[LostinNJ]

Hi All,

I have been lurking in the weeds since January. My recent test results have me on the verge of a complete breakdown. I can not sleep so I figured I need to try something different. Any advice you can pass on to my lost soul would be greatly appreciated.

I began my journey in 2011. My application to sit in NJ got rejected and there was a rule change during the process. The end result was that I needed to go back to school (had a bus mgt undergrad, and MBA at this point) for 24 more credits in specific acct classes. Ok, I sucked it up and went back. I work in Internal Audit for a fortune 500 company, and have had various financial reporting roles over my 7 years at the firm. In addition, I volunteered for the VITA program, etc.

Anyway, I began studying using Becker Live classes (company paid) in January. Sat for FAR in April, got a 67. Sat for AUD in May, got a 74. I took all of June to restudy, doing all questions over, numerous progress tests getting 80’s-90s, used cpareviewforfree, ninja notes and even some audio when offered for free. The end result last Friday after testing in July…. 74. I honestly have never been so lost. I have been studying for Reg for the past month and now can’t muster the strength to review it this weekend. I felt so confident about this process too. My soul is crushed. I miss my wife. I miss my friends and family. I miss enjoying the weekends. What could I do differently?

My two worst qualities in life are that I am stubborn and I don’t know how to quit. I have always believed in everything I have done. I’m just afraid I am burning my hard earned money and time on a fruitless exercise. Anyway, I know we all share a common misery, but if you have any suggestions, please let me know. I’ll stop whining and get out of your way now.

[Anonymous]

First – You aren't in the way. This is why we are here.

Second – You probably just lack the confidence in yourself to pass. Did you change any answers on either of your exams? I'm guessing, yes, you did.

Third – REG is a nightmare. You are very close. You know more than you think you know.

Fourth, and finally – The only way to fail is to quit. Just keep at it. You can do this. You just have to do one thing right now. Get. Back. Up. The CPA exam is a confidence stealing bully. Get mad and go take your life back!

[Anonymous]

You can do it. Trust me.

Once you pass one, you'll have the motivation and determination to finish the process.

Once you finish REG, I would suggest returning to AUD seeing as your professional expereince is extremely conducive for passing that portion of the exam.

[CanIpassYou Aud]

Have you ever considered switching to another CPA review course? if you think you need to switch, then do it!!!! this is my experience, i have been struggled with audit for a long time as you can see below. the second time failed, i thought about switching to another review program but i didn't do so because i think i can make up that few points by doing mcq and sims. i was wrong again and got a lower grade. i decided to switch to roger cpa review and cram course. Roger definitely have a better lecture than beaker (that is for sure). i really enjoyed Roger's video especially in audit. Roger actually tied everything together for you to have a big picture rather than lost in details. my suggestion: don't give up and u will make it and if you feel like you want to switch to another program then DO it (don't hesitate!!!)

FAR-Passed
BEC-Passed
REG-Passed
AUD-Passed
Materials: Becker+Ninja Notes/Ninja MCQ/Ninja Flashcards
Click my name to view my LinkedIn account.

[Sir Study Alot]

Stick with one section until you pass it. People who bounce around from exam to exam are throwing precious past study hours in the trash never to be seen again. If you don't use it you lose it. It is a lot easier to pass an exam that you failed then start over with a new one. You can do it!

Passed all 4 exams in 2014!

[LostinNJ]

Thank you for all the responses. I would stick to one section, but I am in Becker Live classes and they are paid by my company, so I have to keep up with the course.

Is it even worth it to appeal my grade? How unlucky do I have to be to get a 74, and 74 on two straight audit tests?

[Valerie_Jo]

@ LostinNJ It's my understanding that no one has ever succeeded in appealing their score. Your best bet is to just keep chipping away at it. You will succeed. It will take a lot of time, a lot of effort, and probably a lot of tears, but you can do it. It's sweet that you said miss your wife. Make sure you tell her that a lot. <3

FAR: 84
BEC: 88
REG: 33 (winged it, bad plan), 77
AUD: 72 ,72, 81 FINALLY DONE!!!!!!

WI Ethics Exam Passed - 92!!!!

Licensed CPA in WI

[GSU-CPA]

Ouch two 74's back to back has to be soul crushing. The good news is that you are very close. I am willing to bet you could re take it right now and there would be a good chance that you would pass without studying more.

REG-77
BEC -Waiting on score May 5th
AUD - May 30
FAR - Q3 depending on if i pass above two in Q2

[Nute]

You are not alone. I too have earned two straight 74s. I have talked to someone else on here who earned three straight 74s.

Don't let these people get the best of you. Go back and study again , for the same section you just got the 74s in. That's what I am doing, we will pass next time, we are right there.

Passed All Four Exams!

Best Exam Advice (came from a fortune cookie after I got a 74 on my first exam):
"Study and prepare yourself and one day, your day will come"

That day came on June 9th, 2015

Licensed NJ CPA

[Anonymous]

I would consider Becker Self-Study. More flexibility in the event you don't pass. The material/programs are available for 18 months.

[nolifecpa]

those are your best qualities. i'm very stubborn and REFUSED to let the aicpa beat me and i NEVER ever gave up. the best advice i can give is know how you learn best. unfortunately, only you can figure out that answer and it can be very time consuming finding out by trial and error what works (took me 7 years).

i would also recommend switching up material if its not working. i took becker twice (self study and in class) tried like hell but it just wasn't for me

and last but not least don't give up! if you don't give up you can't fail

good luck!

REG-65,71,74,73,70,74,79
BEC-60's,60's,69,71,76*,78
FAR-67,66,65,79
AUD-54,60's,65,83*,69,80
*expired

DONE

[LostinNJ]

Thank you all for your support. I wish I didn't have to keep pace with the live classes, so that I could focus on re-taking audit. But I do want this, so I will keep moving forward.

I can only hope to not get a 74 yet again.

[Author]

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