[Anonymous]

It’s a real problem on weeknights after work. Gave up coffee a few weeks ago since it was hurting more than it helped.

[mtaylo24]

Chewing gum helps

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)

[monikernc]

drink water. staying hydrated helps.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[mastump317]

Had problems staying awake for years.
When I was studying for my BS, I would stay awake by holding my textbook and pacing back and forth through the house after everyone else was in bed asleep.
I'll be honest with you; I'm in a state of unemployment right now, and if I was working a normal 9-5 job I'm not sure how I would be able to study in the evenings. My brain gets fuzzy and I really can't absorb material like what is required for CPA study/
The only thing that ever really helped be study while I worked full time was to get up early in the morning, some days as early a 3:00 or 4:00. That is when I'm rested and my brain is in the best shape for doing CPA study. 3 hours per morning could give you the 20 hours per week necessary.

[KJ]

I have 34oz. water bottle that I drink in 4 hours when I am studying weeknights (more on weekends) and time to time eat healthy snacks. When you are chewing something it helps you focus/concentrate.

FAR - August 2016
AUD - September 2016
REG - October 2016
BEC - November 2016

Remember: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein

[fsugirl2005]

Make sure your dinner consists of protein and as little carbs as possible. It's common knowledge that too many carbs cause a blood sugar spike then crash resulting in a sleepy head. Believe me, this approach makes a difference.

AUD - 10/21/16 (75----07/2010 expired)
FAR - 10/28/16
BEC - 11/2016
REG - 01/2017

Using Gleim CPA Review, Ninja Audio, Ninja Book

[Anonymous]

Not to be master of the obvious, but studying while tired tends to be very ineffective. So if you're that tired, I would suggest taking a nap. There's no substitute for being well-rested.

I really feel like some of us push ourselves to the point of abuse/punishment, which is concerning. Personally, one hour a day is more than enough for me.

[zieba]

I worked a regular full time 9-5 job with a sizeable commute on top of that and did most of my studying between the hours of 8PM and midnight. There were nights where I read half of a page of Becker notes and realized I don't know what I read or what I'm doing, and then start over. Other nights I was switched ON and was cruising through material.

I find that adding just ONE hour of sleep to your routine can make a tremendous difference in how you feel just after two to three days. If I had a short sleeping night it would reflect in next days study performance.

Looking back, I also drank instant coffee exclusively throughout all the sections in the evenings (a lot less caffeine). This allowed me to tilt cup after cup after cup and then go to bed an hours after.

AUD - 75*, 88 done 5/14! (*exp)
BEC - 74 , 77
REG - 65 , 76 (10 point combooo!!)
FAR - 69 , 75

Dr: perseverance
Dr: intelligence
Dr: luck
. Cr: . advisory score

[Anonymous]

i prefer the french study approach: cigarettes and lots of espresso!

i dont know how healthy people study for the cpa exam

[GitRDone2017]

I have found that coconut water is a great source to use to keep alert and focused. I have no idea if that is the norm or if I am just a little odd, but it worked for me, I even used it during tax season and it worked beautifully! Another source I have used is a drink I get from the gym, it has amino acids and some caffeine and very little sugar, I do not know the name of it but it sure help keep you alert. It comes in a pink and orange flavor, sorry for the lack of info on that one

"Confidence is going after Moby Dick in a rowboat and taking tartar sauce with you" - Zig Ziglar
Ninja book + Ninja MCQ + Roger
AUD Oct 2016
FAR Nov 2016
BEC ?
REG?

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the great advice, I'm about to start in again and am hoping for a more productive evening.

[mastump317]

CPA 2021,
I'm watching and taking notes from my original videos as a review before I do much more in the FAR Ninja book; I found myself wanting to fall asleep in front of the computer again. Though I was slowed down a bit in th learning curve until I got my second wind, mu solution was to watch the course videos on my Ipod as I stood and walked, and would stop at the kitchen counter where my FAR book was when I needed to take notes down on my clipboard I was carrying fulltime.

May sound a bit Neanderthal, but that's how I got through quite a few of my homework late at night. I've been test for sleep apnea: negative. I've tried Melatonin and cures other people have sworn by, but as of now, I am just coping the best I can.
And motion is generally how I can stay awake and study.

Best of luck to you!

Marc

[Anonymous]

That's a great idea! Never would have thought of that.

Speaking of which I should be asleep now as I try to get up at 4:30 to do a few hours before work. Problem is it's been nothing but MCQ's or work all day, every day and when I hit my 100 about 8 -9 PM I want some time to unwind. Then Before I know it it's 10:30 PM.

Anyway, Best of luck to you as well, I bet you'll do great. 🙂

PS I've been typing flash cards into brainscape as needed – works great for notes as well. Just make sure your decks aren't too large if you use it.

[Author]

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