[californiaholic]

Sooo in college, me and Adderall were the best of buds. No, seriously. It was amazing. Anyways, I haven’t taken Adderall in a couple of years and I’m pretty anti-meds now.

But, I’m having trouble concentrating. I know that I could be 1,000% more productive on Adderall, but I don’t want to use it. Any recommendations? What helps you concentrate? Any natural medicines for focus?

I NEED HELPPPP. I’m barely getting anything accomplished today 🙁

[shawn in VA]

Cali-

I have been legally prescribed Adderall. It helped me get my 1st pass. I had failed REG twice prior to using the medicine. I was in the same boat as you. Took the medicine in college then stopped for a couple years, then went back on for the CPA studying.

I suggest going back on it for 12 months the average time people pass the 4 part. Then get off after you pass.

BTW the new version of the CPA is exam is going to test “high order skills” and “evaluation” so you got to be on your “A” game. The AICPA is reducing the memorization and doing more application of concepts.

[mtaylo24]

I have been cranking 5 hour energies every day after work this week. It kind of helps! I also recommend chewing gum when you feel a bit drowsy!

AUD - 1st - 60 (12/12), 61 (2/13), 61 (8/13), 78! (11/15)
REG - 55 (2/16) 69 (5/16) Retake(8/16)
BEC - 71(5/16) Retake (9/16)
FAR - (8/16)

[Namstut]

I just recently have been diagnosed with ADHD and I was prescribed Adderral but I can't really tell the difference when I take it, I am still all over the place.

I had to go back to my old ways of studying very late at night. I am the most productive when my body and mind are completely exhausted, otherwise I am so wired up that I can't get through a page in the textbook without getting distracted. I go through Red Bull and Monster drinks and 5-hour energy drinks like a mad person and as strange as it sounds, they calm me down. I really hope I will get my CPA before I get a heart attack! 🙂

AUD 7/6/16 Passed
BEC 9/3/16
FAR TBD
REG TBD

[waffle_house]

I understand the “reason” to take a drug like adderall during college and the cpa exam. However, I disagree what this drug does to and for people. It is illegal without a prescription for a reason. I went through all of college and finished the CPA exam without taking that shit or any drug.

Also, if you disciplined yourself in the beginning you wouldn't need to be so dependent on a drug… sorry to sound like a prune but you gotta come up with another way. Just listen to some concentration music, drink some coffee, go to a quiet location, leave your phone at home, stay focused on the daily goal, make a study plan and make small accomplishments that will add up. Stick to the study plan and believe in the studying and you'll be fine.

[rlarivee01]

I find overcaffeinating myself is worse than no caffeine at all. I'm not sensitive to stimulants, but too much caffeine definitely exacerbates my trouble concentrating.

Environment is a factor too. I realized Starbucks is just too lively for me to study such tough material. I set up my room to be more study-friendly, so that helps.

[smoothiezguy]

Walk 4 miles a day and get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Give it a try; a few days in you'll be amazed at how effective it really is!

CMA - 430
BEC - 83
FAR - ?
AUD -
REG -

[waffle_house]

Studying at Starbucks is atrocious, always packed and loud as hell.

[Author]

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