[rubberducky]

I’m a recent grad trying to knock the exams out before starting work in the fall. I can’t help but feel like I could be enjoying my final summer as opposed to studying. I’m gonna stick with my plan to take them now, but it led me to wonder: When did you decide to take the exams? Was it the summer after graduating? during grad school? or while working full time?

What would you recommend to someone who hasn’t started yet?

[LongShot]

I would recommend starting now and accepting the fact you'll be working and studying at the same time. I started studying for CPA about 2 years after I got my MBA (I paid 100% of my study materials, test fees, everything. It was rough). All while working full-time with 2 kids under 5. By the time I finished, had 3 kids. It sucked. Work all freaking day, spend couple hours with family, tuck everyone in, then study till midnight-2 am…then wake up at 4:30-5 am to go to work again.

It sucks. It's hard. Just accept that up to 18 months of hell, being a walking zombie, is worth it to make the rest of your life better. I'm just now hitting the inflection point in my career, it's suddenly worth the lost sleep, terrible life, missed birthdays, etc. Couple very, very rough years for a very good life after, or enjoy your life now to suffer mediocrity forever? For me, easy choice, but to each their own.

FAR - 75
AUD - 72; 87
REG - 64; 74; 84
BEC - 88

Done!!

[Anonymous]

Hello Rubberducky,

Everyone's experience varies. For me, I took the exams this spring while finishing grad school and working full-time. It was crazy keeping up with school, working 55-60 hours a week and studying for the exams. It was worth it to me though to get them done as quickly as possible (just over 5 months). Also, I should probably note that I was 21 without a spouse/children/other major commitments. My life was pretty much work/study/sleep at least until the April filing deadline. Good luck, let me know if you have any questions.

[kdawg22]

I waited until I finished grad school. I would of liked to started during grad school, but I was already working full time so I didn't want to have balance the 3 of them. I graduated so i waited for tax season to end before I actually stated studying. It pays to get these exams done as quickly as possible. Life only gets more complicated the older you get (relationships, job, and family) so why not finish them now. It sucks that you lose a summer, but wouldn't you rather get ahead of studying? What is the order you plan on taking the exams? I would start with either FAR or REG.

[lizardh7]

GET THEM DONE – I regret not finishing them earlier before I started at a Big 4 firm. I know a gal that went to Europe instead of studying before working, and now she is a second year senior still trying to pass her exams. Plus – you can always take vacation with the PTO the big four gives you (I had 5 weeks). Agreed with above, do it before life gets crazier. You only have to once hopefully and then youre set forever to never study again.

[rubberducky]

Thanks everyone for your answers, it's much appreciated. I only have AUD and BEC left at this point, so I'm feeling pretty good

[ds34168]

Better take it sooner than later, this exam is getting harder every year.

[Anthony]

One wasted summer vs juggling a full time job + probably studying longer than one summer. No brainer here.

Not to mention you're dealing with the 18 month deadline too. Surprise you didn't factor that in. Sucks to potentially lose a section because you were taking too long to pass.

[OTK1995]

When my work paid for it.

[alloverit]

Never. Most people never take the test as they have no desire to become accountants or CPAs.

[Author]

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