[Anonymous]

HI everyone,

Sounds like we all have the same struggle. I’ve passed AUD and FAR already and is currently studying for REG. For some reason I am just NOT motivated! I just can’t study the same way I studied in college. I used to be able to put in 10 to 15 hrs on a Sat. and do just fine. Now, I sidetrack all the time!

I have a full time job in accounting. I have and MBA. Now I am doing the CPA. I feel so discouraged with REG because it’s not my strong suit. FAR and AUD were. But I have taken the CPA exams before and have failed a few times before i even passed FAR and AUD. I feel burnt out at this point and many times feel like giving up. But I know I won’t. I want it so bad….but I feel like I still have so far to go. I am emotionally drained and exhausted.

I am freaking out because my REG exam is in 1 month and I am still trying to complete the lecture for the last chapter. I really need to redo ALL of the homework questions and simulations from beginning to end, but I am so stressed out because I am afraid I won’t have enough time. It is such a frustrating feeling when you stumble over topics you’re not too familiar with. I HATE corp tax and some of bus law topics. I need to somehow “trick” my mind into “loving” the topics so that I can focus. What do you all think??

[Tux]

Depends how much time you have left in your 18 month clock….

You can consider rescheduling your exam to give yourself more time. During that time, I would suggest either taking a study break for 2-4 weeks, so you can regroup and get some energy again, OR take a “working” break by slowing down and taking some of the pressure off of yourself. The “working” break would mean that you continue working on the information, but not for as often or as many hours at a time. So, again, after doing that for a few weeks, you can gain some energy and motivation to go the distance and finish up.

I've noticed in myself that trying to “force” myself to work when I'm distracted, tired, frustrated, only creates more anxiety in me. Taking a break – even for a day or so – helps me a lot.

Since you're working full-time, sounds like you need some rest – more than a day or two. So, I'd suggest post-poning your exam, working slower, so you still feel like you're making a little bit of progress and schedule in July or Aug.

Another option is to go ahead and take REG even if you're not ready. I've read in other posts that taking the exam, even when you know you'll fail, can be helpful preparation for when you take it later “for real”.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Tina82]

Sounds like you are in pretty good shape. You have a month until the exam and are on the last chapter which gives you plenty of review time. I'm all for knowing your limitations etc. but you did pass two of these already and are on schedule with your studies. Definitely squeeze in in this testing window otherwise you'll have to wait and try to retain this info for another month.

R - 74;88
A - 84
B - 74;89
F - no study = 67; May 15 = 87 & done

[Anonymous]

You def. have more than enough time! My exam for FAR is almost a month away and I'm just starting F5. I think reviewing for 2-2.5 weeks is doable!

Finish the last lecture and try to do a chapter a day or two days! If you can pass FAR, you can def. pass REG:) You are so close, just get it out the way!

[Anonymous]

HI all,

OMG you all have been so encouraging. It's good to be able to share with those that can relate! I am trying to finish the lecture, but that is not inlcuding doing 250 questions and simulations. I have actually taken REG before while I was doing MBA + working. I got a 68. Not too far off….but I am still paranoid. You don't know what questions you'll get so I try to know the ENTIRE book which is NOT possible. I guess I am just a worried wart. To be honest the only real time I have to study is on Sat & Sun. Weeknights – hardly! It's so hard after work! Becker reccommened putting in 35-40hrs/week of studying. But I think I only do half that!

FAR: passed 83

AUD: passed 86

[mla1169]

You can study during the week too. Set aside 2 hours a night for it and youll find a way. While I was studying I worked full time, was taking classes online for my MS in accounting and have 2 kids. I'm not saying its easy or fun but it helps to get this monster behind you. It's like ripping off a bandaid! Yes it reduced me to tears more than once, but it was worth it to say I'm done.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

To mla1169,

Omg kudos to you! Wow that is amazing with kids! I have similar obligations but not kids. My mother is schizophrenic so she needs my support. Actually, since I was 13 and I am 30 now. Man, it's stressful. But I'm not trying to make excuses here. Just saying I am exhausted after doing accounting at work all day and going home to more of it. It's so tiresome! 2 hours per night? That rarely happens. Maybe 1 hour each night. If I get lucky, 2 yes. But I can do this!

[mla1169]

It's incredibly exhausting I totally get it! But it's twice as exhausting to have to retake a section. Buy the Wiley focus notes or record yourself when you are reading. Studying doesn't have to be sitting at your computer or even keeping your eyes open! I listened to the notes at work ( when I worked somewhere we were allowed radios at our desk) and when I was vacuuming or folding laundry. I even listened in my sleep figuring subliminally something had to get through! You'll need to be creative for sure but think outside the box. My husband is so grateful he's not listening to tests of controls in our bedroom anymore 😉

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

To mla1169,

Omg kudos to you! Wow that is amazing with kids! I have similar obligations but not kids. My mother is schizophrenic so she needs my support. Actually, since I was 13 and I am 30 now. Man, it's stressful. But I'm not trying to make excuses here. Just saying I am exhausted after doing accounting at work all day and going home to more of it. It's so tiresome! 2 hours per night? That rarely happens. Maybe 1 hour each night. If I get lucky, 2 yes. But I can do this!

[Texas27]

@cpagal… if it makes you feel better, I take REG in a little less than a month and I am on R3… I don't plan on being through R8 until 7 days before the exam. Then again, I'm not working like you are but you should be plenty ready in a month!

BEC - Feb 2012: 80
AUD - Feb 2012: 84
FAR - Apr 2012: 78
REG - May 2012: 90

Thanks Becker!

[jelly]

Take a Friday night off and get some zz's. Take part of a Saturday morning off and run light errands, take a nap. You're on a good schedule with 1 chapter left and a few weeks until the exam. It's just one of those things where you need to make mental and physical boundaries with studying, otherwise you'll never be able to focus and study efficiently.

I'm into advocating for more sleep these days. It was only in the last 2 weekends that I've gotten some decent sleep, as it's been a horrific prior 4 months. All I did differently the past 2 weekends was ditch a bunch of sidework (not very strict deadlines), and it's amazing how I've been able to return to it with a more reasonable perspective and can quickly clear it out now.

Couldn't pass again!

[Author]

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