[ledgermaven]

As a left handed writer who usually smudges whatever is written, I have a new love. The medium tip black ink Energel Pen from Pentel. Smooth and smudgefree, I have gone through about 6 of them as family keeps stealing them. It writes fast and easy compared to the regular pens I first took my notes in. And I write in a topwire notebook so no uncomfortable binding on the left side. I need all these little helps to get through the review process!

[KasiaS]

I'm a fellow southpaw and I know exactly what you mean! I used to use that brand all the time until a friend of mine introduced me to the wonders of the fountain pen. I have very small writing and most pens are .7mm or thicker and those that are .5mm just don't feel right. Well, this friend had a “pen guy” (seriously) and I went there and scored the best pen that I've ever used.

It's a Pilot Vanishing Point Fountain pen and it's pretty much the only pen I've been using for the past 2 years. It's very expensive but it pays for itself in the long run. After 2 years I've used one bottle of ink – so it really lasts. The best part is that the tip is gold and, over time, it adjusts to the way you hold the pen while writing so it truly becomes one of a kind.

FAR 88 (07/15/11)
BEC 83 (08/31/11)
AUD 81 (10/15/11)
REG 83 (11/26/11)

Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

[ledgermaven]

Kasia, how did you take all four exams in essentially 6 months? Would love to know your story…

[KasiaS]

Short version: I used the NIU Correspondence CPA Review and the Pomodoro Technique to prepare for the exams. That and my trusty red panties on exam day lol

I spent an average of 6 weeks preparing for each section. My initial intent was to take 1 exam per section but as soon as I took FAR, I was so darn antsy and couldn't stand the idea of waiting until September to find out if I passed, so one night I whipped out the calendar, counted the weeks and realized that I had about 6-7 weeks to squeeze in another section before the testing window closes. I heard that BEC is pretty easy and shouldn't require too much time to prepare, so I decided I'd give that a shot. I basically studied to keep my mind off of the wait for the FAR score.

After I took BEC, AUD was naturally the next exam of choice since there is so much overlap between the two sections. Again, I initially planned on taking AUD in Nov but I was going on vacation with my boyfriend Oct 16-22 and I dreaded the idea of taking books with me on the trip but I didn't want to stop studying altogether either. So again, I opened my dandy calendar and counted the weeks. I ended up coming to the conclusion that if I take AUD on 10/15, I'd still have enough time to study for REG before the testing window closed. Since I was already in a study groove and my first 2 passes boosted my confidence, I decided to give it a try – worst case, I go back to the original plan and take only 1 section per testing window. I have to admit though, giving myself only 5 weeks to study for REG was a stretch (I didn't study at all on vacation, although I did bring the books lol).

That's my story in a nutshell – I have to give credit to A71 as well because I got some incredible support from fellow posters and there were moments when I was a basketcase and it was always comforting to know I'm not the only one.

FAR 88 (07/15/11)
BEC 83 (08/31/11)
AUD 81 (10/15/11)
REG 83 (11/26/11)

Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

[KasiaS]

Duplicate – work internet is painfully slow today and I hit post twice.

FAR 88 (07/15/11)
BEC 83 (08/31/11)
AUD 81 (10/15/11)
REG 83 (11/26/11)

Used NIU Correspondence CPA Review

[Excited_CPA]

@ledgermaven

I went out and bought the pentel energels after reading this post and loved it. I'm a lefty too, and was in the middle of rewriting all my notes for BEC. Thanks!

One complaint though. I had no idea this pen would dry out this quickly. I accidentally left the pen open for an hour or so while I went out to lunch, and when I came back, there was no ink left at all (it was a completely new pen too). I guess I'll have to be more careful.

BEC 04/14/12 87
FAR 08/28/12 88
AUD 10/06/12 94
REG 02/09/13 91

[MFCPA]

Zebra F-301 BP…best ever!

DONE!

[yankeeaccountant]

Bic Pro + Blue

Big pen, easy to hold, I use it at work now and find that everybody has sticky fingers !!!!

[Author]

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