[murdock]

Hello,

I’ve been taking the CPA exam since 2008, haven’t really had much luck.

I took REG in August 2012, got a 63

Took it again in May 2013, got a 63

Took it again in August 2013, got a 65

I’ve been using Gleim (the whole system) since 2012 and it’s much much better than the Wiley book I was using. To prepare for my latest exam, I did over 1000 practice MC questions from Gleim and lots of sims. My problem is on the 3rd MC question section where the MC’s become almost impossible regardless of the amount of preparation you put in. This slows me down and I don’t get a chance to look at all the sims on the 4th section. I know I can do the sims if I have enough time, especially with the research section, which takes forever. If anyone has feedback so far please, let me know.

What I don’t get is the confusing score feedback from the AICPA. Their goal is to intentionally confuse the candidate, no doubt. Here’s what I got:

by Content Area:

Ethics & Legal Responsibilities – Comparable

Business Law – Comparable

Federal Tax Process – Stronger

Taxation on Property Tax Transactions – Weaker

Taxation on Individuals – Comparable

Taxation on Entities – Weaker

by Item Type

Multiple Choice – Weaker

Simulations – Weaker

So, despite my comparable/stronger areas outnumbering my weaker areas, I’m weak overall with the multiple choice. This has happened to me before. It doesn’t make sense to me and I’d appreciate if anyone could shed some light on this.

I’ve given too many years of my life to this exam to stop now, but if I were doing it again I wouldn’t have went this direction with my career, it simply isn’t worth it.

[smp73]

“I've given too many years of my life to this exam to stop now, but if I were doing it again I wouldn't have went this direction with my career, it simply isn't worth it.”

Here are my .02 cents. If you truly do not think it is worth it that may be your first issue with studying. You have to want this, you have to really want those 3 letters after your name. If you are just doing it to do it you are probably not studying well and really understanding the material. You may just be going through the motions, thinking you know the material and then come test day you get hung up on the 3rd testlet.

If you truly want it it sounds like you need to completely switch up your study routine. What ever your doing now isnt working. There is nothing wrong wtih making a switch to how you study so you pass. I had to do it and it made all the difference.

When you do MC are you taking notes? Are you taking the time to really understand why the answer is right and why the others are wrong? If not I would start there. It is passable and you can do this…just might be time to tweak your study strategy if you decide you do truly want to be a CPA.

NYS CPA License # 113563
CIA: Done as of 2/15/14

Training for a half marathon post studying!

[Anonymous]

Hey Murdock, I was in your situation just until 2 weeks ago. I've been taking the exams since 2009 and just finally passed. It's tough buddy, my advice is that you need to take a fresh look on your study process and life choices.

I would start fresh and use different materials/study guides. I was using Roger and switched to Yeager CPA videos and I learned so much because it was a more favorable teaching style for me.

I changed my study routine, set goals for myself, said no to family and friends. I gave up so much of my life but now in retrospect, passing was that much sweeter. Don't give up, because once you give up you lose all hope and desire to pass.

YOU CAN DO IT HOMIE, stay positive and keep your head up

[Author]

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