and when i need to.

BEC - Passed
REG - 7/21/2012
AUD - 8/18/2012
FAR - 11/10/2012

[Hut-Hut]

@rezaking Yeah, that approach is ideal, definitely less pressure. I'm happy for you that the people you told haven't mentioned it to others. I would love to just keep the news within a handful of people, but people do talk. My mom for example can't keep her mouth shut. Word of mouth takes over and eventually my entire social circle knows. And I'm completely cool with it if they're supportive and understanding. Even their criticisms are helpful. But pointless questions and negativity is unacceptable.

@mom2two For a second, I thought you were juggling 2 guys lol but then realized BF meant best friend (instead of boyfriend). haha my apologies, it's been a long day.

BEC - 67, 79 - (expires 5/24)
REG - 74, 72, 77 - Key to Passing: RTFQ
FAR - 77 - Chance favors the prepared mind.
AUD - 64, (5/14) - FREEDOM!! (i hope)

[Mom2two]

@Hut-Hut…I am too exhausted to handle one guy, let alone two! 🙂

B: 81 (3X) May 2012
A: 76 (1X) Nov 2011
R: 86 (2X) Feb 2012
F: 64, April 2011, retake 10.01.12 - 75!!!!!!!!!!

[Lisa_Jane]

@jomarie

Girl- YOU are MY inspiration! I was whining and feeling sorry for myself for having to take FAR for the 5th time, but wow- you have taken and retaken so many exams and you are owning it! I hate it that your family keeps telling you to move on. NO WAY! I know you are going to pass. I think it boils down to some people are good at taking standardized tests, and I never was. I HATE them. I was an A student but it doesn't help me on this CPA exam ordeal. I wish you the best of luck or whatever it takes, and I know you are going to do it. I've stopped telling people that I'm taking it unless they are supportive. The good friends understand. My own family makes snide remarks- they just don't understand. Don't worry about them- tune them out, and come here for your support. You have really cheered me up and even made me laugh, and I needed that!

FAR Passed 5/28/14
AUD Passed 1/22/13
BEC Passed 7/12/13
REG Passed 5/9/14
Virginia CPA license issued July 2014

[Lisa_Jane]

@jomarie

By the way- how was it to take the new BEC essay compared to the old multiple choice BEC, since you said you just took it. Just wondering, thanks!

FAR Passed 5/28/14
AUD Passed 1/22/13
BEC Passed 7/12/13
REG Passed 5/9/14
Virginia CPA license issued July 2014

[Trisha]

I have been pretty blessed to have lots of positive support. I think when my husband and mom saw how much I studied and still didn't pass, they realized the exam was no joke. Prior to that I think they just thought I was downright neurotic… When I got my third failing score, I was having a pity party, and was questioning if I was capable of passing, My husband said “You will do it next time, I know you will, but I will not listen to you beat yourself up when I have seen you work so hard.” So thankful to have him and others that keep my head up. I can not imagine having unsupportive people around you – this exam is torture enough in itself, no need to add negative people to it! 🙁 It takes alot to pull yourself up after a fall, and I am grappling with that alot right now. @ Jomarie, I truely admire your determination and positive attitude. You got this one!!!

REG 72, 86 and DONE!!!
BEC 80 🙂
FAR 72, 78 🙂
AUD 73, 76 🙂

[Author]

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