[zieg16]

So I have my NTS with all four exams purchased because I was planning on studying nonstop this summer to take the CPA exam. It expires in September. Then, my start date for my full-time public accounting job just got moved up to June 9. It would be terribly ungrateful of me to complain about having to start getting paid to work, but it does make my exam scheduling really crazy! I figure I might as well go ahead and take all four. I’m counting on this schedule being a really fun experience!

AUD: 5/12/16

REG: 6/7/16

FAR: 7/30/16

BEC: 9/2/16

Which means I take audit in 10 days. I’m doing Becker and working through A4 currently (or not working on it currently because I’m writing this, which is may not be the best use of my time at this point). Does anyone have experience studying for exams within a crazy-short amount of time and have helpful advice? I guess I’m really counting on the solid base I have from doing well in the accounting classes I’ve been taking these past spring/fall semesters and a busy season tax internship I did. … Oh yeah, I’m still in school too. Two more days!

AUD: 96 (5/12/16)
REG: 6/7/16
FAR: 7/31/16
BEC: 9/2/16

Just trying to do my best - there are more important things in life than an exam score.

[livealittle]

OMG! I just had a small heart attack for you!

I have no advice, just good luck.

BEC - 8/8/16
REG - 66, 77
AUD - 81
FAR - 9/8/16

[S1CPA]

The NTS is already a sunk cost. No reason to forfeit being able to sit for each exam. Best case scenario you pass some, worst case scenario you at least get to see what the test looks like for the ones you fail. Good luck.

—-

Edit: One might be able to argue that you have a better chance of passing two exams if you focus on only 2 exams for the next 4 or 5 months, as opposed to trying to study/look at 4 exams over that time period.

AUD - 80 April 2015
FAR - 77 August 2015
REG - 60 October 2015, 73 May 2016, 75 July 2016
BEC - 79 January 2016

[Anonymous]

First: People have passed in such short times while working full-time. Don't believe for a minute that it's impossible, don't let yourself think you're defeated before you start, cause that's the surest way to fail. While your schedule is aggressive, it is attainable.

Second: To pass these, you're going to have to be very serious and intentional about your studying. Set schedules and stick to them. I would probably switch REG and FAR so that you can do FAR and AUD together, since FAR and AUD are both about financial accounting and reporting and GAAP, and REG is all about taxes and IRS accounting rules and business law. Also that would allow you to study for FAR before you start your job. If you study your June 7th exam (FAR or REG depending on what you decide) like it's a full-time job between taking AUD and June 7th, that's about 140 hours of study, which should be sufficient. Then you'll start your new job about the time you start studying for REG or FAR (whichever you didn't take earlier) and have about 6 weeks to study while working full-time. This is ironically similar to my own REG schedule – I started a new job and started studying for it within a week of each other, and took REG after around 5 – 6 weeks of study (and passed 🙂 ). BEC shouldn't be a problem at all; a little over a month is plenty of time for BEC. You'll still have to be serious and intentional, but it should be fine.

Third: You can do it, you just have to put your nose to the grindstone. Take some breaks, they're good for you, but take measured breaks. Don't let breaks turn into weeks. Schedule your time to include breaks, then stick to it. It's OK if you become a hermit for a bit. 🙂

[Tncincy]

Depends on if you still intend to study non-stop. Realistically, there will be some procrastinating, but it doesn't have to be extensive. Life is going to happen as well, so plan to be very tired and mentally strained. Some have done it and passed on limited time, but you will really, really, really, have to focus. Starting the job may not be a bad deal, it might not start out hectic so you might get to sneak in study segments. At any rate go for it, good luck and keep the forum posted please. This is definitely an adventure.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Author]

Replies