[Anonymous]

Hello! I am currently a full-time student but come August 2016 my full-time course load will drop down to only one course. At this time, I will be eligible to begin sitting for the CPA. In January 2017, I am all set to begin work at a public accounting firm. I budgeted these few months to take the CPA. Does anyone have any experience/advice on how full-time studying should be done? I’m hoping to knock out as many sections as possible before I start working (during the months of August-December). If I can study around 30 hours a week, wouldn’t I only need to study about 2/3 weeks per section? Thoughts and comments on my plan would be greatly appreciated.

[Pony Boy]

This would be my study plan if I were you:

Exam 1: End of August
Exam 2: Beginning of October
Exam 3: End of October
Exam 4: End of November

I am on a similar plan as you right now.

REG (02/2016)- PASS
BEC (04/2016)- PASS
FAR (06/2016)- PASS
AUD (08/2016)-

"Stay Gold, PonyBoy, Stay Gold"

[Anonymous]

Because you can only take each exam 1 time per window, so you couldn't re-take in November one that you failed in October, I'd say take full advantage of the time that you have. So, while 3 weeks might be enough for them at 30+ hours of study per week and with the material fresh in your mind, might as well take 4 and be certain that you've got it covered. Only reason I'd push down to 2 weeks would be if you thought you could get 2 done before the end of August to allow yourself the opportunity to re-take them if needed in November, but I prefer to make a plan that's more assured of passing than a plan that allows – and prepares for – failing. 🙂 So, I think Pony Boy's schedule sounds pretty good, presuming that you'll be able to get the paperwork in order to schedule your first exam by the end of August. If you need an additional date to sit (either because paperwork takes too long to get an exam seat in August, or if you needed to do a re-take), you can study through December to take an exam the first weekend of January before you start work or after you've only worked a couple days, while work hasn't interfered with your studying too much.

With diligence, you should be able to have these exams completed prior to beginning your job.

[Nessie]

I am in the same boat as you will be fleming, I was in full time graduate school, but for this last semester just part-time.

The following is strictly my opinion:

A lot of it depends on how much you already know. I think it would be pretty hard to do 3/10 sections of Becker FAR (I assume your company will pay for your Becker prep course) in one week, even if you are familiar with the material. Also, you don't have a large margin for error since September and December are blackout months.

Also, even if you have full free days ahead of you, studying for more than 6 hours a day can be ineffective if that's all you do day in and day out. Eat well and exercise during this time.

You should make a schedule and absolutely include a extra week or two if you get sick/need more time for a chapter. I also recommend taking a day off a week. When I do this, I get so much done on my day back. Finally, don't underestimate the magnitude of all of this. It really is tough, and will be even tougher if you have a gun to your head trying to get 3 chapters completed a week.

I agree with Lilla, you might want to push one into January, or later.

Good luck!

REG Aug 20/15: 88
AUD: Feb 29/16: 80
FAR: Jun 10/16: 80
BEC?

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[Demha]

Take:
BEC at the end of August
FAR in Early-Mid October
Reg at the end of November

I suggest you take the safe route and knock out as many as possible instead of trying to cram all four. You can easily ace BEC in one month, FAR is very deep in material and I would suggest being careful just to be safe by allotting extra time to assure that you pass. REG should be next so that you are prepared for tax season. I would hold off until January-April for Audit. Audit is a secret beast.

In the end, there is no expectation for you to complete all the exams before your start date. Most firms would be impressed if you completed the exam within the first year. You have a lot of time. Be wise with your study strategy and remember it's not a race. In the end, it would be impressive to knock out all four, however its risky because you could end up failing one or two and having to retake them with the pressure of working full time. Not to mention the frustration and waste of money after failing. This is what I would do in your situation. Good luck! 🙂

Gleim baby!
Grand Valley State University - '15
Accounting & Finance
FAR - 2nd Window '16

[Author]

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