NJSCPA Exam Cram Blog

The Downslope

I have about a month left of studying for FAR before I plan to take my exam. I haven't exactly scheduled it yet, you see.

There's an odd feeling that goes along with studying for your third test, when you've already passed two. It's a sort of calm...panic. The calm part is because you've already passed two parts, so you know you're capable. The panic part is because you've already passed two parts so you expect more out of yourself. You expect to pass the next two parts you take.

The panic part is also because you study until you can't focus on another word and yet you still wonder if it will be enough...if that amount of textbook reading and acronym memorizing will do the trick. So in the end, you do all you can and hope for the best.

That's what I do, anyway.

There's something I've learned over my test taking journey that I, ironically enough, did not trust before: go with your gut instinct. Go with that first milisecond when your eyes flash to a particular answer. If you can rationalize or explain your first instinct, even better. If you can't...well at least you have an instinct.

So many times did I have an instinct about an answer and not choose it. This was and has been a giant mistake and maybe even the reason for my almost, and yet not, passing grades. So in the future, unless I am 100% certain otherwise, I will be going with my gut. Hopefully it won't lead me astray.

Happy Father's Day!

I would never be the person I am, or in the position I'm in, if it weren't for all of the hard work my father put forth. He came to this country in his 20's, not even knowing the language and did everything he could to provide for our family and give my brother and I a better chance in life than he had growing up. I am so grateful for all of the sacrificies he's made in his life, in order to better mine. Happy Father's day to all of the dad's out there!

 

Mike

Checking In

Hello Everyone,

How is the exams treating you all, It's a crazy nightmare. The fact that you have to use your free time to study, when you can be hanging out with your friends. This sounds like a good plan. The thought of investing in your future, but sacrificing your much needed summer to pass the exams also sound like a good plan. I say all this to tell you that the choice is yours.

You can enjoy the summer, and take the exams later, or you can take the exams now and enjoy future summers. Many students have offers to start in the fall, and there are some out there saying " I can knock out two parts before the fall" or I have 5 years to make manager, as such I have all the time in the world to take the exam.

Learn from me guys...Take it now...time is not your friend at all. 18 months goes by very fast. I am glad to tell you all that I am close to the end of the road, and would finish hopefully by the next window, but I wanted to share my story, so you all can learn from my mistakes.

Start by reading previous blogs on this web site, ask questions, set up a plan, and stick to your plan. I promise you would not regret it.

Take care.

Ed

Surround Yourself

Hey everyone!

 

While I've been hot on the trail for a passing score in REG and AUD, I've decided to add another form of studying material to my study plan.  In addition to using the Becker review book, questions, and online lectures, I've also decided to buy the Kaplan mp3 lectures.  I would definitely suggest using this or another competitor's mp3 offering because while you're driving to work/school/etc in heavy traffic going nowhere, you can listen to your favorite topics and take advantage of more study time than ever before imagined!

 

I think this has been helping me because my homework question scores have been improving since using this tool.  It's certainly not for everyone and many people prefer visual learning to auditory, but it may be worth a try.  And for $100, it's a great bargain for a passing grade!

 

Happy studying!

 

Taka 

New framework

Hey everyone!

 

A quick news posting today, as announced by the AICPA, a new framework of accounting for smaller businesses has been released today.  It may not affect most of the current test-takers, but at some point down the road if this framework becomes popular enough, it may create new areas to study for the CPA exam.  It would not happen for several years, but for anyone who is considering long term plans to take the CPA exam or is still in school now, remember this new set of standards because it will likely not be the last time that you hear about it.

 

The good news is that most of us who are reading this will not need to worry about this new set of standard as far as the exam goes.  But that doesn't mean you won't be seeing it at some point in your career!  For this reason it would be a smart idea to at the very least familiarize yourself with what this new framework means to the field of accounting.

 

http://www.aicpa.org/INTERESTAREAS/FRC/ACCOUNTINGFINANCIALREPORTING/PCFR/Pages/Financial-Reporting-Framework.aspx

Til next time...

Happy studying!

 

Taka