NJSCPA Exam Cram Blog

Busy busy busy

Hey everyone!

 

Time for a few midseason tips!

Number one, study for the exam as much as possible before you start working.  Although I'm taking a break from studying during busy season at work, I also wouldn't want to imagine taking on that task right now.  It takes a tremendous amount of willpower to study day in and day out during this time of year when you work full time or even part time.  I have the utmost respect for anyone who can successfully study for a section like this, but would not suggest it for most people, including myself. 

 

It is for that very reason that I reiterate, study for the exam as soon as you can so that you won't have to worry about passing a section or missing the 18 month window.  It may seem like a bother to study during the summer or during your days off, but trust me it is worth it. 

 

As I've posted before, I have 2 more sections that I haven't been able to pass yet, Audit and Regulation.  It has come to my attention that the CPA exam will be changing its format and certain material, particularly Audit, that will take place in June.  That means that May is the last month that you will be able to take the exam in the format that we have been studying in.  It is for this reason that I plan on taking the 2 sections I still need in May so that I won't need to worry about new information to learn/review.

 

I hope that this is useful information for those of you who are currently studying and considering taking the exam soon.  Best of luck to all who are braving the busy season by studying and hope to see you pass soon!

Happy studying!

Taka

The Moment of Truth

Hello everyone!

 

Well it seems like half of the aspiring CPAs in the state of NJ took a section of the exam on January 14, and that means that just as many people received their scores for that test in the last week.  It's always a wonderfully exhilarating yet terrifying experience to go online and check your score.  Once you put your section ID and date of birth in, that score button seems like it may be your best friend or your worst enemy, and unfortunately you can't tell the difference until you've already clicked it.  Facing this situation myself this past week, I took the leap and clicked only to find that I had scored the worst number known to man (or woman)...a 74. 

 

It's certainly a tough thing to accept going into my first tax season that I've missed my last 2 sections after so breezily passing the first 2 sections last summer/fall.  However, as some of my fellow bloggers have done already, I will push through the next few months and keep some of the material fresh in my mind so that come April and May, I'll be ready to take on the beasts that are audit and regulation so that I can be done once and for all with this delightful test.

 

I also want to take the time and congratulate Alyssa on her passing of the last section and her progress on becoming a CPA(Coolest Person Alive®)!  She is one of many who I'm sure have received good news this week, and I know that I and many others will use that as motivation to make it through.  Soon enough we'll be finished too!

 

Best of luck to all who are studying/working/finishing school right now and keep on studying!

 

Taka

(Hopefully) Happier New Year

It's no secret that I have been majorly slacking in the blog post department as of late. I believe, at the time of my last post, I was waiting for my BEC score. If you'll remember, I scored a 69 on BEC during summer of 2011 and a 70 on it during October 2012, so I thought I could bounce myself over the extra 5 points by studying for a few more weeks and re-taking BEC in November 2012. I received my score some time in December and was greeted by a big, fat 68.

I didn't really understand how that was possible. After basically not studying at all for the test in 2011 (you know, post-college graduation, pre-full-time job stupidity), and studying my a** off for the test in October, I couldn't really fathom how I could receive practically the same score. I was really angry, I think. "Why does it matter if I study or not, then?" I thought. So I decided to put BEC aside and continue on with my plan to take REG in late November.

I failed that one, too. And along with that attempt comes a similar story of how I "barely studied" during the 1st go-around and "studied so much I had no life" during the 2nd go-around and still got virtually the same score. After receiving this "F", I decided to abandon my plans of taking FAR in late January. I had no hope left inside of myself with which to conquer "the Beast".

I believe that leaves us to where I am now: slowly building my confidence back with plans to take my next exam after tax season and most likely some time in May. I am thinking BEC (I know, I'm a masochist -- but aren't we all? Taking this exam?). I figure I will only have a month and a half to study and BEC is the shortest exam, so it just makes sense.

My plan is to give myself a little bit of a breather (...during tax season...oxymoron...) and to read my BEC text whenever I have a spare minute. Nothing crazy, just as a refresher until I start seriously studying in late April.

I am very happy (albeit, rather jealous!) for all of my fellow-bloggers that have had recent success with this exam. I have faith that I, too, will pass this thing. With 3 parts left (BEC, REG and FAR) and 1 part expiring in exactly 1 year (AUD). I really have to get my head on straight and start kicking some exam butt!

Now that you are all caught up, this is where I tell you that suggestions are welcomed, even though I am pretty sure I've tried everything short of hypno-therapy (...although that doesn't sound like too bad of an idea right about now). I hope you will forgive me for my absence.

I'm back.

Lauryn

A New Year

Happy New Year everyone!

 

I hope that you all enjoyed 2012 and are ready for new calendars and resolutions and busy gyms as we begin 2013.  I just wanted to share a small bit of advice that I recently received and found to be much more effective than I originally thought.  Although it might seem like a waste of time, and post its, making to do lists and organizing all of the projects we have in our busy lives can be a great way to get some traction.  It doesn't immediately get you any progress, but what I've found is that knowing where you want to apply yourself this day, this month, or this year can be very helpful in actually allowing me to reach my goal.

 

This might be a simple concept that most of you, if not all, have already been working towards, but perhaps it's something that might be of benefit to simply hear aloud or in words.  Even if you would agree that it seems like a waste of time to physically write or type out a list of things you need to finish for the week, it really does work.  I know that I'll be using this tactic to work myself for the next 10 days and get myself pass the REG section on the 14th!

 

All the best of luck to you all this year and keep on studying!

 

Taka

BEC: Part Deux

After finding out I failed BEC with a 70 last month and adding three weeks of additional studying, I sat for the exam a second time yesterday. I took a new approach for studying the second time around.

I didn't want to keep doing the Becker questions from my software because I was afraid that I had memorized a lot of the answers…and that's not really studying. Instead, I did AICPA released questions for BEC for years 2010, 2011 and 2012. These are really great tools to use and, starting in 2011 I believe, Becker provides explanations to the answers FOR FREE! In my opinion, anyone would be a fool not to utilize these because you're pretty much getting study material for zero dollars. (Can't beat that.) Also, another great resource I found is the Wiley CPA Test Bank. If you go to this website, you can register for 24-hours of FREE test bank access to all parts of the exam. I registered the day before my test and used the questions as a final review. The best part is that you don't have to give them your credit card or any other payment method, just your email. I found the questions to be very helpful and I hadn't seen a good amount of them before. I like the setup of the questions because they are all online, so they can be accessed from any computer with a username and password (unlike other review providers for which you must purchase a CD and download onto your computer). I definitely plan on purchasing the Wiley Test Bank for REG. I believe the subscription is around $100 for a full year and access to thousand of questions.

I hope these tips help you all out and I hope they helped me out as much as I think they did! I felt good about my exam…I just hope it's 5 points good and not 3 or 4 points good. I do not need a 74, thank you very much.

In the mean time, I will resume studying for REG, which I plan on taking sometime in November. To my understanding, the release date for my BEC score is November 5th. On the advice of a friend, I will not be looking at my BEC score until after I sit for my REG section. I want to be as motivated as possible for REG and I don't need some score hanging over my head like the black cloud of the CPA exam. After I take REG, I will find out about BEC. If I pass -- that would be awesome and even more motivation for FAR. If I don't pass -- well, at least REG will already be taken care of and I can focus on a new game plan.

Happy Studies!

Lauryn

BEC: The Results

Did you ever notice that, when you tell someone you didn't pass a part of the CPA exam, they tend to look at you like someone just died. Well, I've noticed it. Mostly because I just found out I got a 70 on BEC, here at work. Like I've said before, I am too curious and impatient to wait for that daunting email that pops up in your inbox with your fate sealed inside. I am a refresher. I will refresh the online score page on the NASBA site from the moment I see the Twitter update revealing that my section's scores have been released.

That, my friends, is how I came to find myself in this predicament. 70 on BEC. Here at work. I have to tell people how I did because, well, if I don't then they get to speculate that I failed instead of knowing the facts. I'd prefer to tell them, always. So I did. Of course, in return, I've received a handful of lost stares, awkward silences, and even the occasional hug. It's not like my great aunt Julie died, people! It's not the end of the world! And besides, I am one of those "always look on the bright side of things" people.

Therefore, I'll commence with plan B: put REG to the side and study BEC for the next 3 weeks with a tentative exam date of October 1 (I can't re-register for 48 hours, as all of you non-75ers out there already know). I am going to try to cram with either the Wiley BEC book or the Another 71 Ninja Notes. Anyone have any luck with either of these??

In the mean time, I'll be relying on the following quote, sent to me by a friend and co-worker: "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I'm possible!" (Kind of cheesy, I know, but I hope it motivates you all as much as it does me.)

Happy Studies!

Lauryn

 

BEC: Afterwards

In response to Claudio's comment on my last post:
BEC was, for the most part, what I expected -- everything that doesn't fit into one of the other three test sections gets lumped into BEC. I still don't know how I feel I did on it, though. I read the first question and had literally never studied anything on what it was asking me. That was frustrating because I had studied so much. It led me to believe that my study material omitted some topics. I wasn't surprised, as BEC is the newest of the sections and, in my opinion, has yet to be perfected by the review providers. Moving along...I got past the first question and tried to think positive about the next 71. I found that the math questions on the test were simpler than the ones I had studied at home. I either knew (or had a really good idea) on what the answer was for most of the questions. Also, I was happy to see that the three writing components were on topics that I knew -- score! However, I barely had enough time to finish. I closed the exam with 10 minutes to spare and I didn't use any breaks (I never do). Therefore, I didn't get to review each section as thoroughly as I would have liked. I hope, because of this, I didn't miss too many important key description words in the questions -- it's those words that'll getcha! I think that whether I passed or not depends on whether I read each question correctly. Fingers crossed! A week until I know for sure. In the mean time, on to REG.

Happy Studies!

Lauryn

My Final Thoughts and Well Wishes

Hello again friends,

This will be my last post in the blog. I have officially reached the end of my CPA license journey. I sat for the exam beginning in July 2010 and passed my final part in May 2011. Afterwards I took 15 months to complete the final requirements necessary to successfully complete my application for licensure and last week I officially submitted my completed application to the State Board!  

The journey to becoming a NJ CPA is long, but it can be done! I have spoken to many exam candidates over the past two years and I have learned that with a good plan, determination and a lot of hard work you can pass the CPA exam.  

Last year I wrote an article that summarizes my tips and tricks to successfully passing the exam (“Just stick to the F.A.C.T.S. - 5 Tips to Pass the CPA Exam”: http://bit.ly/mUZriD). Take a look at the article and try to incorporate those suggestions into your study plan. With the right balance and plan of action, you will be a CPA!

I’d like to thank all of those who followed my journey. To you all, I wish you the best of luck on your exam preparations and bid you all a fond farewell.

Warmly,

Jerry

'Tis the Season!

Hi Y'all,

First of all, let me apologize for not posting a blog since Halloween. The month of November was a complete whirlwind. But, before I get into too much detail, let me step back and share with you the great news: I PASSED ALL 4 PARTS of the exam…I AM FINISHED!

Now, what has happened between October and today? Well, I took AUD on November 4th, received news that I passed REG that same day (just barely, with a 75…phew!), took BEC on November 28th, just days after receiving my AUD score (96…felt the need to redeem the previous score, it seems!), and, received my BEC score (86) last week. Having passed FAR in August, the November/December score release concluded the whole process!

Since August 10th, the first day I opened a Becker book, until November 28th, the day I took the last exam, felt like a lifetime, but looking back now, I'm pleased that I dedicated only 3 1/2 months to the exam, instead of dragging it out for months, if not years. However, I must preface that with the fact that it was much easier for me to do so, given that I studied for FAR without having to work. Once I began work, studying was significantly more strenuous and a downright daunting task. After working 10-12 hours a day, plus a 2 hour commute (on a good day), I struggled to muster up enough motivation to study.

I suspect that you are all wondering how I managed to achieve the CPA in less than 4 months, while working for 3 of those 4 months. Well, the truth (and I guarantee that you are not going to like this answer), I devoted my entire weekend, every single one of them, to studying at least 10 hours a day.

Now, in more detail and for each exam, I would first listen to the lecture, one at a time, and then read through the chapter pertaining to that lecture, underscoring and/or highlighting the major topics (most of which were touched upon during the lecture). Then I would complete the multiple choice homework on the Becker software, as if it was the actual exam; meaning, I would not use any resources or look at my notes. I did this to gauge how much of the material I retained just by listening to the lecture and reading through the material once. Becker would track my progress and I would also flag the questions I got wrong. So, once I finished the set, I would go back to those 'troubled' problems and re-read the material in the Becker book to determine where I went wrong. This is easier said than done, unfortunately, when you mix in work, family and friends. But, lastly, to conclude each of the four parts, I would redo all of the homework problems beginning two days before the exam. You'd be surprised how many similar (if not exact same) questions appear on the exam, especially for AUD.

I will leave you with those thoughts for now, but before I leave the NJSCPA Exam Cram Blog, I will post more about my journey, and give as much advice as possible. So, stay tuned…..

On a side note, I haven't even begun my holiday shopping, and work is in full swing (I can only imagine what busy season has in store for me….) but, I am finally beginning to 'connect the dots,' and work is actually (dare I say it) enjoyable. All of my engagement teams, thus far, have been so open and willing to coach me, and more importantly, I have been exposed to a variety of clients in various industries. It is rather mind-boggling.

Until next time….

My First Post

Hi everyone! My name is Alyssa and I'm excited to be the newest contributor to the Exam Cram Blog. A little background about myself: I just graduated from Richard Stockton College in August and joined WeiserMazars' NJ office in September. Believe it or not, I landed my job through networking at the NJSCPA Scholar's Institute. So, those of you who are debating applying for a scholarship or SI, get to it the deadline is coming up!!

Study wise I am currently dragging my way through Becker's BEC review (self-study). I am on lesson 1 =/ I find it always takes me about a week to get through that first lesson and then the rest go by much quicker. The information in BEC is also very different from the other parts. While studying for REG, I vaguely recalled almost everything from one college course or another. This is not true (atleast for me) of BEC. I'm finding that the content consists of many, many definitions and mnuemonics I am being told to memorize (oh the fun).

In more exciting news, I found out last Thursday that I passed REG with a 91! REG was my first exam. Needless to say, I left the testing center feeling queasy. While I didn't think I completely bombed the exam, I had this awful feeling I would be right on the verge of passing and be stricken with a 73 or 74. Luckily, as I have heard from many test takers and now believe myself, there is no way to rely on a gut feeling about the exam, you just never know until you receive the score report.

With the holidays coming up, I am beginning to plan so I can relax AND prepare for my January 6th BEC exam. It's going to be a little hectic, but totally worth it to still make that ugly sweater party this weekend! I hope everyone is doing the same. Make a detailed study plan so you can have your cake and eat it, too!

Cheers!
Alyssa