[FIFO4Lifo]

Short bio: I’m in my last semester of school with the lightest schedule I’ve had…well ever. I absolutely must finish the CPA before September when I move across the country and start a new job. I mean, technically I could work on the CPA if need be, but I’ve heard enough horror stories about working full time and studying that I’d really like to avoid that. Problem is I have a severe case of senioritis and the beautiful weather isn’t helping. I’m also trying to spend as much time with friends and family and doing things that I like before the big move.

So this is my first time studying for the CPA and I’m starting with FAR using Becker. I’m still waiting on NASBA so I can part with my money and pay the coupon but I’m targeting an exam date in mid-late April.

I’ve only gotten to F3 and I’m already feeling overwhelmed, kind of unprepared, and very off track – as in “this is taking a lot longer than I thought.” I’m not sure if it’s because I’m not spending quality time with the materials or if I’m too much of a perfectionist and should just move on or if I’m plain studying wrong.

Given all of the inspiring stories I’ve read about passing the exam under stressful circumstances, I feel bad for complaining. But does anyone have any advice on how to get out of this rut and keep ploughing through the material in a month?

[oneFREAKINGpoint]

“Your success on the CPA exam is inversely related to your happiness while studying…” This statement triples in magnitude if you have to study while working. Believe me. I did both. And I'm sincerely regretting not working harder while I was still in school and had the time.

Have you tried making a detailed schedule? (Like noting which days you'll do what lectures, what questions, etc. I know Becker has their own study plan, but it was usually too loose for me.) Making a schedule, sticking to it, and crossing off the things I've accomplished has always helped me when I'm feeling overwhelmed.

[oneFREAKINGpoint]

PS I absolutely love your username. 🙂

[Anonymous]

Dang FIFO, you pretty much just described my life. I'm also in my last semester of college, taking a very light course load, moving for a new job in August, and starting in September. Senioritis is killing me as well, I took REG in late Feb, but I'm also on F3 in Becker right now and scheduled to take FAR on April 25. I'm feeling kind of “stuck” too. I think what oneFREAKINGpoint said is pretty important, keep a detailed schedule. In fact, my project for tomorrow is to make a detailed schedule and stick to it. It's definitely easy to just blow off studying on a Friday, then not get a lot done Saturday because “I'm going to work really hard on Sunday” (as if we haven't learned from 4 years of college that that isn't going to happen). It's even worse when you don't have a structured study schedule. I have a tendency to change my schedule and push stuff back when I don't feel like working that hard, so you're not alone.

I think what makes studying hard for me is during undergrad, I could usually cram a night or two before the test and be just fine. That meant that I could blow off studying on days/weeks I didn't have a fast approaching test. We obviously can't do that for these tests, so it's a matter of realizing that even 1-2 months before the test, you should be in “cram mode.”

If you want, I can let you know what my study schedule will be to take the exam on the 25th, it helps if someone is holding you accountable

[mla1169]

Remind yourself of all of the things you do even when they're the LAST thing you want to do. I”m sure you do homework and write papers even when you'd rather be doing other things, this is no different. You make it your job, you schedule times to study and you stick to that schedule no matter what else comes up (just like with your job or your classes)

Even though your last semester is very exciting and you have that on your mind remind yourself that this time in your life is only temporary, having a CPA and a great job is for keeps!

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

guys, please don't forget to enjoy your last semester of college. You can never go back!!

[Author]

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