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It’s been quite a hectic summer but I’ve made it halfway through with decent grades. I started studying right away after graduation from my Master’s of Accounting program at James Madison University in early May. I’ve been lurking on these boards for a couple of months now, but would like to contribute some value to this strong community. For what it’s worth, here has been my study methodology thus far using the Becker program.
I’d like to start off by prefacing that I am the sort of person that performs much more effectively under strong pressure. My scheduling is reflective of this attribute, but I do think that there are great key benefits of a shorter study schedule for the CPA exam. I have found that there is such an overabundance of information on these tests that often my mind empties out much of the cluttered material I learned earlier. As such, my philosophy for this exam thus far has been to input maximum time and effort in a short span of time close to exam day in order to maximize the benefits of short term memory retention as well as the motivation from time pressure. For additional reference, I was simply an above average performer in school, nothing special.
My regimen for AUD and BEC thus far have been as follows:
On my initial cycle, I aimed for about a module a day. On my review cycle, I aimed for about two to three modules a day (which could be easily afforded due to not having to go through the videos again).
1. Go through all of the videos for a module.
2. Reread whole module with much more attention to detail.
3. Complete all of the questions for the module. (but not the simulations).
4. Go through this cycle for all modules.
5. On review cycle -> reread whole modules.
6. Go through questions AND simulations upon review.
7. Upon completion of each additional module in review cycle, complete progress tests of 50 questions to ensure retention of information. For instance, if I just finished the 2nd module on my review cycle, I’ll do a 50 question progress test of modules 1 and 2. If I just finished the 5th module, I’ll do a 50 question progress of modules 1 to 5.
8. Complete both Examination simulations a day or two before the exam. Use this spreadsheet to get a general idea of how you might perform on the actual test. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18h1_IfOBv04SjkKDqUkzcjoj2OdXGMc_hxqot7N2u9w/edit
For the past two tests, I have done only one review cycle and would read up on information I felt unsure of up until test day.
On test day, I try not to do any review and relax and mentally prepare myself. Once I go inside the Prometric testing center, I’ll go to the bathroom and do power poses for a couple of minutes to help boost my confidence. For those of you unfamiliar with the concept, check out this link https://www.businessinsider.com/power-pose-2013-5. According to studies done on power posing, doing these before big evaluative life events can help increase testosterone (neurotransmitter related to self-confidence) and reduce cortisol (neurotransmitter related to stress.) I have found that doing this has calmed my nerves significantly and contributed to a much healthier mindset right before the test.
For both tests, after I finished I was completely unsure of my performance. From what I have read from these forums as well as pulled from conversations with my friends, this is a completely normal feeling. In my opinion, there is no need to fret and waste energy on the things you cannot change. During this period after, relax for a day or two and continue onto the next test with as much energy and vigor as you did for the last and simply hope for the best.
I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions!
AUD- 5/18/2015- PASSED 98
BEC- 5/29/2015- PASSED 94
FAR- 7/2/2015- TBD
REG- 7/30/2015- TBD
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