I graduated in '03. I took parts of the exam over the years, but wasn't 100% committed to studying. I never had to study much in college, and figured that I could pass the cpa exam with minimal effort as well - not true. It doesn't matter how smart you are or what kind of work experience you have.  You have to put in the hours and immerse yourself in the study materials. 

Becker seems to be working for me....this is what I've been doing....  I make myself go to the live classes, so that I get the lectures knocked out without any interruption - if I didn't go to the class, I don't know how I would set aside the time. I follow the suggested study plan from the books rather closely - but I don't worry too much about the simulations.  I just glance over them so I'll know what to expect. If you know the material, you will be ok with whatever simulations you get. 

I study during my lunch hour 4 days a week, then almost every night for 2-3 hours (more on weekends). It's tough and it sucks, but it's going to feel great when it's all over. I come home after each class and make flashcards since I'm too burned out to do anything else after the lecture (they're good for reviewing later to help me remember the prior lectures - I put them everywhere and try to review them when I get a few free minutes). Then, I do the questions until I get them all correct atleast once - including the supplemental questions (most of my time is spent here).  Finally, I print out the outline and make additional notes all over it to use during my final review. It's great to have to read over the night before the exam, while I'm reading back over the chapters.  During the week before each exam, I pick a topic that I'm having trouble with and focus in on it. Once I start to grasp the subject matter, I remind myself that I just picked up atleast one extra point on the exam I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. It helps motivate me and keep me thinking positive. You just have to chip away at it.

You're not a loser! Hang in there - and know you might have to put in more effort than you've ever had to put in for anything, but you will eventually pass! Sorry to ramble on....I hope this helps....good luck to you! 

nycpaloser wrote: Hi, I am J and I am a big CPA loser. I have been trying to pass this exam for a year without success... I am getting very frustrated with this exam. I do understand all the topics, but whenever I start reviewing two chapters I start forgetting the first one. I have forgotten formulas and minor definitions in the exams, which cost me big points. I believe I have a very short-term memory. I work full-time in one of the Big4 and this year is supposed to be my promotion. However, it is not possible to be promoted unless I pass this exam. There is even a rumor that people get fired, which I will hate at this point. I have been using Becker to review and I go through all the questions, but not all the simulations. Maybe I am not studying correctly. I feel very dumb after all the studying and failing. Again, am J, and I have decided to join CPAnet.com, and pass the exam this year. I will not give up yet, and I am already scheduled for Audit on January 3rd. Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

Hi there,

The folks that have already posted to this thread have made a lot of valid points.  One thing I can add is:  LOSE THE "CPA LOSER" ATTITUDE!!!!  Ever hear of self-fulfilling prophecies?  Don't let it happen to you!  I would definitely recommend you change your id!

Everyone is different and responds to studying the exam in different ways.  If Becker isn't working for you, try another course.

Do as many MCQ's as you can find, and do the simulations in the books/ software.  They reinforce the priciples you are trying to master for the exam.

Finally, have faith in yourself and know that you will pass all of the sections of the exam.  Keep smilin'!

Cheers!

Jay