[xdesix]

Sorry, this probably isn’t the right section. I graduated in May of 2012 with a bachelors in Accounting. Got my 150 credits during the summer. I was hoping to get in line with a firm after getting my 150 credits, but I haven’t had any luck. I’ve had a few interviews, but nothing past the second stage. I have to admit that I didn’t take full advantage of networking/recruiting during busy season and do regret it. Should I start studying for and taking the CPA Exam? One issue is the cost of the material..which is why I was holding off until I possibly got hired by a firm. I know it’s pretty expensive and i’m still paying off my student loans. I know becker has the 0% financing for 18 months, so that could be an option. What would you recommend for someone that doesn’t exactly have many funds to spare? Also, let’s say I get Becker 2013 right now.. when will the 2014 version come out.. is it the end of the year? or the middle of the year? I’m assuming it wouldn’t be a big deal if I went with the 2013 version right now?

Also, do you think I should just buy the whole package and get it over with or buy a section at a time and keep trying my hand on applying? Thanks.

AUD: Passed
BEC: Passed
REG: Studying

[Norwegian_Badger]

I would 100% start studying. I did the same thing that you are doing now, and I'm paying for it. I graduated and had 2 months off before starting my job. I played around and enjoyed my time off. Now I work 50-60-70 hour weeks… lets just say its hard to go home and study for a couple hours after working 7am – 10pm. Do yourself a favor and start studying now. I have friends who did that, and they are done with the CPA exam and I am envious!! Plus it will look good for interviews if you say you're already done with a couple exams.

If I were you, I would buy whatever study material I could afford as soon as possible and start studying ASAP. It will pay off in the end a thousand fold.

BEC - Passed (1st attempt)
AUD - Passed (2nd attempt)
REG - Passed (1st attempt)
FAR - Passed (3rd times the charm)
I'm a fan of BARF
California CPA

[laserglare]

if you torrent u can have all the CPA material u could possibly want lol…

[Anonymous]

I would 100% start studying as well. My friends that went into firms straight out of college are working insane hours and have no time for the test, even outside of busy season.

I've passed two parts of the exam so far, and hope to pass the other two before I possibly start with a firm in NYC after busy season.

[theilya]

@laserglare

while you can torrent becker books you cant really get the software

[Anonymous]

@laserglare – even if you torrent and get notes, they are all outdated and for CPA exam you do not want study outdated materials.

@xdesix- i have similar experience like you. I have BA in Acc and MSc in Acc & Finance. Problem is my degrees are from UK and recently I have relocated to USA. I had couple of interviews but did go past 3rd round. So is studying for CPA now. I know this off topic, but curious, after FAR I think passing REG sets some platform, then I know US reporting and US taxation and believe will be more marketable. Obviously I aim to finish CPA. You must start asap and get done with CPA if before work i think its even better. Then you avoid the hassle of time management issues regarding work, study and family. One odd experience in an interview, I was denied a position because the recruiting manager felt I was over-qualified and will not stay with them for long so did not offer me the position. Finger crossed I hope that all recruiters don't feel this way. Further, I would like to add, from 2014 onward, i heard minimum requirement to take CPA would be MS in Accounting. If that is so, people just out of college should take CPA asap and get it out of the way. Best of luck to us for job hunting + CPA exams.

[acamp]

I had a lapse between employment (in accounting) and school: used the time to knock out 3 exams using Ninja Notes and Wiley Test bank only, cost all of $200-300 bucks, and my firm reimbursed me for those when I eventually got hired and passed the last section. Fresh out of school should not require a $3K package (and more debt) to pass an academic exam.

If I were in your position I would order the notes and the test bank and get your first exam scheduled ASAP. I don't know if you're working or not, but I would shoot for completing an exam every month to month and a half. Having the CPA exam done will carry a lot of weight with recruiters.

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Author]

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