[Anonymous]

I first want to start this off by saying I know many people go into their start dates with varying levels of exam completion and surely find professional success. Nonetheless, I want cold-tough-love advice. I really want to make sure I show up to my firm and am not already behind the ball.

I plan to graduate this may, take one round of summer classes to hit 150 credits, then enroll in self study fast pass and pass as much of (or all of) the exam between early July and mid September. I want to know how tough others will think this will be? I am also seeking a must-pass “quota amount” for the summer, which will not make me viewed in a negative light by my team mates.

For example, you may say “hey you really need FAR and REG out of the way, if you have both of those left your senior/teammates are going to be afraid of your availability in the evenings, which may line up pre-conceived notions that may carry into your performance review”

Basically I need someone to give me a non-sugarcoated pep talk with a realistic mindset of what’s expected of me during the summer.

Thanks,

Potentially your own incoming B4 associate

[Sleep Optional]

Many of my friends started at the B4. We even had study sessions after graduation in a library over the summer before they started. Out of the couple dozen I studied with, only 1 person passed all 4 parts before his fall start date and that was quite an exceptional case.

On average, my former study group probably had 1 part passed before their start date.

That being said, I think everyone here would recommend you knock out as much as possible over the summer since it would be much harder once you start working.

2 1/2 months for all 4 parts is really pushing it, but it has been done before.

BEC: ☑ x1 attempt(s)
REG: ☑ x2 ''
AUD: ☑ x1 ''
FAR: ☑ x2 ''

Done!

[kaydun]

That is REALLY ambitious of you, which is a really good attitude to have; so keep that attitude. You'll really need it.

That being said, here's some tough love: the odds are very much NOT in your favor to pass all 4 parts in 2 1/2 months. You're setting yourself up for failure if you strive for that. I'm not saying it isn't possible, but it's definitely not realistic. It is very probable, however, for you to pass 1-2 exams during that time period.

It depends on how you want to look at your strategy, some people like getting the “easier” exams out of the way (BEC and AUD) because it's mentally better for them to say “I have 2 out of 4 tests down.” Others want to get the harder exams (REG and FAR) done so they don't have to worry about the 18 month window and they can think that the worst of it is out of the way.

If you were to do the first strategy, I think you could very well get those two done if you really dedicate your time to studying. AUD/BEC are “easier,” but they're not easy, so they do require effort and understanding. But if you do put in the work, it's very possible to pass these two on the first time around.

The second strategy is definitely more difficult and harder to achieve on the first try (this was my strategy at first). There is a lot more material and more complex concepts. But once you do even pass one of these tests, it's like a monster has been slain and it is a big weight of your shoulders.

Personally, I started out with FAR and was lucky enough to pass the first time around. I was glad I started with FAR because there was a decent amount of overlap with AUD and a little overlap in REG (Haven't gotten to BEC, but I'm willing to bet there's a little overlap there too). This helped me understand the concepts better, which made studying a lot easier.

On average, it takes a while for people to pass all 4 parts. I started studying in September and had a plan to take my last test by end of Feb, which didn't happen. So you have to plan for the worst, but don't let that discourage you or let it get in the way of a “best result scenario” from happening.

Also keep in mind that starting in June, they're changing part of the test of tast-based sims to “document based sims.” (This applies to REG, FAR, and AUD) They may be harder or easier but it's just something to keep in mind, because this will be pretty new to any test prep company. Also, I know they extended the testing period for this 2nd quarter going into June, but I'm not sure they will do that for the 3rd quarter, so plan for not being able to take a test in September since it's usually not allowed.

Hope this kind of helps!

FAR - 76 Oct 2015 (Becker)
REG - 87 Apr 2016 (Becker + Ninja MCQ) - 3rd time's the charm!
AUD - 82 Feb 2016 (Becker)
BEC - 85 May 2016 (Becker)

[the LAST Coffee]

Let's be real, most of us are not exceptional. I started studying June and hit the library everyday. My work date was September 28. So much free time and I took advantage of it.

I took down FAR and BEC on August 4th and August 31st respectively. Had you started work later, you probably could take down 3 exams by studying into September and taking the next exam early early October.

It can be done but you need stamina and willpower to power through those many many long days of BS.

*when I say BS, I mean Balance Sheet accounts…. >_>

FAR 84 (AUG '15)
BEC 83 (AUG '15)
AUD 79 (OCT '15)
REG 71, 78! (NOV '15, FEB '16)

[nadroj]

Some people could pass all four sections over the Summer. No clue if you're one of them.

That said, your State will play a big factor. If you can do Summer school and exam prep in parallel, that helps with timing. You may even find some synergies, depending on the classes. However, if you have to finish Summer classes before you can get an NTS, you could get really squeezed for time, especially if the board runs slower in the Summer with employees on vacation and whatnot.

Hell. Go for it. What do you have to lose?

[Son]

cjsoccer3, based on my experience with one of the Big4s:

1) most people would have passed some exams prior to starting. Selected few pass all of them. Almost everyone, except for people who really struggle, finish the exams within their first year-year and a half, two at most.

2) you passing the exams during the summer is unfortunately in no way an indicator of your success with Big4, but I highly recommend it. Will make your life so much easier and reduce the level of stress tremendously. You will also be able to take on more work instead of rushing home to study, and really put in the effort during that first year.

3) if you do end up passing before you start play your cards right. Be confident but not cocky about it. You don't know if you'll get a senior or manager who struggled to pass and might feel like you're implying you're better than them. Everyone loves a smart, hard-working guy/girl who's also just the right amount of humble.

4) Don't listen to people who say you can't pass it over the summer. You're the only person who could tell. If you did great in school and attended a reputable university you may very well pull it off – I know a bunch of people from my company who passed exams in a little over/under 3 months before starting. Remember than a lot of folks come to this forum for support which distorts the picture, but the exam is not as impossible as people make it out to be. If I personally had the option to study full-time over three month I would take it in a heartbeat.

5) That being said, don't underestimate the exam. It's a huge pain in the ass, and you'll hate your life and yourself during those 2-3 months for even deciding to follow the fast track study plan. On the bright side, when it's over you'll have one more thing to be proud of.

AUD - passed
REG - passed
BEC - passed
FAR - passed

[Author]

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