[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

[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.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the others there is no perfect time to start the exam. I understand your anxiety though, it is a good idea to get your life in order, organize the house, change the oil in your car, whatever your loose ends are. Between exams, schedule maybe a week or so off to get your life back in order again and take a break. But keep in mind that unless you don't' have to work and are a shockingly amazing student and exam taker, it will likely take at least a year to pass all sections. It might take longer if you fail a section or have to reschedule a section.

I would be inclined to map out a solid strategy to take two exams in the next window. Apply for and get the materials for two exams. Go ahead and get some supplemental materials up front. If you don't, halfway through your study you will wish you had. Ninja notes and the Wiley Testbank would be my first suggestion. Schedule the first exam. Then schedule the second exam sometime right before or right after you sit for the 1st exam. After you get the results from each exam you will know better what to do. Be realistic, you may have to retake an exam. It is better to retake right away rather than moving onto another exam. $100 price difference shouldn't sway your choice about buying all of the materials at once.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the others there is no perfect time to start the exam. I understand your anxiety though, it is a good idea to get your life in order, organize the house, change the oil in your car, whatever your loose ends are. Between exams, schedule maybe a week or so off to get your life back in order again and take a break. But keep in mind that unless you don't' have to work and are a shockingly amazing student and exam taker, it will likely take at least a year to pass all sections. It might take longer if you fail a section or have to reschedule a section.

I would be inclined to map out a solid strategy to take two exams in the next window. Apply for and get the materials for two exams. Go ahead and get some supplemental materials up front. If you don't, halfway through your study you will wish you had. Ninja notes and the Wiley Testbank would be my first suggestion. Schedule the first exam. Then schedule the second exam sometime right before or right after you sit for the 1st exam. After you get the results from each exam you will know better what to do. Be realistic, you may have to retake an exam. It is better to retake right away rather than moving onto another exam. $100 price difference shouldn't sway your choice about buying all of the materials at once.

[Anonymous]

There are times when it is better than some other times to start the CPA exam, but there is never going to be a “right” time. Also, for me personally, I have to get mad. I can only pass with madness added to my preperation formula.

[Anonymous]

There are times when it is better than some other times to start the CPA exam, but there is never going to be a “right” time. Also, for me personally, I have to get mad. I can only pass with madness added to my preperation formula.

[Author]

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