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….
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