[jam6478]

Hello-

Has anyone had some experience with studying for a section of the exam while taking a 15 credit courseload? I will be starting a MAcc program in late August to attain the extra 30 credits that I need and am curious to see if studying during the fall semester (August-December with 15 credits) will be doable. I will have already taken FAR and REG by the start of the program, with the intention that I will have a chance to take on the lighter two sections even with my classwork.

Thanks!

FAR - 77
REG - 83
AUD - 87
BEC - 83

[MaLoTu]

I am taking 3 units and trying to study for the exams. I am finding it a little challenging. My thing is that at any given moment my class or my exam are much more intriguing to me than the other (typically because one of the things becomes aversive and it easier to justify doing the other thing instead) So, it is creating problem with time usage.

I am not sure what work load 15 credits entails, but it sounds like a lot. I am sure that it is possible and you are the only one who truly knows your own capabilities.

Worst case, you can finish the exams before you start the program (you will have a better idea what you are in for once you take one exam) or you can reduce the amount of classes you take at once.

IMO, there is really no “light” section of the CPA exam.

[TaxGod]

Im a full time student and work part time it is doable, just dont expect a fun year :(.

AUD: 02/28/15 - 89
FAR: 05/29/15 - 80
BEC: 08/03/15 - 81
REG: 08/27/15 - 76

[ScarletKnightCPA]

Doable but something going to give. You probably won't be able to put 100% effort in class and might receive lower grades than otherwise.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[Skynet]

It's doable, but then you have to give up Frat Parties, Binge Drinking, and hooking up with College Girls/Guys : )

[Missy]

I don't think your grades will necessarily suffer. People pass the exams with countless other demands on their time from school to jobs to kids, to all of the above. If you're very driven and focused, willing to make some short term sacrifices and organized, it will fly by.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[ScarletKnightCPA]

You are supposed to put in 10 hours a week of study time per 3 credit class to pass with B to A, more for a A. 15 credits translates to 50 hours, If he is not working part time, he may be able to squeeze in the CPA study time on top of the work load. If he is studying part time then maybe… I suspect there is some overlap with the classes.

Far: 76 (Wiley Test Bank)
Aud: 77 (Wiley Test Bank)
Reg: 61, 76 (Wiley book, Wiley Test Bank)
Bec: 86 (Wiley Test Bank)

MBA in progress

[Missy]

Right 5 classes tranalates to the typical full time job. It's a lot of knowledge to hold in one's head at once but it's manageable for some.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[jam6478]

Thanks for all of the feedback. The reason I think it could be possible to take on BEC or AUD in the fall semester is because outside of my class schedule (3 upper level accounting classes, 1 business law class, and one “leadership communication” class), I have virtually no commitments. As compared to my semesters as an undergraduate, I already have a job lined up, no longer have any leadership positions in organizations I'm involved with and won't be living in my fraternity house.

FAR - 77
REG - 83
AUD - 87
BEC - 83

[jszesq]

How about a long ago story….I am an Elijah Watt Sells National Silver Medal winner…..I graduated in Accountancy from University of Illinois-Urbana in five semesters, and sat for the entire exam, all four parts during the spring on my final semester. I remember thinking about the exam and saying…I want this done…and four months later it was. There isn't much that has changed since I took the exam 34 years ago. I run a boutique practice today, and we require everyone we hire to pass the exam within six months of starting work. If you view it as something you need to get done, it happens. We have four EWS winners out of a 24 person staff.

Jordan S. Zoot, CPA.CITP.CGMA.CISM.CGEIT
Managing Director & CEO - aBIZinaBOX Inc. - Former Arthur Andersen Tax Partner
University of Texas-Austin MS Taxation, University of Illinois-Urbana Accountancy
Elijah Watt Sells National Silver Medal - May 1982 - 97. 97, 99, 98

[Author]

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