Getting It Done

Do you ever just not feel like studying for the CPA exam?

Well unfortunately that's what I've been doing for the past 4 months.  I haven't blogged in over a month- so let me start by saying hi to all the new bloggers!  Lauryn, Claudio, Mike, and Gary - I'm sure it's going to be a pleasure to read your stories and suffer through the exam with you!!

Gary, I totally feel your pain.  I passed REG and BEC on the first try, but then I missed AUD by 2 points and FAR by 1 back in May.  Want to swap REG and FAR scores?  Ha, but in all seriousness, talk about total disappointment.  Seeing a 73-74 pop up on your computer screen is probably one of the worst feelings in the world.

Lauryn, I am also a refresher and could never wait for my scores to be officially emailed to me.  I also found out I got a 74 at work.  I was almost happy I was around coworkers so I didn't have much time to mope, but the looks are priceless.  At least someone always offers up a story of how they failed REG 5 times to try and cheer you up - even though that really just scares us even more!

Claudio, I know you are tackling FAR right now as well, so let me know if you come across any good study guides or tips!  Good luck, I'm sure you will get it done the next time around!

Mike, sounds like we are in the same exact spot.  I also passed 2 parts last fall, so I feel the pressure with my first exam expiring May 2013 and knowing there is no way I will be able to take exams during busy season.  I just scheduled FAR for Oct 27th and AUD for Nov 20th, so hopefully this window will be our lucky charm!  Best of luck on both parts!

All in all, it's been a great summer.  My firm, WeiserMazars, performs many 401(k) and pension plan audits, so I have been very busy and learning a lot.  Now I am beginning to work on planning and interim work for my larger busy season clients.  A year ago I never thought I would say this, but I am excited to delve deeper into my clients' operations and take on more responsibilities on engagements.  When things got really busy or overwhelming, I found myself wishing I'd stayed in school to finish my 150 credit hour requirement, but in the end I wouldn't trade the opportunities and experiences I've had over the last year for anything.  Now that I think of it, tomorrow will literally be one year since I started at WM!

As far as my study plan goes, I am not going to have a life for the next 2-3 months, but that's ok because the trade off was getting to thoroughly enjoy my summer.  I am still utilizing Becker self-study and CPAReviewforFree.com (which has come a long way and now has a more user friendly interface and mobile apps for $10!).  I have also found that staying at work, or coming to my office after leaving a nearby client, is the best way for me to study.  Some people can do it at home, but I just find too many distractions.  There's my little insight for the day - figure out what study environment works for you and LOCK YOURSELF IN THERE.  It'll be worth it, as Peter Olinto says, when you buy your first SLK500 ;)

Happy studies all,
Alyssa

Comments

[Michael Lamela]

Thanks, Alyssa. Best of luck to you as well!