Interpol CPA wrote: You should use Becker and study religiously. You will pass if you study enough.

That's what worked for me too. Even older Becker editions are good enough (less that 2 year old) for passing a CPA exam. I'm not a fan of Becker: I think they are priced too high (compared to other review courses); Becker wants your additional money when the 13-month license expires etc. It leaves you almost hopeless when the software license expires....My rant can go on forever. Btw, I've used the 2009 Becker books while sitting for 2010 exams: it worked.

But, nevertheless, Becker worked for me and I feel I need to give them the well deserved credit. I must add to this "Thank you" list the 2010 Gleim book (the Gleim FAR MCQs book).

FARleft wrote: Aesop is correct, passing is a great feeling of accomplishment. it also makes you feel relieved and is a bit of a confidence booster for your next part. Make your own note cards, writing the formula/concept makes it more likely that you will remember it. Sometimes, I would explain formula/concepts to myself as if I am telling some one about it, and it helps. Do an extra 10 minutes on a topic that baffles you. Find a technique that you feel will work for you. However, sometimes it is good to go out of your comfort zone, such as getting different study materials, study location, etc. Most important of all is never give up, pray and God will make it happen. Sometimes, you have to believe in yourself first regardless of any doubt on your part or from others. "Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, the mind can achieve." - Dr. Napoleon Hill All the best.

Everything you said is so right! Yet, I'll emphisize this line one more time:

"Most important of all is never give up, pray and God will make it happen." God works in mysterious ways and makes things happen (even when you don't expect it)!!!

LosingIt wrote: Write down all the reasons why you want this CPA so bad and put it where you can see it. Best wishes and good luck!

This part woudn't work for me for sure... I don't know lots of reasons why a person would want (so badly) to become a CPA. The reality (outside this test-taking environment) has dramatically changed in the last 2 years. At least, at this particular moment in time, I can't find any major reason why a person would willingly put himself through this nightmare.

Yet, if you've already started this journey (invested time, money and efforts into this), then don't stop in the middle of the road! That was my ONLY motivation: I've paid in advance for all four Becker classes, thus I'd better pass these f...-antastic exams! Otherwise, it would be a loss of thousands of dollars. If Becker would've offered refunds & returns, I bet, a lot of CPA candidates would opt out and quit altogether. I know, in a way, it sounds so-o-o pathetic, but that's my honest opinion as to "reasons to get a CPA designation". I trully wish I had a better reason...