[Anonymous]

Anyone else having these problems? This Exam has really taken a toll on me:

1. Had to change and increase Antidepressant

2. Increased anxiety and worse sleep

3. Put on 25 pounds

4. Exhausted and tired most of the time

5. Almost no social life

6. Worse hygiene and less self-care

I am sincerely not trying to play the “poor me” card. I am just wondering if anyone else is having a similar experience? Hopefully, my last exam will be on September 10th and this brutal process will be over. I have learned a lot, but it has taken a toll.

Thanks for any feedback and goodluck to everyone.

[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

It's real out here for real. Been doing this since 2013, so I understand what your saying.

[Kimberly]

You are definitely not alone. I'm sure my weight gain and increased anxiety (the anxiety of which I am prone to) is due to more than just the exams, but I honestly believe the exams have taken their toll on me. They are probably the hardest endurance test I've experienced. Although I worked hard in school and did very well, nothing prepares you for these exams.

And of course, they were stressful enough, but this 3 month wait to get the Q2 scores has truly made me beyond anxious and depressed, especially the last week or so, where my sleep has been affected too. Not to mention my sense of sanity as there is no time to clean my house, so I live in disarray.

I have an exam in 2 weeks, and I won't check my Q2 score until after that. It's really messing with my head and I'm feeling an anxious mess.

So no, you are not alone. Best of luck to you.

BEC - Passed

AUD - Passed

FAR - Passed

REG - Passed

BEC/AUD - Wiley + Ninja / FAR - Surgent / REG - Wiley/Surgent

[Anonymous]

@Wanna_Be

I give u major respect for grinding through these exams since 2013. Wow. U have to be very tough to have that kind of endurance.

@Kimberly

Thanks for sharing your same struggles, so I know I am not alone. It sounds like we are going through a similar situation. Best of luck to you and hopefully u get a pass on the next score release. I agree that the delay has been tough and downright discouraging. We will just have to “tough” it out for now.

Goodluck to everyone in the A71 Family and thanks Jeff for providing this site. I'd be talking to walls about my exam experiences because no one else cares or understands except other CPA candidates!

[Want2BeCPAsoBad]

My anxiety levels did increase. However, I use meditation to cope with it. So no meds. My social life other than family is NON EXISTENT. I have gain 30lbs since september, and my current size is getting tight. I feel fat and ugly. However, I like to focus on the positive. I passed REG. Yay for me. It is possible and doable. I just need to push harder and hopefully pass all four. Although I am not in my 20s, I'm still fairly young my weight loss journey will come right after I pass this damn tests. Lastly, my work is really rewarding my efforts and my work engagement level leads me to believe I will be promoted as soon as pass this tests. My husband and kids are amazing to me and I am setting an example for them.

Don't give up. Its not easy, but it is worth it. We will then set new goals to control the side effects of CPA testing.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - 82
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - 82

Your intelligence has nothing to do with your score!  It's a matter of dedication, study habit and how well you test.

AUD- 64 (Retake 1/2)-Waiting on score

BEC- 82 (2x)

FAR-May 2018

Reg- 82 (1x)

[jeff]

I recommend listening to the Jocko Podcast…I think you'll get motivated to change things.

Seriously – listen to one episode. You'll get your butt in gear.

Also – his book “Extreme Ownership” (former Navy Seal commander) is must-read.

AUD - 79
BEC - 80
FAR - 76
REG - 92

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS)
NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE | Another71

[shawn in VA]

Blue Collar,

You are NOT alone. I received 2- 74's back to back in BEC. one in DEC 2016 and one in MAR 2017. I just worked up enough courage to take BEC for a third time on August 11 2017 (that is 5 months of no exams). The reason is (an not playing the poor me card) is that I got really depressed and anxiety through the roof after the 2- 74's. I had to go see my doctor. I requested meds and got Cymbalta and XANAX. The latter helps a lot I take 2MG tablet as needed. Usually take 3 tablets a day. I plan to take 1 Xanax tablet before the exam and 1 tablet on my 15 min break.

Weight has been stable, energy has increased since the meds, and hygeine is fine b/c the place I work is picky when comes to dress code and appearance. Sleep is average.

At least your on your last one…I have a long journey ahead.

AUD - 84
BEC - 81
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - 75

AUD - 84

BEC-  81

REG-75

FAR- TBD

[martimann]

Although in my case I have not reached the point of mental health problems it has definitely taken a toll on all aspects of what used to be my life prior to the exam.

I think the hardest part of this process has been the lonely part of it, I did two associate degrees at the same time, I did two bachelor degrees at the same time and while working almost full time. In college although some classes where intensive they were nothing compared to the amount of material this involves, plus going to college was fun, you'd always get to see your friends and work together in projects and stuff, plus there was always something going on on campus. This process seems different, at least on my case, I can't really study this stuff with a group of people other than posting stuff here on another71. For this process if you don't put everything you got into it and fail you are literally just wasting your time, you can't get any points for a 74, it doesn't count no matter how close you get, so if you fail its hundreds of hours simply wasted and that 18 month time clock never stops counting.

I think that has been the hardest part for me, it seems like a lonely process, after work all I do is go home and study and while my bank account benefits from staying away from partying it does take a toll on you sometimes. There are times when I wake up at noon on the weekends and go to a restaurant feeling like a zoombie, I look around and notice that people are worrying about simple stuff like what milk to buy that day and all I got on my mind is how many days left I got before the exam and how far behind I am on the material. I have also distanced myself from a lot of people, I always hated selfish people who would reach you when they felt like it, and since I'm always studying the times I do feel like doing something else it feels kinda selfish just calling people up out of nowhere, so although I do stuff once in a while it is way way less than what I used to do before, haha. But once this is done I think I'll do everything extra big haha just to make up for the time I couldn't.

Don't give up, be patient and you'll be fine. 🙂

AUD - 76
BEC - 80
FAR - 73
REG - 82

Be all in or get out, there is no half way.

[Anonymous]

@Want2Be

Congrats for passing REG! I am working on that section right now and it is a real pain! Pure BRUTE Memorization. And, that is awesome your work is rewarding your accomplishments and you have solid family support. That's is very, very important during this long-winded process. Thanks for your feedback.

@Jeff

I will definitely check out Jocko and his podcast and books. Thanks for your recommendations and for organizing your site and all of the Ninja Materials. I have a friend who uses your Ninja Notes and he swears by it!

@Shawn

Those 74's must be tough and I really respect your perseverance to keep grinding and pass these damn exams. I'm sure u will pass BEC next time! I earned a 71 and 73 on AUD and was pretty disappointed, but I'm hoping for a pass on the 17th!

Be careful with Xanex bc they are very addicting, but I use them occasionally to help with extreme anxiety too.

Goodluck everyone!!

[ryan.andrew6]

I can attest to the weight gain (I'm taking AUD in the morning, get it? Never mind!) but I'm not sure if that's do to the anxiety or the constant stream of coffee and red bull combined with sitting on my butt all day. My exercise this week, or more possibly month, consisted of walking to the mail box, once, several days ago…

Definitely exhausted (see above comments on coffee and red bull), although not near as bad as some tax seasons I've gone through, but still tired. Plus I can never sleep, it's like a big f-you from the universe, as test days approach I find myself dipping into the Ambien to get a semblance of sleep. I won't even bother sleeping tonight, it just won't happen, so I may as well use the time to prepare.

I won't comment on hygiene, except to say that I've had the past 5 days off from work, ya… Like I said, won't comment!

AUD - 82
BEC - 86
FAR - 82
REG - 94

“You’re paying me five dollars an hour to find two cents—it doesn’t make sense”

[Anonymous]

It has been a journey for sure, one that is hopefully soon coming to a close.

I have a few years than many on here but back in the school days i used to be the popular guy because I did everything. Academics, played on championship sports teams, all the girls wanted to talk to me etc.

Quality of life significantly diminished further along getting an accounting degree went.

Work life was more of the same. Sure I was making money, but all the standards and details and rules and regulations and deadlines can make one pretty miserable.

On top of that, I've had portions of the exam passed years ago when I just finished my undergrad, but they expired because I couldn't balance it and work.

Fast forward half a decade later of an unnecessarily bumpy accounting career and what seems like a lifetime, still working on completing the exam which I'm doing full-time now.

Only friends are online. All have been going on amazing adventures around the world, getting married and starting families. I just don't have the time or patience to even deal with dating let alone care for a relationship.

Family doesn't even understand the struggle. They think something is wrong with me despite the experience, knowledge, and skill I've gained in my career.

Good news is I have several top ten firms contacting me for phone interviews for senior and manager positions. I just want to get this exam out the way once and for all so I can move on and join humanity again.

If I passed my third portion which I find out next week, all will be right in the universe and it will be a great boost. A light at the end of the tunnel.

However if I didn't pass, I still have several windows to retake it so I'll get it done eventually.

What a journey. Anyone who is still in school or just finished should definitely push themselves to get it done the earlier the better for sure.

Good luck!

[CPAIN2K17]

I have made it a point to go to the gym 5 days a week since starting this exam in January. I usually just do cardio for about 45 minutes which helps give me energy and clear my head. I am usually exhausted after work, but then I go to the gym and it gives me energy to study for a couple of hours in the evening. I think that's one thing that has helped me during this exam, and has also kept me from gaining weight like I'm sure I would have otherwise. I know the gym isn't for everyone, but just an idea.

Wiley CPAExcel + Ninja MCQ & Notes

 

AUD - 97 (1/24/17)

BEC - 84 (3/10/17)

FAR - 94 (5/31/17)

REG - 88 (8/16/17)

[brokeonbecker4]

@Blue Collar Nerd

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way and going through it, but it's comforting to know it's not just me! You hit the nail on the head, except I lost 20 lbs instead of gaining. This could be seen as good, but I went from being a 5'4″ female weighing 135 to now being 115 in just 2 months. I think the score delay has also contributed to this. Seeing a therapist has started to help me I think.

Congratulations on passing a couple though! That is seriously an accomplishment. I'm waiting on FAR and AUD (my first two exams ever) next week. I'm rooting for you. You can do this. You are so close. Once it is, you can look back, and maybe things won't seem as bad because they'll have been worth something. Good luck!

[Cjsr]

When I started the study process early in 2016, I started experiencing severe jaw pain, radiating from several teeth to a whole side of my face. It would come and go, but was always worse when I was in study phase. Even curling up in the fetal position didn't help much. My dentists tried several things. An expensive night guard – worked somewhat, for awhile maybe. Then, re-cementing a crown that was loose. Worked somewhat, for awhile. Finally, this summer (after finishing exams in March 2017), another dentist in the practice said that tooth needed a root canal. We did that, and now I can tell the situation is fixed.

I would rather have another root canal than go through these exams again.

BEC Jan 2016 83 Becker FastPass
REG Jan 2016 83
AUD May 2016 92
FAR Jul 2016 74
FAR Mar 2017. 91 Becker book + NINJA 10-point combo

BEC. 83. 9 Jan 2016
REG. 83. 30 Jan 2016
AUD. 92. 27 May 2016

Becker FastPass with in-class videos

[Anonymous]

Thanks to EVERYONE for all of your responses. I'm glad that I am not alone, but I do not wish some of the CPA exam side effects on anybody – depression, anxiety, social isolation, etc. But, I am the one who signed up for this Marathon and I am hopefully almost finished. I had my Doctor increase my Antidepressant today, so hopefully I will feel a little better. But, I'm hanging in there and toughing it out with hopefully my last section – REG.

Again, goodluck everyone and thanks for all of your responses. We just have to stay Strong and keep grinding through the material until WE ALL PASS this Beast of exams!!

[SallyCPA]

You are not alone @BlueCollar. Even people who do not suffer from anxiety or depression have a difficult time dealing with this test (even if they do not want to admit it).

For people on meds, does xanax or other antidepressants effect your cognitive function?

[Author]

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