I just received my score for FAR and I'm finally done! I just want to say thank you to CPAnet and all of the thoughtful and intelligent members here who have been so kind helping me with the many questions I've had.  I honestly do not think I would have been able to do it without your help. 

The questions have been many and the journey has been a long one.  I was out of school for almost 10 years, and out of the accounting field altogether, when I decided to make a change and pursue the CPA exam.  When I made that decision I really didn't know anything about the exams but I knew it would be quite a challenge....and it was. 

It's been a sacrifice in every sense of the word.  In college I was an average student.  An A here....a C there....and a few B's sprinkled on top.  However, I gave this exam everything I had and, for me, that's what it took. 

I felt I was a decent student before, but the preparation that was required for these exams was a whole new level.  Two to three hours each weekday and all day Saturday and all day Sunday was the norm.  I work full-time so there was a lot I had to change. The parties took a back seat, some family events took a back seat, tv shows took a back seat, the gym took a back seat, etc.  I didn't give these things up completely, but they were seriously curtailed. 

Money is tight for me, and unfortunately, I don't work for an employee that was willing to pay for CPA books so I couldn't use the Becker materials.  Initially, I just went to the bookstore and bought Wiley and/or Bisk textbooks.  I failed and then decided to add the Gleim test prep cd's.  THAT'S when I really started to feel prepared and cover all bases with the test topics.  I also bought index cards and wrote down the key points as I studied them.  This not only reinforced the material but also gave me a chance to study on the go. 

I avoided studying at home, at coffee shops and anywhere else where I didn't have complete silence.  There were times where, even the public library, wasn't as conducive to the kind of serious study that I needed.  The solution: the local college library.

I've read the posts of many people who have failed this exam multiple times.  I, too, have failed multiple times.  There were times when I started questioning myself.  Here I was, busting my butt and studying harder than I ever have and STILL failing?  It was a hard pill to swallow having put in that effort and still getting that failing score.  I'd rather clean a septic tank with a straw than go through that again.  However, you just have to put it behind you and just move on.  I didn't care if I had to retake exams until I was 90, I was going to get it done.  The thing to remember when you fail is that you're wiser now than you were a month or 2 ago.  You're that much closer to passing.  Now is NOT the time to give up! 

I'm just going to relax now and enjoy the day.  It's been my best Christmas ever!  All the best to all test takers and have a happy holiday season!

Congrats to all of u who have passed.I feel quite motivated after reading u guys..

Thanks