[dory]

Hi, I’m new to the community, but I have been working on my CPA for some time now. I honestly needed to post because I really want to know if there is anyone else out there who is experiencing the same thing I am:

I have been studying for the Exam for about 1.5 years now. I started with AUD before my first official tax season. I got 73. After tax season I decided I wanted to complete FAR first, because it has the most material to study. Since then, I have received the following scores for FAR: 72, 70, 73. I am signed up to take FAR again in two weeks, and I am PARALYZED by the idea of failing for a fourth time.

I am confident I know most of this stuff forwards and backwards, but I have lost all confidence in my ability to pass. Does this ring a bell with anyone else? Has anyone had this experience and made it to the other side? I have always done very well in school and so this is really uncharted territory for me.
Anything helps.

[Ana]

I think most of here feel just like you do. I'm not even telling anyone my next one is scheduled. the heartbreak of failing is bad enough then having to share it with friends, family, and coworkers makes it so embarrassing and unbearable. I failed far 3 times with 73, lost BEC. I KNOW you can do it, so can I. We just can't give up. It'll be over one day. Have a pity party, eat burgers and ice cream, then pick yourself up and give it the best shot you can. Fourth's the charm right??

[Ana]

want to also mention I'm coming on two years…2 years of missing holidays, bdays, weddings, social events, vacations, and overall lost of sanity and happiness. feels like it can't get worse but I remind myself I'm in America and it's possible.

[dory]

@Ana Seriously this makes me want to cry! Thank you so much for the reply, and yes we CAN do it! I just needed to feel like this wasn't completely hopeless. I have resorted to not tell many people about it (except to say I can't be social for a month, I'm studying). I hope the fourth time is the charm, but even if not, gotta have faith it will happen.

I hope you pass the next time! 🙂

[dory]

I have missed more things than I can even count. Seriously, at this point I feel entitled to pass (which is not a great mindset either…) I just want to be a person who has a job that can then go home and do normal adult things!!

[Ana]

I'm with you. I feel entitled to pass too. Like I did more than enough to pass study wise and have respected and sacrificed for the process. I can't imagine what life will feel like when this nightmare if over.

[Anonymous]

@dory

I feel exactly like you. I have been at this for 1.5 years too. It has been miserable but a great learning experience.

With the new Exam Time Management is even more important than it used to be.

Goodluck and know you are not alone!!

[OnmywaytoCPA]

Hi dory, if you don't pass this time, maybe you should try switching to another section and let your mind rest from the FAR material. I know how you fell, I failed BEC once and REG twice. Once with a 74 for REG and then with a 72. This exam is a test of endurance and determine. Don't give up. Also, I had to change my study methods and study material for my third try at REG, and that boosted my score by 18 points. Maybe you should try using a different review course or try supplementing your current review course with another one. For my third REG attempt, I used the NINJA Notes, Audio, and MCQs along the Wiley Test Bank and the Roger Cram Course.

REG - 74, Retook 6/10/16, scored a 72 (Hate this exam)
BEC - 69, 79, 8/1/15
AUD - 83, 4/4/15
FAR - 77, 2/27/16

[Tncincy]

I definitely feel the same way. I have been at this for a few years. I was wondering today after my last customer came to pick up their work from filing extensions, what am I going to do with a CPA at 52. I go through can I, why can't I for a while. I still don't have an answer. Tax season is officially over so I am back to focusing on this test. Pray my strength (those that pray, chant, meditate, smoke signal,all of the above). I need to pass, I am running out of money. I run my own business, my credit cards are maxed, so I guess I'll be rolling pennies if I don't pass soon.

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

[jenpen]

I'll throw my name out there also. I took my first exam (AUD) May 2015, so 2.5 years now. I went on to take it a total of 5 times before I finally passed this year in July with an 85 – 56, 67, 61, 69, 85. I also passed FAR this summer on the third try – 69, 69, 82.

The only section I passed on the first try was REG, which I lost the credit for earlier this year. I'm scheduled to take it again in 2 weeks and BEC in December (retake, got a 70 last year). For anyone keeping score, if I pass these 2 that's a total of 12 attempts.

I get that it's completely discouraging to keep failing, but you've come this far. Don't give up. Otherwise the blood, sweat, and tears won't be worth anything. Keep pushing on and once you're done you'll never have to do it again!

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Ana]

bravo Jennifer! you're a model for me.

[dory]

Why didn’t I join this forum sooner? You all are so wonderful. I guess a huge part of the CPA beast is feeling like no one else around you understands.

It’s so true- giving up would dishonor all the work we have done and all of our sacrifices.

[Chandler]

@dory You CAN do this! I'm at the 1.5 year mark of studying, and I've had many times throughout this process where I felt like quitting. I questioned whether it will be worth it financially, whether I'll have any friends left when I'm done, and whether I actually cared this much about having CPA after my name.

The first time I failed a section, I was humiliated. I felt horrible telling my boss, friends and family members. Now that I've failed a few more, I'm not embarrassed anymore. Having the motivation and discipline to get up and keep going after a failure is just as impressive as passing the first time.

I truly believe that we can accomplish this if we put our minds to it!

[HoosierCPA]

@dory you are right there! Scoring consistently in the 70's shows that you know the material, the difference of pass/fail is just the matter of a question or 2. I would suggest sticking with FAR. No use in moving on if you don't have a pass yet (in my opinion).

I have a similar experience with REG, I took it 5 times (71,74,71,73,89). I don't feel like I knew that much more on my first exam compared to last, of all the exams that was the one I felt most confident in, I just wasn't seeing it through my scores :(.

Be honest with yourself and exploit your weak topics, its easy to continue to score 90+ on all your practice questions to make yourself feel better. But find the topics that you are scoring in the 70's or lower on and pound out as many of those as possible. Also, don't take sims for granted, even tho they are the same material as the mcq's it helps to be familiar with the format. FAR was my first exam so its been awhile but one thing that got me through it was knowing journal entries like the back of my hand, I remember that was what saved me, especially on the sims.

Good luck, you have the whole A71 community behind you!

FAR - 78
REG - 72,74,71...please just go away REG nobody likes you!
BEC - 82
AUD - Aug 16

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