[Kat]

I took FAR yesterday. It was my last section. If I don’t get a passing score next week, I’m going to lose REG.

I don’t have high hopes for passing FAR. I got a 63 last time and I didn’t get much studying done this time around because 1. chronic migraines 2. moving 3. tax season. I wouldn’t be surprised if I get around the same score or even lower.

I’ve fallen into a depression and I’m struggling with anxiety issues, neither or which I had before starting this exam process. I went to the doctor who gave me anxiety pills, but they’re causing my migraines to explode more and more. Oh, and I’m also at the highest weight I’ve ever been. This exam is taking it’s toll.

I’m at the point where I think I need to stop for my health and sanity. I don’t know if I want to try again after losing REG. And I know people will say just wait for the score but there’s just no way that I passed FAR.

For the people who lost a credit, how did you pull through this? How did you motivate yourself to want to finish?

[Kimberly]

@Kat

I wanted to take a minute to write you. I do not have advice on losing a credit, but I can speak to the anxiety part of these exams and tell you that you are not alone. I don’t know if it will make it better but please take solace in that. I myself shot up to my highest weight ever during my time taking the exams and now, almost a year after taking my last test I am still overweight, but dropped 18lbs once the anxiety of the test taking left me and I stopped studying and eating super late at night. These tests really affected my life. I always had anxiety, and still do, but the CPA exam brought the panic out in full force and the emotional efforts, waiting, up and down roller-coasters, really wreaked havoc on me. Trust me, you are NOT alone. I was miserable. I can’t imagine migraines on top of it. I am truly sorry you are having to deal with that.

Ultimately it is your decision, but your health and well-being is important and should be considered. It’s so hard to go through this process, so I do sympathize 100%. I hope you can look at your situation and make the best decision for you. I wish you well. And you’ll be okay, either way.

[YouCanDoIt]

@kimberly, you wrote that out so well.

@kat, I wanted to write to you as well as I struggle with anxiety too.
It made it hard for me to sit and concentrate, or made me feel tired, or just plain made my heart race. It can come in different ways, and while I try to joke of mine to myself to keep it on a light note, it is an on going issue that will prop up randomly.
I am wishing you all the best with your studies and most importantly your health. I know you said you don't feel good about the FAR, but maybe you will be pleasantly surprised on release day.

FAR: 76
REG: Currently studying
AUD:
BEC:

[74phoenix]

I had passed audit and BEC. Then I took REG, then FAR. I lost BEC because I failed REG…. I didn't know if I passed REG until after I had taken FAR, so I gave FAR my all anyway. I wound up passing FAR surprisingly, but failing REG, so it still sucked and I still had only passed 2 tests.

I figured – if I passed BEC once, I can do it again. But then I got mono (extreme fatigue for months). Then I was crying everyday. I couldn't handle work. I basically shut down from the stress. I, like you, have anxiety and depression because of this test.

I am getting help to cope through my firm's counseling options. I have started on medication. Would you consider switching medication? Taking a sabbatical at work?

If you fail FAR, how much time do you have until your next credit expires? Can you afford to take 2 months off from studying to relax?

It's not an easy decision. Ultimately, your health is more important than a license.

Graduated 05/2016.
NY CPA Candidate.
Public accounting.
FAR COMING UP 07/07/2016 !! GOD HELP ME.

[Kat]

@74phoenix – If I lose FAR, I have until 12/31/19 to re-pass REG before AUD expires. I really don't know if my mental health and my physical health will last until then.

[ahugemistake]

Hi Kat, have you had a chance to see a therapist or talk to someone about it? I've been in your situation before and I took the route to focus on myself for a year and let my scores expire. You can see I've passed all parts and it was at the expense of missing important time with my wife and kids, opportunities at work, and my mental health. I wouldn't be retaking them today if I hadn't sought treatment for my depression/anxiety and talked to a therapist. Studying on top of a crazy work schedule can easily burn you out, and you're not wrong for putting your health first. I'd also consider the sabbatical idea if your work offers it. Best of luck to you!

FAR - 78*
AUD - 66, 79
REG - 73, 76
BEC - 79

[Island Mango]

@Kat – I'm so sorry this CPA process is affecting your health. I don't have the health issues you're struggling with but I know the stress and discomfort this exam takes on candidates. Each time I had to go test my stomach was in knots. I would walk out of the testing center feeling dejected and sure that I failed. There were failures and it was humiliating and quite a blow to my self-esteem. I questioned myself whether I was doing the right thing. Why would I repeatedly put myself through this? But I pressed on because I'd be darned if I was going to let this get the better of me. I WILL PASS DAMN IT! I guess what I'm trying to tell you is it will all be worth it.
As for coping, I can tell you that taking a break from my daily studies and lifting weights helped. Taking my mind off the grind and the small accomplishment of doing something I don't suck at provided some comfort. If that's not your speed, might something like yoga help?
I also lost a credit (BEC) before passing all 4. I passed FAR and AUD but failed REG. FAR really took time but once I passed that, everything fell into place. I motivated myself with the rationale that I already have two squared away, I wasn't going to loose it by giving up. I'm halfway there. Nobody said climbing a mountain was easy. I reaffirmed those thoughts in my head everyday.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you. I leave you with this little piece of wisdom my husband kept telling me, it's a marathon not a sprint.

[Kimberly]

@YouCanDoIt – Thank you. Best of luck to you on the rest of your journey! 🙂

Best of luck to all of you on this journey. I'm rooting for all of you guys.

We are not alone and many of us seem to experience similar struggles with this monster of an exam. I'm glad there is this forum to share and talk with one another.

[Author]

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