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delhi_walli
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Joined: 22 Dec 2008
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Posted: 29 Jul 2009 at 19:04 \| IP Logged

Hi,

Finally arrived in US but feeling a bit restless after few months here.

I was planning to do CPA initially with MS in accounting/Taxation.But here in all califronia state universities and UC's it seems there is a lack of funding and they are having only one session per yeari.e in summer 2010, instead of 2/3 previosuly.Also its becoming highly competitive for international students.

I dont want to stress myself but also dont want to sit idle and wait for one full year to pass by doing nothing.

Please advice what else should i do except enrolling for CPA that would add value to myself.

Thanks,

Delhi_walli

vicky
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Joined: 21 Jan 2009
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Posted: 29 Jul 2009 at 22:34 \| IP Logged

I don't really understand what you mean. Does the university offer a master program only in the summer of 2010 and that lasts only one semester?

There is nothing such as enrolling for a CPA. You can sit for the CPA exam if you are qualified to do so. If you still need to get your educational credits out of the way, you can sign up for classes which you can also take at a community/online college in many cases. It does not have to be a degree. If you are considered an international student for tuition purposes, that tuition bill at your local university may be very expensive. Even more a reason to consider community colleges and/or online programs as a alternative.

If you have some sort of background in accounting, did you have your education evaluated by your state's accounting board to see what you still need to sit for the exam?

delhi_walli
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Posted: 30 Jul 2009 at 13:20 \| IP Logged

I get my credential evaluation done and I am eligible for CPA credit requirements in California.I am enrollling soon for CPA exams.

My initial plan was to to do CPA in parallel with MS in Taxation/Accounting.

But it seems doesnt look very good option now because of

a. cost involved for internantional student(apprx.40-50k$)

b.I missed the deadline of all major UC/Cal state universities. I have to wait till summer 2010 to get going.

Instead of waiting till 2010 summer, do I have any other option to explore ?

Thanks,Delhi-walli

vicky
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Joined: 21 Jan 2009
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Posted: 30 Jul 2009 at 18:11 \| IP Logged

The MS is not going to add much once you pass the CPA exam. Or at least I don't think it is worth the $40-50K expense. Are you on some sort of an H visa?

You probably want to get involved in your local CPA chapter and sign up as a CPA candidate member. It seems that you are not allowed to perform paid labor based on your international student status, so volunteering can get you out of the house and in touch with the profession. CPA chapters often need volunteers for all sorts of stuff. Since you have no work experience in the US, getting some experience in the field will be very useful. There are some very large non-profits out there that may have a need for a skilled professional but no budget to pay for it. Check out the United Way, Boys and Girls Clubs and whatever else is out there. If the controller or someone else you can get experience under is a CPA, you can fulfill your experience requirement that way. Again, your local CPA chapter may be a great resource.

delhi_walli
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Joined: 22 Dec 2008
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Posted: 05 Aug 2009 at 19:48 \| IP Logged

Thanks for your advice.

I figure out one more thing for myself. i.e. Certificate cource in Taxation from UCLA.Its only 1.5 year cource but can be completed in 9 months too.

https://www.uclaextension.edu/r/ProgramDetails.aspx?reg=CF05 9

Also there are bunch of other courses also available for international students.

https://www3.uclaextension.edu/index.cfm?HREF=/departmentalp ages/index.cfm&DEPARTMENT=/iso/approved.cfm

Please have opinion on them from perspective of adding career value with doing CPA in parallel.

Thanks, Delhi_walli

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