Stressed/nothing going right – CPAexcel/WTB/NINJA

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    Topic
  • #181741

    The last week has been crap. I wanted to be done with al my FAR lessons last Friday, but was a little behind and revised that to Sunday. Friday night I found out my aunt was diagnosed with liver cancer, so I traveled back home and did no studying.

    I’m finishing up my lessons today, which leaves me 22 days before my test on December 6. And it seems like nothing is going as planned. I have NINJA audio, and had planned on writing them down into my own form of notes so I can see the material in front of me as I listen (unfortunately, not getting much out of just listening). Well, no time for that. I take way too many notes apparently, so I don’t think I’m going to have time to rewrite them all and go through all the MCQs and Sims.

    I decided to just move onto WTB. Another fail. I activated my code and found out that WTB can only be used on a Mac/PC to get the full functionality. However, I only have an iPad, so I can’t download the Java plugin. Luckily, I can still answer the MCQs and Sims on CPAexcel, but it’s frustrating that WTB is a complete waste to me (fortunately it came free with CPAexcel).

    It’s my first exam, and I don’t know what to expect. Whether I will be prepared or not. It’s just frustrating that I keep having to revise my study plan (skipping NINJA audio, skipping rewriting notes, inability to use WTB). I was hoping the WTB features would help me see where I need to dedicate extra time and I don’t know if CPAexcel is as good at tracking progress on MCQs.

    So, any suggestions out there? Maybe somebody is more familiar with CPAexcel that knows how to best use it as a stand-alone study course? Thanks!

    FAR - 86 12/13

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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  • #483334
    Tncincy
    Participant

    So sorry about your aunt. At this point, you could cram or you could reschedule. It's sounds like your mind is over loaded. Take a breath, look at what you have studied and the time left, and then decide. If the distractions will continue you will need to reschedule to give your self the best chance to pass. As far as the WTB goes, I don't know how it compares to Mac and other computer systems, but cpaexcel has an excellent mobile app that lets you quiz and study, with flash cards. Although I purchased cpaexcel when I first began, I keep it updated in case I can use it for other than FAR, I love the mobile app and the flash cards. I was so excited when I first began to study and purchased the video gold with the 250 flash cards and found it was too much information which meant too many notes. Anyway (not about me) passing is the goal so build in time to deal with the distractions.

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

    #483351
    Tncincy
    Participant

    So sorry about your aunt. At this point, you could cram or you could reschedule. It's sounds like your mind is over loaded. Take a breath, look at what you have studied and the time left, and then decide. If the distractions will continue you will need to reschedule to give your self the best chance to pass. As far as the WTB goes, I don't know how it compares to Mac and other computer systems, but cpaexcel has an excellent mobile app that lets you quiz and study, with flash cards. Although I purchased cpaexcel when I first began, I keep it updated in case I can use it for other than FAR, I love the mobile app and the flash cards. I was so excited when I first began to study and purchased the video gold with the 250 flash cards and found it was too much information which meant too many notes. Anyway (not about me) passing is the goal so build in time to deal with the distractions.

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

    #483336

    Thanks tncincy. I had used the mobile app before and it didn't think I really liked it, but after working threw more of the MCQs, it wasn't too bad.

    Jeff, thanks a TON for the free blitz weekend a few weeks ago. When I first started MCQs I got roughly 60/100 the first day. After watching all the FAR blitz a couple times and being able to see the info as we'll as hear it I bumped up to about 70%

    On that Tuesday though, we found out it was actually stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had spread to the liver…. Not good, and I didn't study for 8 days, before study a couple, then going home for thanksgiving.

    I decided that I would just try to plow through this and at the very least see where I am at. MCQs this week have gone from 72 Monday, 76 yesterday, and 80 today. Sims…. It varies, had a couple 50s, couple 100s, probably averaging 70% or so though.

    So, advice time :/ My test is Friday at 12:30. I've gone through about 600 MCQs and 60 sims. I haven't done a full simulated exam. I've got 13 hours or so to study yet from tonight through Friday morning. How should I spend it? MCQs, sims, a 4.5 practice exam? All 3?

    Also have a 3 hour drive tomorrow, so I will get some audio in too.

    FAR - 86 12/13

    #483353

    Thanks tncincy. I had used the mobile app before and it didn't think I really liked it, but after working threw more of the MCQs, it wasn't too bad.

    Jeff, thanks a TON for the free blitz weekend a few weeks ago. When I first started MCQs I got roughly 60/100 the first day. After watching all the FAR blitz a couple times and being able to see the info as we'll as hear it I bumped up to about 70%

    On that Tuesday though, we found out it was actually stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had spread to the liver…. Not good, and I didn't study for 8 days, before study a couple, then going home for thanksgiving.

    I decided that I would just try to plow through this and at the very least see where I am at. MCQs this week have gone from 72 Monday, 76 yesterday, and 80 today. Sims…. It varies, had a couple 50s, couple 100s, probably averaging 70% or so though.

    So, advice time :/ My test is Friday at 12:30. I've gone through about 600 MCQs and 60 sims. I haven't done a full simulated exam. I've got 13 hours or so to study yet from tonight through Friday morning. How should I spend it? MCQs, sims, a 4.5 practice exam? All 3?

    Also have a 3 hour drive tomorrow, so I will get some audio in too.

    FAR - 86 12/13

    #483338
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    SD_Striving4CPA: GOOD LUCK on your exam tomorrow! Take a few deep breaths and trust that you know more than you think you do! How is your Aunt doing? Stay strong and kick FAR's butt tomorrow!

    #483355
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    SD_Striving4CPA: GOOD LUCK on your exam tomorrow! Take a few deep breaths and trust that you know more than you think you do! How is your Aunt doing? Stay strong and kick FAR's butt tomorrow!

    #483340

    Thanks Baxter. She's not doing too well. She never wants to eat anything, mainly just drinking Glucerna. She has had 2 rounds of chemo, and I think they're going to do another ultrasound in a week or so after another round. If a pass today and have the 18 month window to worry about, idk what my plan is. Study during the week in between driving home to spend time with family on weekends?

    Last night was a disaster! I couldn't sleep… Got maybe 4 hours total! I tried doing MCQs to make me more tired, didn't work. Tried letting Jeff woo me to sleep with NINJA audio, no go, lol. Oh well.

    Opted to pass on the delicious biscuits and gravy downstairs and stuck with more protein packed options for breakfast. Hard boiled egg, yogurt, milk, and OJ. I'm going to skip lunch. I know, bad idea I'm sure. I have crohn's though, and if I eat lunch, I'll need at least 1 bathroom break an hour in. I did pick up an energy drink and protein bar to leave in my locker. If I have time, I might take a break to have those half way through.

    At least I'll finally know what to expect after today! Searched the forum for test taking strategies (especially for sims, regarding running low on time) last night.

    FAR - 86 12/13

    #483357

    Thanks Baxter. She's not doing too well. She never wants to eat anything, mainly just drinking Glucerna. She has had 2 rounds of chemo, and I think they're going to do another ultrasound in a week or so after another round. If a pass today and have the 18 month window to worry about, idk what my plan is. Study during the week in between driving home to spend time with family on weekends?

    Last night was a disaster! I couldn't sleep… Got maybe 4 hours total! I tried doing MCQs to make me more tired, didn't work. Tried letting Jeff woo me to sleep with NINJA audio, no go, lol. Oh well.

    Opted to pass on the delicious biscuits and gravy downstairs and stuck with more protein packed options for breakfast. Hard boiled egg, yogurt, milk, and OJ. I'm going to skip lunch. I know, bad idea I'm sure. I have crohn's though, and if I eat lunch, I'll need at least 1 bathroom break an hour in. I did pick up an energy drink and protein bar to leave in my locker. If I have time, I might take a break to have those half way through.

    At least I'll finally know what to expect after today! Searched the forum for test taking strategies (especially for sims, regarding running low on time) last night.

    FAR - 86 12/13

Viewing 8 replies - 1 through 8 (of 8 total)
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