[Anonymous]

So here is my dilemma. I am 27 and am just finishing my bachelor’s degree. I had a tough time when I first started college, went to community college, quit, and then in the fall of 2015 I went back and will now have my accounting degree. (I started off premed haha)

Anyway, I really would like to get my CPA but I’m not sure what is the best way to go about it. Since I already have accumulated enough debt I would like to do it as cheaply as possible.

Should I try to take the GMAT(Ohio you can sit with 620 on this) this fall and then take the CPA exam.

Should I take a year of community college classes to put me to 150 and then try to start testing next fall?

My college GPA is only about 3.2, will I even be able to find a job???

I currently work full time as an accounting clerk at a small nonprofit but I’m getting nervous about finding employment.

Also, when should I start studying. I’m new to this and I took classes online(Ive emailed the Ohio board to make sure the credits are valid for the CPA) so I could use some advice!

[KC22]

i would study for the exam immediately. I would just take CLEP exams for the remaining 30 credits. That would mean 10 exams at $100 each. Save you a bunch of money and time!

FAR-83 (May 2016)

[hasy]

Not sure how your state is. But I literally took 37 semester units (the reqd accounting ones as well) at a CC. I was fortunate that I just graduated and jobless so they gave the right amount of aid to pay for all my classes but not my textbook fees. So I did more research into the class to whether I would need a textbook.

In total, the only cost I've paid for is for the accounting hwk software for one of my tax classes (~$150) [yes, it's that ridiculous] and any amount of money that's not covered by your tuition/aid. HOWEVER, if you have already taken ALL the required accounting units, I would literally take random classes to get the unit count (excel, VITA, social ethics courses, P.E., anything that doesn't require a book).

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[Ryan – Just Another Dollar]

I wouldn't worry too much about your age and a 3.2 GPA should be plenty. I graduated at 26 with a 150-credit Bachelor's degree and a 2.85 GPA thanks to a couple of failed years in other majors. Worked a couple of years in industry, got my CPA last year, and started in Tax at 28 (29 now). They started me at a 2nd year salary for having my CPA passed and industry experience in the niche our firm specializes in.

B - 88 (2/16)
A - 84 (4/16)
R - 73 (6/16), 82(7/16)
F - 67 (1/16), 84(4/16)

Ethics - 93

Roger course & Ninja MCQ - HiYa!

[Author]

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