[Anonymous]

I need some of help and motivation from somebody who understands what I’m going through. I began studying for the CPA exams in May of 2017. Since then i have taken FAR twice, REG once, and i take BEC this Friday. Over a year later and I have nothing to show for it. My stress level is the highest it has ever been and i’m beginning to feel burnt out. You know it’s bad when you’re looking forward to tax season for a break from studying. I took REG back in July and got a 71, so i was going to try and retake it before tax season came around, but the closer it gets the more I’ve begun to realize my studying habits have been dwindling as a result of me being burnt out. Do i take a week or two off after this BEC exam and get back at it, or should i wait until after tax season to fully recoup myself so i don’t feel refreshed and ready to go again?
I know I can pass the exams, but it’s just really taking it out of me and i’m having trouble dealing with all the stress. I love what i do, but everyday i ask myself if this stress is really going to be worth it.
Any tips or pointers and motivation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[zmatin]

I would vote for cutting yourself some slack and taking a break…but if you read any of my posts, you'd probably also see I wouldn't be the best person to give you advice on putting stuff off. All I can say is good luck 🙂 We will all make it in the end…hopefully ;p

[FutureCPA]

Hi OP,. I have not passed the exams so you should take my advice with a grain of salt but have you ever considered taking a specific part until you pass it? Maybe this is a route you want to take whenever you decided to dust yourself off and starting hitting the books again.

I need to pass before busy season.

[KJ]

@ Alex, I have been in the same situation last year as well, failed FAR twice and AUD once. I recently took FAR exam early this month and waiting for December score release. Last year when I was studying for FAR, the first time around I studied for 10 weeks and second time 8 weeks. What I realized that I could not retain much of the information because as I read the next topic, I would forget the previous one.

I do not think I will pass this time around as well but at least I found out the best way I learn and retain the information. I think for any exam 6 weeks is enough to study with last 2 weeks doing unlimited MCQs and work on your weak areas. Obviously, everyone learns differently so you will have to find what is the best way you learn and retain info. One thing I will tell you for sure whenever I felt burnt out or stressed I would not study because I know I am just wasting my time and feel miserable. I would take a break from studying and just either spend time with family or go to gym.

Do not stress yourself and I am sure you will be fine. Good luck and lets tackle this MONSTER!!!

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

[Author]

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