Hi Everyone -
Like FAR, REG left me feeling utterly defeated. I walked out of the exam stunned at how little I knew, even after studying for over a month. My advice for those who haven't taken REG yet, is this:
Study the 'Ancillary Materials' that Becker provides, and please, take the time to memorize the minuet details/mnemonics. I can't stress enough, how important it is to know the minor details. Don't overlook anything! And again, (in my opinion), Becker doesn't adequately prepare you for the Simulations, so don't harp over working through the Sims, focus your time on knowing the 'ins' and 'outs' of the core concepts. Also, be sure to save at least an hour on the exam to complete the Sims - you will need as much time as possible!
On a more positive note, I am finally getting acclimated at PwC, and I am pleased to find how understanding the Firm is about working towards the CPA exam. Today marks my last day of 'training', as I start on my first engagement Monday. They say that 70% of learning occurs on the job, so I am excited, but also very nervous.
I am still struggling to get motivated to study AUD after working 8+ hours and commuting over 2 hours...any words of advice, tips or tricks, would be greatly appreciated. I can't even enjoy my birthday this weekend, as I only have 3 weekends left until the exam. Talk about 'crunch' time.
Until next time...
Hi Christine,
Happy belated birthday! I enjoy reading your posts, they are always very informative and really depict how difficult it is to manage studying, working, and commuting. Studying for this exam definitely makes me miss Rutgers (even AIS, haha)! I live in Howell and commuted up to West Caldwell for my internship last summer, while taking Business Policy & Strategy at Rutgers (that ended up being 5 hours twice a week because my professor always kept us extremely late) and I understand how draining a long commute can be. You sound like you are getting acclimated to your new schedule, and I'm glad to hear that. Although the commute is not easy, it will become more familiar and less aggravating after a while. Just remember, it will all be worth it! I'm studying for AUD right now, too, and am taking it October 24th. You will definitely do amazing on AUD, just keep up the good work and time management skills that you have. I hope your first engagement went well yesterday. It's nice to hear how other Rutgers students are doing and knowing that we are all in the same boat. Good luck with everything and take care!
-Marilyn
Posted by: Marilyn Carnevale | October 11, 2011 at 04:23 PM
I saw that you were using Becker, you should look at getting their flashcards. They're kind of pricey, just over $200 for all four sections I think but they are great for people with busy schedules. Friends told me that they were the key to passing, so I bought them and I think they are right! I'm working and studying too, so I know how hard it is. Sometimes you don't always study like you want too, but with the flashcards all you really need is 20-30 minutes to get through ALOT of material. I always try and do them right before bed and it really works well. The exam is already expensive enough as it is, but let me tell you, they are worth it! Good luck with your next exam, I take BEC this coming Monday, yikes! Hope this helps! :)
Posted by: Kristin | October 13, 2011 at 09:52 PM