[straightsix9904]

Hey All,

I am 3 years removed from graduating and I have started studying NUMEROUS times, but somehow life always gets in the way, I find something more fun to do, or I just lose motivation. I am a regular at another forum that isn’t helping me achieve my dream of being a CPA so I am trying to replace that with something a little “healthier” to my goals.

What I need to know is, what are your favorite ways to get in the mood for studying, it isn’t hard at all for the first week or two, but after that my interest slacks off as soon as somebody mentions something slightly more fun than getting my teeth pulled.

REG - TBD
BEC - TBD
AUD - TBD
FAR - TBD

[littlenumberrobot]

Welcome! This May it will be three years since I graduated…. Look at my scores. It took me a job change, finding this forum and figuring out how I study best to start passing. You are in a great spot here. My advice. DO NOT GET OFF SCHEDULE. If you miss one night, it will turn into two and before you know you are a week behind. It is like taking a nasty medicine in order to get better. Just keep going at it, you will see results. Also, you have to learn to say NO to whatever is more appetizing around you. It sounds depressing, but if you aren't sacrificing SOMETHING in your life you are not studying enough. Wish you all the best!

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FAR - 53('10), 8/25/12 79 PASSED!
REG - 66('11), 69('12), 12/06/12 77 PASSED!!
BEC - 58('10), 74('12), 01/05/13 77 PASSED!!!
AUD - 43('11), 66('12), 69('13), 74('13) 7/29/13 85 PASSED!!!!!

(Combinations of Roger, Yaeger, Wiley Book, Wiley TB, & NINJA Notes)

Ethics 90%

[mla1169]

Here's the thing, you have to commit to this like you commit to a job. Can you imagine if you only went to work when you were in the mood to? Same with this, theres going to be days you'd rather have a root canal by a blind monkey jacked up on espresso! But you find a way to push through anyway.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

@mla “Same with this, theres going to be days you'd rather have a root canal by a blind monkey jacked up on espresso!”

OMG that had me literally LOL-ing.

[Anonymous]

Still laughing

[Noct]

Here are a few tips that have worked for me:

1. Clear your mind of distractions – Before I start studying, I write down everything that I have hanging in the back of my mind. Tasks I need to complete, people I need to call, etc. As I write them down, I visualize them being moved from my mind to the paper. I tell myself that I can pick them right back up when I'm done.

2. Find a comfortable study environment – I put on my most comfortable “house clothes”, put on some soothing background music, grab a few snacks and a large beverage, and curl up on the couch with my Wiley book. The trick is to create an environment comfortable enough that you won't be tempted to get up, but not so comfy that you fall asleep. : P

3. Push through the tough topics – When studying, you'll inevitably encounter a subject that you find extremely dull or frustrating. Don't get bogged down on these sections. Just keep pushing through even if you don't fully understand them the first time through. You can always come back to the subject after you've gone through all of the material. They usually won't be so bad the second time through, and you might even find something in another section that helps you understand it better.

4. Start studying early – Don't wait until you only have 2-3 weeks left, or you will be under constant stress and your studying will be less effective. Start at least 6 weeks out, even if you only do a few modules per week to get the ball rolling.

5. Plan your study time – I find that if I don't schedule something and actually put it on my calendar, it is not likely to get done. I plan out my entire study schecule well in advance and put it on both my calendar and my wife's. Sometimes the schedule must be changed, but if you at least write it down you're more likely to stick to it. Also, by planning ahead, you can allow yourself a few nights off for socialization/relaxation. Looking forward to these “sanity breaks” makes the studying process seem less endless and helps keep motivation up.

FAR - 79 - 07/2012
AUD - 65, 78 - 11/2012
BEC - 76 - 11/2012
REG - 78 - 01/2013
ETH - 98 - 01/2013

Material: Wiley books

[Rebecca_AZ]

I gave myself Friday nights off – unless something came up earlier in the week that prohibited me from studying (usually me slacking off) – then I would make up time on Friday. Then I'd make plans with a friend for my night off or catch up on something else fun. It make it easier to stay focused because when I'd get distracted thinking about how I missed my friends or my TV show I would think to myself “Stop – you can do all that on Friday. Now you have to study.” Or I would think “there will be plenty of time to watch TV when you pass”.

I passed in 2012!

BEC - PASSED - I'M DONE!!!
AUD - PASSED (finally!!)
REG - PASSED (Twice - lost credit first time)
FAR - PASSED!

[kctiger]

Welcome. I'm fairly new to the game as well.

This may sound crazy, and I'll probably get blasted on here for saying it, but I think you'll do well by keeping things in perspective. While studying is the most important thing, you also have to give yourself some “you” time and relax. I went gas pedal to the floor studying for FAR for the first few weeks, and I almost came to a burnout point. I started having dreams about what I was studying. I knew then I'd have to tone it back a bit. We get carried away too easily with how difficult this test is. So much so, we lose confidence in our ability to pass it. I think this test is 50% mental. If you can get past the mental fear of it, you're half way there.

I haven't taken FAR yet, so obviously I can't say with certainty my plan works, but I don't study until I drop to the floor. I make sure I give myself some mental relaxation, otherwise I'd go insane. This test isn't life or death, regardless of how some perceive it. By telling yourselfy you WILL pass it, regardless of the difficulty of the material or the horror stories you hear, you are automatically programming yourself for good things. One thing that has gotten me through this studying process is my constant refusal to be intimidated by this test. I've prepared myself for the worse (so what if I fail???), so now there is nothing left to fear.

Good luck.

[neika822]

I'm getting back in the game, as well! I graduated in 2010, went right into my MSA, then right into public accounting. I tried studying while working in public, but then went through what I would call a “quarter-life crisis” and quit. I rethought my whole career, temped for a bit, and then got an accounting position I love. Now I'm getting back into the game three years later. I'm much more motivated than I was previously. I think I'm just happier with my life and am much more serious. I have more people counting on me this time too.

I also gave myself Friday nights off. I've been doing much better with studying and I look forward to every Friday. I really try to plan something each Friday to make it more exciting. And I think the key is to really WANT it. Yes, I'm tempted to go watch tv or go out to dinner with friends. But if your friends/significant other understands, you'll be better off.

Also, along with what kctiger said, take some time for yourself. Last Saturday I was really stressed, so I took an hour to just relax in the afternoon. Use that time to de-stress and don't feel guilty about it either. You're allowed that time! It'll help you stay focused in the long-run.

Good luck!

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[Author]

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