[Wolfchicken]

Hey guys, feeling pretty depressed right now while studying for FAR. I feel like I felt this way for BEC and REG, but each time it feels new and really discouraging. I just finished B6 with Becker for FAR, and I am so frustrated that I come to tears. I am scoring 55 – 65% on the homework. Most of the stuff I can understand, but when I get to the questions, it’s hard to remember all the rules and what not. I am worried that I won’t be ready in time for my November 12th exam which is two days before my NTS expires. This section is very overwhelming in the amount of information, and I feel like I am questioning my ability to be able to pass and/or even become a CPA. Maybe I am not thick skinned enough, or I take things too seriously, I don’t know. I guess this is just me venting to people that are going through the same thing as me. Hope it gets better…

BEC - PASS
FAR - PASS
Audit - PASS
REG - PASS

[tomq04]

On my final practice test (2 days before test) for FAR I literally scored a 45 and went and did my curl up in a ball of tears thing. In retrospect, I was exhausted, and distracted by wife and kiddo.

I went and slept 8 hours that night, didn't touch a darn thing the next day, and slept another 7 before the test and went in and out feeling like I absolutely destroyed it this past Wednesday (oct 2nd). Self admittedly I feel like i'm a good test taker and stress brings out the best in me, but those practice questions and exams can really drag you down when they shouldn't be. Keep that head up, besides you got a 90 in REG, what could go wrong?

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

[Wolfchicken]

Thank you all for your feedback. I really do want to become a CPA. This whole exam thing has brought forth stress and emotions that I have never experienced before. It is helpful knowing that I am not alone. I feel like I can't rely on the fact that I got a 90 on REG as an indication of how I will do on FAR. I feel like you must treat each section independently. However, my study method has obviously been successful for REG and BEC, so I will continue to keep doing what I have been doing and keep plugging away.

BEC - PASS
FAR - PASS
Audit - PASS
REG - PASS

[Wolfchicken]

Thank you all for your feedback. I really do want to become a CPA. This whole exam thing has brought forth stress and emotions that I have never experienced before. It is helpful knowing that I am not alone. I feel like I can't rely on the fact that I got a 90 on REG as an indication of how I will do on FAR. I feel like you must treat each section independently. However, my study method has obviously been successful for REG and BEC, so I will continue to keep doing what I have been doing and keep plugging away.

BEC - PASS
FAR - PASS
Audit - PASS
REG - PASS

[mena je twa]

Wolfchicken –

Moments like this, you have to toughen up like a wolf and not be a chicken.

I completely relate to what you are going through, i went through the same feeling, but this is where the real test is

However depressing this might be, you have to push hard, may be try some alchohol, go out with friends , do something different , get your mind away from it a little bit and get back into it …..

Hang in there…

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[mena je twa]

Wolfchicken –

Moments like this, you have to toughen up like a wolf and not be a chicken.

I completely relate to what you are going through, i went through the same feeling, but this is where the real test is

However depressing this might be, you have to push hard, may be try some alchohol, go out with friends , do something different , get your mind away from it a little bit and get back into it …..

Hang in there…

Licensed CPA, Texas - 2012

[Anonymous]

You already have 2 parts passed! That alone should prove to you that you're capable of passing this thing. Don't let the anxiety get to you. It's gonna bring you down at certain points (it happens to ALL of us), but you only have two parts left and it's time to own them. Destroy them. BLOW THEM TO OBLIVION. YOU'VE GOT THIS. Never give up!!

[Anonymous]

You already have 2 parts passed! That alone should prove to you that you're capable of passing this thing. Don't let the anxiety get to you. It's gonna bring you down at certain points (it happens to ALL of us), but you only have two parts left and it's time to own them. Destroy them. BLOW THEM TO OBLIVION. YOU'VE GOT THIS. Never give up!!

[Wolfchicken]

Thank you so much for the encouragement AJS and mena je twa and to all others would posted. It really does help. Now on to do some pension MCQ's!

BEC - PASS
FAR - PASS
Audit - PASS
REG - PASS

[Wolfchicken]

Thank you so much for the encouragement AJS and mena je twa and to all others would posted. It really does help. Now on to do some pension MCQ's!

BEC - PASS
FAR - PASS
Audit - PASS
REG - PASS

[I'm, Ron Burgundy?]

First, not to sound like a broken record but “you are not alone.” I think every person who has faced these exams has felt this way at one point or another.

Second, my thoughts, and I know this from personal experience, is that you are making a mistake for getting a Notice to Schedule prior to actually being “prepared” to sit. I used this method myself thinking that having a notice to schedule is a good motivator to get studying. However, you wind up putting way too much pressure on yourself trying to get it done and then test day comes close and you begin to panic. I think I no-showed to about 3 tests just because my NTS was expiring and I didn't feel prepared enough. Stupid mistake on my part but now I only get an NTS when I know for a fact that I know the material and only need a month to review.

Third, why did you want to become a CPA? Was it the title? The prestige of the letters behind your name? The AUDI or BMW you saw yourself driving? The higher education for your kids? Or to keep Sallie Mae off your back? Whatever it was, get back to that and begin seeing yourself accomplishing these things.

Fourth, I think I average about 35% on my H.W. on the first go round, no matter how well I feel I know the material. Getting my head around the wording is what gets me the first time. Just remember, each time you do the homework you are increasing your knowledge base. So do the homework for one section and don't re-work the missed ones for another week. It will give you a good review of prior material as you continue learning new concepts. Eventually it will come together.

Finally, don't let these exams kick you while you are down. I used to be so stressed about them and would let them make me feel very stupid. What's the point? Get mad at the tests, not yourself. Kick the $h!t out of the tests, not yourself.

Keep studying. Don't quit. No one ever cares how many times you took it, just so long as you get it in the end.

"If you're going through hell, keep going"
- Winston Churchill

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed."
- Michael Jordan

BEC: (54), (72), 80 (losing credit on 02/02/15 - nervous)
AUD: 78
REG: (74), 91
FAR: (71)

[I'm, Ron Burgundy?]

First, not to sound like a broken record but “you are not alone.” I think every person who has faced these exams has felt this way at one point or another.

Second, my thoughts, and I know this from personal experience, is that you are making a mistake for getting a Notice to Schedule prior to actually being “prepared” to sit. I used this method myself thinking that having a notice to schedule is a good motivator to get studying. However, you wind up putting way too much pressure on yourself trying to get it done and then test day comes close and you begin to panic. I think I no-showed to about 3 tests just because my NTS was expiring and I didn't feel prepared enough. Stupid mistake on my part but now I only get an NTS when I know for a fact that I know the material and only need a month to review.

Third, why did you want to become a CPA? Was it the title? The prestige of the letters behind your name? The AUDI or BMW you saw yourself driving? The higher education for your kids? Or to keep Sallie Mae off your back? Whatever it was, get back to that and begin seeing yourself accomplishing these things.

Fourth, I think I average about 35% on my H.W. on the first go round, no matter how well I feel I know the material. Getting my head around the wording is what gets me the first time. Just remember, each time you do the homework you are increasing your knowledge base. So do the homework for one section and don't re-work the missed ones for another week. It will give you a good review of prior material as you continue learning new concepts. Eventually it will come together.

Finally, don't let these exams kick you while you are down. I used to be so stressed about them and would let them make me feel very stupid. What's the point? Get mad at the tests, not yourself. Kick the $h!t out of the tests, not yourself.

Keep studying. Don't quit. No one ever cares how many times you took it, just so long as you get it in the end.

"If you're going through hell, keep going"
- Winston Churchill

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed."
- Michael Jordan

BEC: (54), (72), 80 (losing credit on 02/02/15 - nervous)
AUD: 78
REG: (74), 91
FAR: (71)

[Anonymous]

We have all been here – me not so long ago.

I love I'm Ron Burgundy? last line there – No one cares how many times you took it.

I keep telling myself that over and over and over again. Once you say “I am a CPA” no one says “how many times did it take” or “what were your scores” – its more like “YAY what an accomplishment” or “You did it!”

In fact – most of the people you talk to wont even know what a big deal that it actually was.

I actually equate studying for the CPA to doing an Ironman tri-athalon – it is ALL MENTAL. You can train and train and train but your mind can still play tricks on you and make you think you cant do it. You are your own worst enemy – no one is going to ask you your time – or your score. Just if you finished!!!!

My point behind this is that – YOU GOT THIS. Don't let this test get you down – we have all been there – but its about mental strength and knowing that at the end of the day – you will OWN this exam.

[Anonymous]

We have all been here – me not so long ago.

I love I'm Ron Burgundy? last line there – No one cares how many times you took it.

I keep telling myself that over and over and over again. Once you say “I am a CPA” no one says “how many times did it take” or “what were your scores” – its more like “YAY what an accomplishment” or “You did it!”

In fact – most of the people you talk to wont even know what a big deal that it actually was.

I actually equate studying for the CPA to doing an Ironman tri-athalon – it is ALL MENTAL. You can train and train and train but your mind can still play tricks on you and make you think you cant do it. You are your own worst enemy – no one is going to ask you your time – or your score. Just if you finished!!!!

My point behind this is that – YOU GOT THIS. Don't let this test get you down – we have all been there – but its about mental strength and knowing that at the end of the day – you will OWN this exam.

[acamp]

Making a mistake getting an NTS before being ready?! I couldn't disagree more, I did my NTS and paid for all four exams upfront. I passed three of four using this approach. Nice thing about a NTS, it quantifies how much time you have left and forces you to plan accordingly.

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

Making a mistake getting an NTS before being ready?! I couldn't disagree more, I did my NTS and paid for all four exams upfront. I passed three of four using this approach. Nice thing about a NTS, it quantifies how much time you have left and forces you to plan accordingly.

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

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[Author]

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