[KNCPA]

So – I’ve been a constant reader on this and have posted only a few times. I’ve never really shared my story so I’ll keep it brief:

I’ve been studying since 2013. I have taken the exam 15 times and as of right now I have FAR and REG passed. My REG exam expires on 8/31 and I had just received my Audit score and to my surprise (or not so surprise): 73.

Granted, I have passed BEC before but eventually lost credit for it because REG took multiple times to pass. I really thought I passed AUD this time around so when I saw the 73 this morning – it really was a dagger and all the motivational wind went right out of my sail. Before my ‘no motivation’ hit today, my study habits have been really good. I put 3-4 hours in a day and sometimes more on the weekends so study time, etc. isn’t the problem…..

I have friends who started their MBA journey over a year after I started my CPA journey and they are done and I still have nothing to show for my hard work — talk about discouraging.

I have BEC scheduled for June 10th, but sitting here right now, that’s the last thing I want to do. So my question is this: When is it time to just accept the fact that this horrible, horrible, horrible test has gotten the best of you and hang up the gloves?

Because I’m very close to calling it quits…

[MrHopeful215]

Give up? what does that mean? lol. Never give up on this, I looked at it as an investment that will grow for the rest of my life. There are few things you can control in life, but you can definitely steer your career in the rigth direction. You asking if you should give up on this forum means that you don't really want to because you care and you want people to tell you to keep going and that is what we are here for. Look at some of the posters here. Some people have taken the exam over 10 times. I took them a total of 8 times and I made it. You have no idea how close you are. You got a 73….. it isnt like you got a 40………… relax and try again.

AUD - 82
REG - 78
BEC - 78
FAR - 76

[Tncincy]

I hate to add insult to injury, but the test changes in 2017…..so go on and pass…So many have said they passed, SO CAN YOU. What's wrong with trying again. I could see if you were not doing well, but a few points does have a meaning, you're lacking something small to get you to that 75. It's not going to be easy…..get with the veterans and see what you need to do different. A71 is here with you, just ask the question.

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

[MrHopeful215]

Also, Have you tried Gleim Test Bank for BEC. I thought it was awesome in helping my identify my weak areas because the questions are grouped into subtopics. It really helped me understand what I was strong and weak on.

AUD - 82
REG - 78
BEC - 78
FAR - 76

[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

@ OP I too have been testing since Oct 2013. Just passed my first exam taken on 4/3/16.

KEEP FIGHTING!!! REMEMBER THE AICPA IS NOT YOUR FRIEND THEY WANT YOU TO FAIL. DONT LET THEM WIN

[KNCPA]

Thank you! Like I said in a previous post – you all have no idea how much it means and how motivating it is to see so many people rooting for someone they don’t even know to succeed, when most of those people rooting are well into this fight, as well. It is truly appreciated…

I know I would absolutely regret giving up and maybe like @MrHopeful215 said, the reason I posted in the first place is because I do NOT want to give up and maybe just needed some encouragement and push to keep going. Taking the test 15 times is A LOT but what’s 2 more…?

As Wayne Gretzky said, “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take”. So I’m going to keep shooting..

Everything everyone has posted on here has encouraged me to continue this journey, and for that, I am truly grateful.

I’ll keep everyone posted on my journey and I’ll definitely be rooting for all of you who is still in this fight with me…. Until the battle is won!

[KNCPA]

So – I'm taking your advice @tncincy and here to ask for some advice.

As noted in my sob story above – I still have BEC and AUD to pass and will lose REG on 9/30 (I initially thought it was 8/31).

As of right now I'm scheduled to take BEC on 6/10 but I know some of you thought it may be better to move BEC until late Aug and stay with Aud and take AUD first or 2nd week of July. I would have 1 chance at AUD and 1 chance at BEC if I choose this option

If I stay on course – I'll have 2 chances at BEC and 1 at AUD..

It's almost like a pick your poison..

Advice?

[Anonymous]

How long have you been studying for BEC so far? If you're already well into your studies, stick with BEC and take it, with the intention and belief that it will be the final time you take it (aka don't be like “I'm just studying for the first time”, study like it's the last time), then take AUD in August. You'll still have 2 or 3 months to study for AUD, which is plenty, but having the break from AUD and attacking AUD like it's fresh after taking BEC may be very beneficial.

If you've hardly started studying for BEC, then it's really anyone's preference which is the better choice. I'd still lean towards doing BEC, taking a break from AUD, and worst-case scenario being able to take both in the Jul/Aug window if you fail BEC. But, others would say go back to AUD since you took it more recently.

To reiterate, though, if you're already into your studying for BEC, I see no reason at all to stop your BEC studying and switch to AUD, cause you'll lose what you've put into BEC. You're already at least a couple weeks past when you did your AUD studying, so it's already not fresh. Right now BEC is fresh, though, if you're already into your studying. So, if you're already studying BEC, stick with BEC, nail it on June 10, and then have the whole 3rd window free for AUD. Given that you can take it as late as needed in the Jul/Aug window, don't cut your study time short; take all the time you need to be able to study AUD till you feel like you could recite the book and lectures in your sleep. I'm not saying you didn't study hard the last time, but you'll have to find a way to study that little bit harder this next time, and having the extra time that's afforded by having BEC out of the way might be what you need to be able to get that little bit harder in.

[Spartans92]

KNCPA, Dont quit. I came across this article earlier. It talks about the CPA credential and the difference between those who have it versus those who dont. Give it a read if you'd like. https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2016/may/cpa-credential-delivers-high-value.html

BEC- PASS

[Tncincy]

I agree with Lilla, stick with BEC since you are already studying and have a momentum in studies. It's too much to switch back and forth, imo… You can do it….We all can if we stay determined.

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

[KNCPA]

Thanks for the advice, @Lilla and @ tncincy. I am going to stick with BEC and take it on 6/10. That gives me 5 weeks on top of the 2.5 I've already been studying. Granted, its not a given but hoping for the best.

@Spartans92 – thanks for that article – that was a great read. It's motivating to see it all in relative perspective.. appreciate that.

[SpiritofGod]

@KNcpa Just my 2 cent input. … Just remember the great Jeff who started this great, useful forum took this tests 16 times, including ethics. He had 3 71s in a row on bec and thus the website another71.com! I'm pretty sure he didn't have any forum to vent his frustration like you and I have today but he didn't give up. My advice for bec is to get ninja MCQ. 80% of your score is from MCQ. Get the formulas (I have most of them I case you need them) and know them in and out! Get your score to a sincere 70 or above. Take good notes for final review and you knock off this disguised beast!

[jess919jaf]

Don't Give up! I took my first test November 2009. I've been around so long I remember when Jeff created the NINJA notes and that's all he had! I have taken the test a total of 23 times (BEC – 7 AUD – 8 REG – 4 FAR – 4) This includes two 74's on AUD in a row and a loss of BEC. I had three passed this time last year and failed FAR to lose BEC. Now here I am with REG and AUD passed, I took BEC Monday and FAR at the end of the month. If I don't pass both I lose REG 5/30 followed by AUD 8/31.

I actually have a spreadsheet of my progress and when I have a new hire talking about giving up because they didn't pass something on their first try, I show them my spreadsheet, because it wasn't until recently that I started passing tests. And I tell them, If I can keep trying and pass so can you!

I think about giving up all the time, but I know I will regret it. I just go back at it!

AUD - 69, 74, 74, 76 --> PASSED
BEC - 72, 70, 76 --> Lost Credit
REG - 62, 72, 77 --> PASSED
FAR - FAIL

[KNCPA]

So – I know this thread hasn't been used in a while — but I figured I would share an update.

First, and foremost, I want to thank all of you who posted after I created this thread. When I received the 73 on AUD in the beginning of May… I was one blink away of giving this test up. Because of your encouragement, motivational words, and inspiration – I decided not to.

With that said, I moved on to BEC and found out today I passed with an 80.

Now I have 3 down and one more round with AUD in September. Its a pass or lose REG kind of deal.. so the battle isn't over; however, I just wanted to say thank you again.

Without this thread, I may have not tested BEC at all. So I do sincerely appreciate it.

[Ryan – Just Another Dollar]

@KNCPA That's awesome news! Dig in hard and kick AUD and be done with all of this!

B - 88 (2/16)
A - 84 (4/16)
R - 73 (6/16), 82(7/16)
F - 67 (1/16), 84(4/16)

Ethics - 93

Roger course & Ninja MCQ - HiYa!

[waffle_house]

You have 3 down and you were close to passing AUD last time. You're close to the finish line keep going.

[Author]

Replies