[FutureCPA8]

Hey all,

I have been pretty down about failing FAR (I had invested a lot of time into it). I’m in Cali, so I got my score at 6am-ish and when I saw I failed I had a breakdown. I was SURE I walked out of there passing. The others in the office would not talk to me for 2 weeks until we got our scores out of envy(the irony right? I ended up failing), and I would hear them snicker about how much I studied and am whining and will “probably get a 100.”

Anywho, I called in sick that morning because I was having a mental breakdown “woe is me” moment that I’m sure ya’ll have felt at this point.

It rains it pours, so my manager was causing personal conflict with me (personal, not work related) and on top of this, my fiancee who I have been with for 9 years has turned off his phone and been MIA for two nights; saying I’m a burden and too depressed for him.

I just wanted to post on here and hopefully other can make me feel a little better. Not sure how to handle my fiancee essentially leaving me within the same 48 hours I would fail my first CPA exam. I’m ready to give up on life completely.

If you have nothing nice to say, please don’t. I get enough of that as it is. I just needed someone to talk to who understood, and since you’re all accountants I figured you were my best option.

I love this community so much. Looking forward to any positive, kind feedback I receive about my current situation.

FAR - 01/30/2016 - 57,
REG - 02/27/2016 - ?
BEC - 04/30/2016 - ?
AUD - 05/28/2016 - ?

[Biff-1955-Tannen]

Just out of curiosity, what was your study plan

AUD 93 Jan 16
BEC 83 Feb 16
FAR 83 Apr 16
REG 84 May 16

99% Ninja MCQ only

[choffner]

Dec 2015- February 2016…I bought a house and moved, planned a wedding and got married, celebrated Christmas. We have a 9 month old daughter and my wife is 6 months pregnant. I took REG on Jan 7, AUD on Jan 29 and I take FAR Feb 29. I will lose credit for BEC in June. Suffice it to say it's been an extremely stressful and trying few months.

I got an 81 on REG.

I felt confident on AUD. I got my score Feb 23.
74

It was heartbreaking. I had allowed myself to believe that come this Monday, all the studying and sacrifice would be over. And now it's not. But I press on, because I know I will not give in.

The way I see these exams is that there are three types of candidates. Type A are the ones that will get all 85's and higher. They'll take each exam once and pass and be done.

Type B are the candidates who will have to face failures on the exams. But they'll be stubborn and press on. They will pass and become a CPA.

Type C start out as Type B's, but they will give up when they face adversity and quit.

Failure is not the opposite of success. Failure is an ingredient of success.

Quit is the opposite of success. Do you want to be a CPA? Then don't quit and you'll get there.

I know this all sounds very cliche, but sometimes that's all we need…to take a step back, believe in ourselves, and refuse to quit. I've seen people on here that have more than 10 failed exams in their past, but they keep testing. Don't give up. You will pass all four.

BEC 75
REG 81
FAR 69, 75
AUD 71, 74, 84

[Missy]

Its a very humbling experience and difficult when it makes you see the true colors of those around you. You had a few days to lick your wounds and you are entitled to that but now its time to brush it off and move forward.

You don't drown because you fall into water, you drown by staying in the water.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[mitchmatch]

Hey futurecpa

First off, i am curious to know what kind of material, time spent, and study plan you are utilizing? Second you should really not let this discourage you, Learn from you mistakes, study harder, and you will surely tackle it and im sure you will get this. Just to point out, you started out with the hardest test, most chapters. You also could just get a crap shoot test, ill tell you that my test was all government and non for profit, and i know nothing about those topics, while others got non of that. You could just had a fluke test. But please dont post your material and study habits, also ask questions on this site you dont understand, everyone here would be really glad to help.

FAR-76 First attempt.
AUD-79 First attempt.
REG-79 First attempt.
BEC-79 First attempt.

Done!

BECKERS

[tuanxn]

I have great respect for the people who take this exam. Not necessarily just the ones who pass, but also those who fail and press on. This is one exam that everyone needs to put time into and a humbling experience for even the brightest individuals.

I know how it feels to be so sure of something and caught off guard when it doesn't pan out the way you wanted it to (even when it's not even close to what your most pessimistic expectations would be). Since this is your first failing experience, I can assure you that it is the worst it gets. I know you know this, but it isn't the end of the world and all that time wasn't a waste. I'm sure you learned a lot of things you vaguely remembered from the past that you never really understood until now.

Just take this as a learning experience, think about what you can change about your study plan, and get feedback from other members here. When you're all done with the exams, you'll look back and see how much you've overcome. It's a great feeling. A feeling I think people who pass on their first try miss out on (not knocking them at all).

[Jdn9201]

FutureCPA8, I'm sorry to hear what you are going through. I would say that as bad as you feel right now, you will feel 10 times that if you give up. The only thing you can do is think constructively about what you can do differently that will make you pass next time. I originally wanted to start my exams in 2014 and signed up for BEC after taking a new job that had a crazy travel schedule. To make a long story short, I wound up failing with a 74. I was upset but it wound up being a blessing. Had I passed, my 18 month clock would have started and I did not have the time to continue studying with my crazy schedule. It also encouraged me because I came so close which meant I didn't have to do much more to pass once I started the process again. Looking back, I'm now glad that I failed.

I would also caution you from discussing your exams with your coworkers. I originally was going to not say anything, but I am blessed with an awesome group who is very encouraging. Otherwise, it's none of their business. That way too you don't have the added pressure of worrying about what they are going to say if you don't pass because they'll never know. I'm also sorry to hear about your fiance and hope that it works out. You should be able to lean on loved ones in times of turmoil, but try to make sure that you don't forget to ask about what's going on with them too, and it doesn't just become all about you. The reason I mention this is I'm on the verge of breaking up with my boyfriend partially because he dwells on his past and current failure way too much and gets very depressed. I don't expect people to be happy all of the time, but the attitude is contageous and he neglects to ask me how I am doing a lot. I'm not excusing your fiance, but just try to see it from his point of view. I hope things work out for you and just don't give up. Your failures make you stronger and the only way they win is if you give up.

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[jonnybgood2321]

I just failed Auditing by a few points, its the worst feeling. Especially when you have friends and co-workers texting you starting at 9am asking how you did on your exam. MY strategy is head down and GRIND. I rarely answer my phone if its not work related, don't want to talk to anyone, just want to STUDY and get through this exam. You have to pick yourself up, actions speak louder than words and nothing will bring you back to 100 unless you just knock this exam out of the park.

As far as issues with your fiancé, from a male point of view, stop calling him. Shoot him a text and tell him youre concerned and when he's ready youre willing to talk, then just take the thought out of your mind. (easier said than done) But dealing with relationship issues is crippling, making it impossible for you to focus on studying. You need to just do what needs to be done for you and your daughter. When youre down in the dumps you have to just pick yourself up, study one page at a time, and just keep grinding it out. Good Luck. A month from now this experience will either MAKE or BREAK you so make the choice now.

AUD-PASS
BEC-
FAR-
REG-

[FutureCPA8]

@Everyone.

Thank you. I want to be a CPA, love my job, love working in Public an I know I'll pass one day with enough perseverance.

Just a little difficult when the one person you wish would encourage you does not. 🙁

FAR - 01/30/2016 - 57,
REG - 02/27/2016 - ?
BEC - 04/30/2016 - ?
AUD - 05/28/2016 - ?

[Tncincy]

I agree with mia11692…..you're more than capable of passing this exam with a little study. Failure has a way of being discouraging, and it may go beyond just failure, it may be depressing. Take a minute, think of the strategy, re-do the strategy, get different materials, get new courage and go at it again. That's the only way to defeat the depression. Another consideration is stop letting others put pressure on you of how soon you should pass. Pass when you pass, but we know we must study with a good strategy to pass. We all want the opportunity to say we're done, and we've passed. So don't make it pressure or more than what it is…….

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

[Nessie]

Hey Future, you are not alone and glad you are able to express what is going on with you. I know this may not help, but I was discussing my exams with my significant other last night, who is a CA/CPA and said back when he did his exams, you were only allowed a couple of fails and then they barred you from writing any more….So at least you have the opportunity to write again. Back then you also had to write a “final” exam that covered all topics too.

When it rains, it pours sometimes, but it can’t rain forever. I would ignore your partner for now. I always thing the best thing to do is disappear, don’t even send him that text like someone suggested.

I agree with jdn, don’t talk about your exams with people at work. People are funny. I have a very good friend who interned at a big 4. I haven’t even told her that I was hired at the same firm because: a) I know she is going to get jealous- she is like that and b) who knows what could happen between now and June. They could pull back the offer.

Im not sure what is with FAR, but seems no one gets high marks with that one. I haven’t seen any 99s like I’ve see with AUD.
So you really started with the hardest one. I see you have a very aggressive study schedule. Are you working full time? Maybe you should have a “me” weekend. Get your nails done, relax, whatever you do to treat yourself and regroup next week. Maybe spread out those exams a bit as well.

You are not alone,

nessie

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

Becker self-study, Becker Final Review & NINJA MCQS

[CPA50]

Future – KEEP at it 🙂 Surround yourself with people who love AND support you. (For better or worse, etc.) My hubs and I have been married for 24 years and we have seen each other through some rough times. He called me right before I walked into AUD to give me encouragement and greeted me with Champagne when I came home. We toasted the danged 73 on FAR and the hope for future passes. If your fiancee can't support you when you're sad about this, what happens when something really life-changing happens? I'm very sorry that you have to find the love and support you need from other places. I feel like smacking your fiance now (uh-oh…mama bear is coming out). Take care of yourself and know that you will pass if you don't give up!

AUD 88 (expired), 80 retake
FAR 64,69,67,73,67,73,73,73, August 3
REG 75 (expired) September 7
BEC 72, 77

The adventure continues...

[Missy]

And regarding your fiance, consider that he did you a huge favor and cut him loose (as painful as that is I don't say it lightly as a woman who divorced with 2 children in the mix.)

As a married couple you will need to weather much tougher storms than failing a CPA exam. Children, aging parents, health issues, purchasing a home, etc. are REAL stress. If he can't support you through this he is not the man you want at your side during tough times. Consider it a blessing.

Today it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I failed AUD twice and REG once and each time I was devastated. I went on to pass all 4 and get my license. When you are no longer in the midst of the exhaustion and frustration you are feeling today you truly will look back and see it as no big deal. You retake the exam, you pass, you get on with it.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[NotAnother74]

I've been trying to get through this for 6 years now. Have had a hard time stringing together 18 months to pass them all. I had to leave public to get the time I needed. Much happier with life in general since leaving big 4.

It's a grind. I've taken 9 of these things. Money time and sacrifice. Sucks watching peers fly through while you struggle. It's life though. You are tested and you must show resolve. An unwillingness to quit. Handle the bad times and remember the good times. Keep dominating.

F AR - 76
B EC - 82
A UD - 77 (lost credit)/Retake 2/25
R EG - 80

[Anonymous]

great post full of relationship, career, and exam advice.

lean on the community during your time of need. you can do it.

i like to make a gratitude list when im feeling crummy like this.

i am grateful today that even though i dont have my CPA license yet, I…walk and think clearly with no handicaps, have a vehicle that i use to drive to prometric which i take for granted when a lot of people take the bus to work daily, have a great job in public accounting when a lot of my peers are still unemployed out of college, have a couple of college degrees, have $$$ in the bank to afford exam fees and test prep materials. have the support of family, have A71 community where i can vent, look for support, and share my studying methods

its a great way to cheer yourself up focusing on what you HAVE rather than on what you LACK. lacking a passing score on your first section is nothing. now you got experience with the exam. you're ways ahead of people that don't even have their NTS. my state recently changed their requirements- a lot of people would kill just to be admitted to sit for the exam! and as others mentioned the 18mos clock hasnt started ticking for you yet.

take some time and refocus on FAR. i actually started with BEC&AUD because i wanted to get the easy ones out of the way first.

[Mae]

Failure makes you humble (*man*, does it make you humble) but, without a doubt, I've learned more through my failures than I ever have with my successes.

AUD - PASSED MAR '15
REG - STUDYING SEP '16
FAR - PASSED MAY '16
BEC - PENDING JUL '16

[Author]

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