[Kelestrel]

I’ve been really excited to get my review materials and begin the CPA journey, but I keep waiting. I want to clean my house and get into a routine so I know I’ll make good use of the review materials. I’m worried I’ll buy them, they’ll get here, and then just sit and by the time I get around to studying, they’ll expire before I finish all 4 sections. I worry that work and my personal life are too stressful right now.

How relevant is my worry? Is there ever a “right” time to start studying? How did you decide to start studying, and what did you do to prepare beforehand?

REG Aug 16, 2014
FAR Oct 04, 2014
AUD Feb 15
BEC May 15

[taxgeek83]

I don't think there is ever a “right” time to start studying, or to do anything for that matter. I was stoked when my materials came in – I actually sat in my car going through the books when I picked them up (aahhh, that new book smell!!). One year later, I've passed one exam and taken one more – which I failed because I didn't study. Life got in the way. There are always more fun things to do, more pressing matters to take care of – you'll find a million excuses to avoid studying. You just have to dive in and get going on it!

Good luck!! 🙂

[taxgeek83]

I don't think there is ever a “right” time to start studying, or to do anything for that matter. I was stoked when my materials came in – I actually sat in my car going through the books when I picked them up (aahhh, that new book smell!!). One year later, I've passed one exam and taken one more – which I failed because I didn't study. Life got in the way. There are always more fun things to do, more pressing matters to take care of – you'll find a million excuses to avoid studying. You just have to dive in and get going on it!

Good luck!! 🙂

[Anonymous]

I would avoid buying review materials for all four sections at once. Figure out which test you want to take first (FAR seems to work best because of cross over effect). I bought my Wiley materials one section at a time to avoid having outdated materials. If I were to do it over again I would strongly consider Gleim. It looks like for $300 per section you get everything..book, testbank, audio, lectures.

[Anonymous]

I would avoid buying review materials for all four sections at once. Figure out which test you want to take first (FAR seems to work best because of cross over effect). I bought my Wiley materials one section at a time to avoid having outdated materials. If I were to do it over again I would strongly consider Gleim. It looks like for $300 per section you get everything..book, testbank, audio, lectures.

[ymmit]

Map out a strict schedule. Within that schedule, consider all factors such as time you will spend with family/friends, weekends you will be doing something, factor in 2-3 days you will just not study because you are exhausted for some reason, etc.

The CPA exam is not about studying like crazy each day, it is more about creating a realistic plan that won't burn you out and sticking to it consistently day after day. You can average 2 hours a day studying every single day which is honestly not that hard to fit in if you commit. Think about all the time we waste. But once you map out your plan with all things considered, stick to it like your life depends on it.

Most importantly, schedule your exam before you begin studying, a set in stone exam is the best motivator.

Licensed CPA!

[ymmit]

Map out a strict schedule. Within that schedule, consider all factors such as time you will spend with family/friends, weekends you will be doing something, factor in 2-3 days you will just not study because you are exhausted for some reason, etc.

The CPA exam is not about studying like crazy each day, it is more about creating a realistic plan that won't burn you out and sticking to it consistently day after day. You can average 2 hours a day studying every single day which is honestly not that hard to fit in if you commit. Think about all the time we waste. But once you map out your plan with all things considered, stick to it like your life depends on it.

Most importantly, schedule your exam before you begin studying, a set in stone exam is the best motivator.

Licensed CPA!

[mla1169]

If your first exam is in August, I wouldn't bother studying now for it. You're not likely at all to remember things you saw more than 10 weeks or so ago.

But if you're waiting for the right time to start it will never happen. Work stress and home stress will always be there and in fact always has the potential to get even more intense rather than less. Your house is always going to need something done.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

If your first exam is in August, I wouldn't bother studying now for it. You're not likely at all to remember things you saw more than 10 weeks or so ago.

But if you're waiting for the right time to start it will never happen. Work stress and home stress will always be there and in fact always has the potential to get even more intense rather than less. Your house is always going to need something done.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Kelestrel]

@davem: I am actually planning to use Gleim. I hadn't even considered not buying all sections at once, but it does sound like a good idea. I'm hesitant to though, as it's about $100 cheaper to buy it all together. Ninja 10 Point Combo is $351 cheaper when bought all together. I am certain I can do all 4 sections in a year if I am disciplined. Thanks for your advice, I will think about it.

@mla1169: I'm beginning to understand what you said, that there isn't going to be an ideal time to study. I will have to make a way to make my life work with it, where I am.

@ymmit: Thank you for your advice! I am indeed creating a schedule. There's no way I'd get anything done without one. I guess I'm scared to schedule an exam though. I'm afraid of doing anything other than perfectly. Ugh, I just need to break through that and get going!

REG Aug 16, 2014
FAR Oct 04, 2014
AUD Feb 15
BEC May 15

[Kelestrel]

@davem: I am actually planning to use Gleim. I hadn't even considered not buying all sections at once, but it does sound like a good idea. I'm hesitant to though, as it's about $100 cheaper to buy it all together. Ninja 10 Point Combo is $351 cheaper when bought all together. I am certain I can do all 4 sections in a year if I am disciplined. Thanks for your advice, I will think about it.

@mla1169: I'm beginning to understand what you said, that there isn't going to be an ideal time to study. I will have to make a way to make my life work with it, where I am.

@ymmit: Thank you for your advice! I am indeed creating a schedule. There's no way I'd get anything done without one. I guess I'm scared to schedule an exam though. I'm afraid of doing anything other than perfectly. Ugh, I just need to break through that and get going!

REG Aug 16, 2014
FAR Oct 04, 2014
AUD Feb 15
BEC May 15

[tomq04]

CPA excel has a continual update promise. But to save $100 it is not worth it to “risk” having some expire and then having to buy a whole new years worth of content. I would agree with everyone else, if you are wanting to go with Gleim, just purchase one section at a time and focus!

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[tomq04]

CPA excel has a continual update promise. But to save $100 it is not worth it to “risk” having some expire and then having to buy a whole new years worth of content. I would agree with everyone else, if you are wanting to go with Gleim, just purchase one section at a time and focus!

REG- (1) 76
FAR- (2) 64, (5)74, (7)83 (Over achiever!)
AUD- (3) 70, (4) 75
BEC- (6) 75

[Anonymous]

Order your material and schedule your first exam!

[Anonymous]

Order your material and schedule your first exam!

[Anonymous]

Life will ALWAYS happen and there is NO perfect time. Bottom line…It all comes down to how bad do you want to be a CPA?

Also, it's not $100 cheaper if they expire so I agree with buying one…or two…sections at at time.

[Author]

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