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rogercpa
Major Contributor

Joined: 21 Jul 2008
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 251

Posted: 20 Jul 2009 at 16:22 \| IP Logged

WorkingOnCPA1 wrote:

I learned all of the above the hard way meaning I spend over two years on and off studying and wasting money on review programs (by letting Becker expire), and fees (scheduling and rescheduling) so yea it does add up. Finally I decided to "do it once, do it right and get it over with" so I am looking for some practical advise on daily schedules. I work full-time and have a boyfriend which is worse then having a pet!

LOL @ the boyfriend quip. You are totally right.

Like I said, a realistic accounting of EVERY hour of your week helps. Debra Hopkins has a great book called "You Can Pass the CPA Exam: Get Motivated" that has examples of a study schedule incorporating this idea.

So for example:

6a: wake up
6:30a - 7:30a: multiple choice questions
7:30a - 8:15a: commute to work (if you bus, bonus, you can fit in more multiple choice by lugging along your book!)
8:15a - 12:00p: work
12:00p - 1:00p: lunch at desk (brown bag it), watch 1 hour of CPA Review lecture
1:00p - 5:00p: work
5:00p - 5:45p: commute
5:45p - 6:45p: dinner
7:00p - 10:00p: lecture/multiple choice

Of course that is just an example and we all know that life doesn't always work out that way but at least you have a guide to go by.

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Motivated
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Joined: 09 Jul 2009
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Posts: 38

Posted: 22 Jul 2009 at 13:07 \| IP Logged

I am currently very discouraged now. In one of the forums I visit frequently, I posted about my life as it is now, indicating that I currently spend 12+ hours a day studying for this exam (Spending total 4 weeks on each section).

This is the response I get:

Quote:

I studied 2 weeks for each part while working and living my life like normally. The first two parts I was studying during Deloitte Audit busy season. No offense, you need better work ethic, and maybe more intelligence so you study less for something so easy.

Now I'm discouraged. He's making it seem like CPA exam is the easiest thing in the World to study for, and the fact that I pretty much gave up my social life for this is depressing. Am I just dumb? Am I putting in too much time for something "so easy"?

J.O.
Newbie
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Joined: 14 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9

Posted: 22 Jul 2009 at 13:19 \| IP Logged

Nobody is the same. What the guy said had nothing to do with work ethic or intelligence. The fact that anyone is studying accounting shows they have a work ethic and are intelligent. The main difference between people and studying if all fields are level..is learning styles. Everyone learns and study different.

cflas08
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Joined: 04 Apr 2009
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 941

Posted: 22 Jul 2009 at 13:23 \| IP Logged

WorkingOnCPA1 wrote:

I am having hard time implementing study time in my life, any suggestions on how to manage your life while trying to pass the CPA?

Maybe you can you describe your daily routine so I can apply it to my busy schedule (((

For the most part, what others have said is true. But, please make sure you are in the right mental state of mind before you start studying. If you are not, then you will give up and won't finish. How a person copes with studying varies from person to person. You may still be able to fit in a social engagement here or there. This all depends on the timeline you have set for yourself to pass the CPA exam. If you plan to sit for it within the next two years, then I think that should help you feel less stressed. But if you are trying to pass within the next year, then you can kiss your social life and much of your family time goodbye.

Take your pick. It's really not as bad though as people make it out to be if you put yourself on a realistic timeline for sitting for the exam.

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rogercpa
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Joined: 21 Jul 2008
Location: United States
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 251

Posted: 22 Jul 2009 at 13:38 \| IP Logged

Motivated wrote:

Quote:

Motivated,

First of all, everyone is different.

Second of all, you can't believe everything you read on the internet. :)

Third of all, worry about yourself and what you can do, not what other people are doing.

Fourth of all, this exam is NOT easy, if it were, we'd have bazillions of CPAs running around.

You will drive yourself crazy if you compare yourself to others. Especially a claim like that - it's possible but it's like those offers you see on late night TV to "make millions with work at home business!!" with the * at the bottom that says "results not typical"

worry about yourself and your abilities.

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