[Anonymous]

Okay, I have detected a pretty big obstacle: I can’t tackle more than about 10 questions at one time without having to take a break to watch Youtube videos or do some other shenanigans. This is not good considering there are 90 MCQs and 7 simulations on FAR, and on the actual exam you can’t watch Youtube videos or check Facebook. Considering that I take FAR on April 6, 2013 (about 2 weeks away), anyone got any suggestions to remedy this obstacle?

[MustPass1988]

I have the same problem haha. Some days I'm really focused, some days I do like 20 questions in a day and its a struggle. I think you'll be fine on the actual test day because you'll know you're being timed and scored on it, whereas now, you're not

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[neika822]

Same thing happens to me. I get so distracted. Some days I'm REALLY good about studying, but most times I end up just going on this forum (whoops)/youtube/facebook/anything slightly more interesting than studying. Something that should take me 3 hours takes me 6.

I TRY to “get it out of my system” beforehand, and check everything before I study, but that's not a great idea either. I really need to step up my game. Even if I don't go on other sites, I'm dazing off and not even focusing on studying. I'm just over it.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[MustPass1988]

You could try shutting off the wireless signal to your computer or going somewhere where you have to pay for internet or cant get it….and leave your phone at home.

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[neika822]

I was thinking about having my boyfriend change the wifi password and then only telling me once I've done my work. But that seems like a lot of work. And I need internet for my Becker lectures at least.

AND I could never leave my phone. I know I should. But then I'd be so concentrated on the fact that an emergency is happening and someone is trying to reach me.

I know I can be better about studying. Its just a matter of me changing my attitude.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[MustPass1988]

Maybe if they just made the CPA Exam less boring, we wouldn't have these issues. LIFO/FIFO Calculations or funny cat videos…? Today's the day where I pick funny cat videos 🙂 Seriously though, I'm over it, my motivation is dwindling and I want to be done!

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[Anonymous]

Try using the pomodoro technique. There are timer apps you can download to your computer, droid or apple device. You study for 25 minutes and then take a five minute break. After four sessions, you can take a 15 minute break. You can read about it here

http://www.pomodorotechnique.com

[neika822]

@bnrhilton – I saw this posted before and wanted to keep it in mind! And then I forgot. Maybe I'll try that sometime this week. I think it helps me if I set a small personal goal, like “okay, finish the next 10 pages” or “serious studying for 10 minutes” instead of just spending all day studying.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[neika822]

Just downloaded two pomodoro apps to try out tonight! I'll see which I like better 🙂

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[jrc1988]

Adderall….haha just kidding. I have the same problem. I turn off the internet and put the tv remote somewhere difficult to get to. I have very little to no self-control when it comes to studying and distractions.

[MustPass1988]

I downloaded the pomodoro app too- we will have to see how it works. I'm open to anything at this point haha

AUD: PASSED [81]; Expired, retaking August 23rd
BEC: PASSED [83]; Expired, retaking July 11th
REG: PASSED [83]
FAR: FAILED [64]; Retaking May 23rd

[smp73]

I HATE sitting down for long periods to study. I will find anything to break it up…even cleaning, giving my dog a bath and then blow drying her hair etc. This weekend I tried planned breaks. I would do 24 (One line of MC in Wiley for me) MC questions then take a break and would make my self walk around my house or take the dogs out or just be moving for 5 minutes and then repeat. Physically getting up and moving for a few minutes helped dramatically and I got so much more accomplished (and it helped me reach my 10,000 steps/day goal too!)

NYS CPA License # 113563
CIA: Done as of 2/15/14

Training for a half marathon post studying!

[Anonymous]

I've found my productivity is best when I just shut off my laptop. Can you check out the Wiley books from your library?

[smp73]

Oh…I am the same way about my phone…I always worry that something bad will happen if I turn it off and no one will be able to reach me. To remedy the phone distraction I turn the ringer on fairly loud (but just the ringer for just my favorites) and put it someplace out of immediate reach. That way if anyone important needs to get ahold of me (aka someone in my favorites) they will be able to do so and its not sitting right next to me as a distraction.

NYS CPA License # 113563
CIA: Done as of 2/15/14

Training for a half marathon post studying!

[neika822]

That's a good idea, @smp73. Although now I downloaded the pomodoro app (and using it! – I'm on my 5 minute break), so I need it nearby. I find that the phone isn't as big of a distraction as my computer is. I need to learn to ignore texts though, because I do sometimes get wrapped up in a text convo.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[Anonymous]

@smp73 – You mentioned 10,000 steps, have you read the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell? He talks about how it takes 10,000 hours to master anything from health to wealth? It's a pretty good book. I wish I had read it BEFORE I started taking the CPA exam.

[Author]

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