[Fed007]

I took BEC in November 2010 and I passed it. I remember that during the time I was studying, I lived and breathed the CPA. I was so obsessed with passing and was so motivated to study and do well. Then after that, it was the holiday season, and then a bunch of random stuff came up ie family coming to visit, work, and other social distractions…and here I am in June 2011 and I’ve missed out on 2 testing windows and lost ALL my motivation to be a CPA and kill this exam. That aside, I’ve attempted studying for FAR multiple times and just feel so daunted by the material that I gave up.

So now I’m wondering if I should tackle this beast called FAR before I proceed to Audit and Regulation (with my zero motivation), or try something like Audit which I do not find to be as scary and build up on some study motivation. I’ve tentatively scheduled FAR for end of July. It’s June 1st and I’m still floundering in Becker’s study unit 1.

I know that this is all over the place but I’m just so confused and frustrated…sigh.

Any advice?

Started the CPA in 2009. Passed BEC and AUD. Got lazy and they expired so I'm back on the ball in 2013.

B - April 2013 - Passed
A - May 2013 - 74. ARGH. Dec 6th reschedule.
R - TBD
F - TBD

So help me God!

[ak311]

Sounds like you need to build up some motivation more than anything else. Make a list of all the reasons why you want to be a CPA, and how a CPA license will improve your life. Read it every day. That helps me out when I get burned out on studying. And write your name, CPA and look at that every day. Keeps me motivated.

As for which part to take next, you know yourself and your schedule better than anyone else. If you're looking to double up, FAR and AUD would be doable but tough. Don't try and double FAR with REG. Those are both really long.

FAR - F (2011), 5/16
AUD - F(2011)
BEC -
REG -

2nd attempt at this thing. Time to get serious.

[kb24]

Fed007

I'm living proof that motivation is key. I spent 5 years studying off and on for the exam but did nothing. I can use the excuse that there was a lot of other stuff going on in my life, but the truth is that I could have managed if I'd had the right attitude and sufficient motivation. That changed at the beginning of the year, and I did all 4 parts this test window. You have to figure out for yourself as to what will work best for you, but here are a few thoughts that might help.

1) You say that you aren't sure you want to be a CPA anymore. Ask yourself if you really mean that. If you truly no longer care about being a CPA, then you shouldn't keep trying. On the other hand, if you just feel that way now because you're discouraged and overwhelmed at the thought of what you still have to do, remind yourself why you started this process. Think of how good you'll feel about yourself once you have accomplished this.

2) I'd recommend taking FAR next rather than AUD. While everyone has different opinions, I think the general consensus is that FAR and REG are the two hardest exams. You'll feel a lot better if you get one of those done next. You've got 2 months which should be plenty of time.

3) Create a schedule. Be reasonable, but recognize that there are things you'll have to give up for a while (you did this with BEC so I know you can do it again). There's a lot of material with FAR, but it does break down fairly easily into manageable chunks. Be sure to allow plenty of time for govt/NFP. They are a big part of the exam (16-24%).

4) Have the mindset that your study time is a top priority. Things will come up and it's easy to say you'll skip a day especially if you're getting pressured by friends and family, but you'll lose important study time and focus.

5) When you go through the material the first time, don't worry about having every detail down cold. This will just slow you down and leave you feeling discouraged. You'll get them when you go back to work on your weak areas and do your final review.

6) If you have any questions along the way, post them here. There are a lot of people happy to help.

GOOD LUCK!!!!

YOU CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[Fed007]

I could have sworn I responded to this post *confused face*

Started the CPA in 2009. Passed BEC and AUD. Got lazy and they expired so I'm back on the ball in 2013.

B - April 2013 - Passed
A - May 2013 - 74. ARGH. Dec 6th reschedule.
R - TBD
F - TBD

So help me God!

[kb24]

Fed007

Some posts over the weekend disappeared due to problems when Jeff moved the site to a new server.

FAR 4/1/11 - 89
AUD 4/15/11 - 85
REG 4/29/11 - 80
BEC 5/13/11 - 85

[Fed007]

I guess it mysteriously disappeared. Aniwoos I was saying a great big thanks to ak311 and Kb24 for the responses. I really appreciate it guys.

AK311: Thanks a lot, that sounds like a good way to stay motivated. I will do FAR first and then AUD.

KB24: I really really appreciate your advice. That is so me! It's been a challenge trying to stay focused and I kept postponing and canceling my testing dates. Shoot, I already missed out on 2 testing windows but ah well.

I have scheduled FAR for 1st week of August so may the force be with me. Wow, you took all 4 parts around the same time frame?? I definitely wish you the very best of luck!! I'm rooting for you.

I truly appreciate this forum and the encouraging advice. Thanks a lot guys, this really helped 🙂

Started the CPA in 2009. Passed BEC and AUD. Got lazy and they expired so I'm back on the ball in 2013.

B - April 2013 - Passed
A - May 2013 - 74. ARGH. Dec 6th reschedule.
R - TBD
F - TBD

So help me God!

[Fed007]

@ Kb24: Ahh, I see. I was like…I'm sooo sure I responded to this post. lol

Started the CPA in 2009. Passed BEC and AUD. Got lazy and they expired so I'm back on the ball in 2013.

B - April 2013 - Passed
A - May 2013 - 74. ARGH. Dec 6th reschedule.
R - TBD
F - TBD

So help me God!

[pshustler]

If you have FIN in July I would stick with that for now. I find AUD to be the easiest so far. I take FIN next but highly doubt that will be easier with so much material being tested

BEC - 86
AUD - 94
REG - 88
FAR - 89

[Author]

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