I have problems remembering things

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    Topic
  • #1586910
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    I haven’t posted in a long time. Purposefully. Mainly because doing so in the past took a significant chunk of time away from studying, which I had very little of due to work and life in general. Happy Summer.

    My problem is this – I can’t remember anything anymore. I remember my long-ago college years when I soaked up stuff like a sponge and the new information was always swirling around in my head and what I didn’t absorb quickly, I did eventually absorb. Nowadays, as I am studying for these exams, I don’t remember much of what I studied a week ago. Although, I did learn most of the stuff in school…years ago. When I took FAR in January, and when I took AUD exactly 2 months ago, I found myself guessing on well over half of the questions. I don’t think I was prepared for either exam. Not that the questions were mind-bendingly hard…it’s just that the answers were not jumping out at me. It was like my brain opted to step out for a smoke break on those test days. Although, I don’t smoke. My body would not permit me to do it anyway.

    Some history:

    – I’m 41 and healthy. Rarely sick.
    – The last time I even had a passing acquaintence with “substance abuse”, or use of any recreational drugs, including alcohol, was about 20 years ago. And even then, I never used any drugs and never drank even remotely to excess.
    – I eat right and exercise. Although, I am not fanatical about either one and don’t believe that “organic” food is any more beneficial to humans than non-organic food.
    – I am not taking any prescription medications.
    – I am not under the care of any physician. I don’t even have a doctor. Much.
    – I’ve taken FAR and AUD. I’ve been studying off and on for the last two years. Well, first year I had no review course and thought I could do it on my own; I got onto Roger a year ago.
    – I finished school (1st degree in non-business related subject) forever and a day ago, but finished my accounting studies a few years ago. I was always a good student. I had a 4.0 on my second BS degree in Accounting.
    – I’m taking BEC on August 12th, which is the date my NTS expires. It’s the last exam on my NTS. I had to forefeit REG because I had no time to study for it due to work.
    – The psychological aspect of doing these exams at age 40+ has all but killed me. I don’t know why I hate myself so much (with respect to these exams; I don’t hate myself about other aspects of life.)
    – No family history of Alzheimer’s.
    – I am in a relationship with someone I love very much. He has an MD and an MBA. No children though, and never will have any.

    I am one of the few who got sick of Roger. I am not someone who learns from videos, and because I heard so many bad things about his BEC program (which I did not know before buying his course) I am mostly using Gleim for BEC, and probably REG too.
    I’m finishing up Gleim’s book this week. Due to time constraints and budgetary constraints, I have no access to anything except Gleim’s printed textbook, so I haven’t seen any of their vids. I will be using Roger’s BEC practice SIMs though, after I finish Gleim’s book. I’ll have a few weeks to work on them.

    Anything anyone can suggest about ways to improve my memory so that my brain doesn’t just shut off on test days? I guess I could try omega-12 or fish oil…

    I just don’t know if it’s my brain’s subtle way of telling me that the CPA is not for me. But, I’ve come this far already…I might be stupid to give up, but on the other hand, I don’t want to keep paying money for failed exams.

    Thanks for reading, and in advance if you happen to come up with any advice.

    -L.L.

Viewing 15 replies - 1 through 15 (of 26 total)
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  • #1586970
    mckan514w
    Participant

    You sound a lot like me- even down to the sick of Roger (at one point I just wanted to slap my computer screen in hopes it somehow wiped that smirk off his face)– and I hate to say it but I honestly believe it is an “age thing”- in fact I don't know whether I was just having severe burn out but I even noticed a difference in memory retention last year when I went from 43 to 44…:-) making my last two exams BRUTAL.

    What helped me was writing EVERYTHING and I mean everything down- I didn't necessarily re-write my notes but I did write everything down- so for example doing MCQ's I would physically write out the question wants to know ABC and the answer is PDQ because of XYZ. Then after each study session I would type these notes up into word just to reinforce. I also kept a separate note sheet / word document of “problem questions”- i.e. those concepts that I seemed to always miss. This one I did re-write a few times before exam date. Yes it took forever and yes I probably had to study twice as hard as the younger people taking these things- but it did help and I did pass and so can you!!!

    And they ask me why I drink

    BEC 71, 82
    AUD 75
    REG 75
    FAR 61, 69, 83

    and they ask me why I drink...

    FAR- 61-next time I'll ask for lube instead of a calculator
    REG-75- Never been so happy to see such a low grade
    BEC- 8/11
    AUD- 9/2

    #1586979
    Radez
    Participant

    Both depression and anxiety can make it difficult to focus. I imagine it also impacts memory retention. Based on your description, it might be worth making an appointment with a therapist to evaluate whether this is something that's impacting you. Burn-out would also have a negative impact on performance. It might be worth evaluating risk/reward on giving yourself a break on studying for a month or two. When I was pursuing my masters, directly before jumping into the CPA exam, I took a winter term off because had I severely stretched myself for the year prior with a double courseload and new job. I had found it extremely difficult to focus on work and my problem-solving abilities went out the window. I needed the time to reestablish just why the hell I was working so hard, and those couple of less stressful months really helped me return to par performance.

    AUD - 98
    BEC - 93
    REG - 84
    FAR - 91
    #1586988
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    You are going to need more than just the book to pass these tests. If anything, you might be able to get by on just MCQs, but for sure you at least want MCQs over anything else. The CPA exam is not like college where you can just read the material, do a few sample problems, and pass.

    I think if you want to pass these exams, you will need to re-evaluate your entire gameplan. One section of the exam contains at least an entire semester's worth of content and you should retrain your brain to learn and understand the material from an intuitive perspective rather than rely on memorization alone. Although memorization and pattern recognition is a big part as well.

    #1586994
    cmcook
    Participant

    Though this is oversimplified, I've noticed my retention is directly tied to focus. And up until the last couple of months of this freaking exam, I had laser focus. But burn-out has settled in. I you-tube “white noise for studying” and I put headphones in and listen to it when I study – even if the room is otherwise silent. The headphones/white noise seem to put me in the zone and then, magically, I start retaining.

    I also think you should consider getting the Ninja MCQ's – they aren't too expensive and I think will really help you in the long run. Last but not least – is there any chance you're depressed from this process? I got bonafide depressed over this – and just realizing it and talking about it to family and friends made a HUGE difference. Good luck.

    Death before surrender
    #1587034
    Missy
    Participant

    If I recall correctly you also have a full time job and a family, correct? I don't particularly think your memory is failing you so much as having that many demands makes it harder to give anything 100%.

    What I did (and I was about 41) was almost immerse myself in the material 24/7. I listened to audio while driving, at work instead of having a radio on my desk, while I was falling asleep at night, while I was walking the dog, while I was folding laundry. I still had 1-2 hours a day of book studying/MCQ but for the other 22 hours a day including sleep that crap was on a continuous reel.

    Yes I was doing flashcards standing in line for space mountain with my kids. I was THAT intense.

    It sucked the life out of me TBH but I'm convinced if I studied 2 hours a day then went on with my life the other 22 hours would deplete what I gained.

    Old timer,  A71'er since 2010.

    Finance manager/HR manager

     

     

    Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
    Finance/Admin/HR Manager

    #1587114
    Recked
    Participant

    Age related memory problems are a thing.
    I'm pushing late 30's and starting the process as well.
    I'd suggest natural supplements. A quick google search revealed this website with a list of 10 herbs to help memory.
    https://www.progressivehealth.com/herbal-treatment-for-memory-loss.htm

    My doctor specifically recommended Ginseng with Royal Honey to me. You can find it in any natural food stores or even places like vitamin world or GNC.
    He said when he was in medical school the asian students turned him on to the stuff and it really helps.
    I plan to supplement my diet with a multitude of herbs/supplements to help boost mental function.

    Memento Mori - Kingston NY CPA & EA (SUNY Albany 2002)

    FAR-93 11/9/17 (10wks, 250 hrs, Roger 1800+ MCQs, Gleim TB 600+MCQs, SIMs)
    AUD-88 12/7/17 (3 wks, 85 hrs, Roger 1000 MCQs no SIMs hail mary)
    REG-96 1/18/18 (6 wks, 110 hrs, 1400 MCQs, no SIMs)
    BEC-91 2/16/18 (4wks, 90 hrs, 1240 MCQs)

    #1587117
    Recked
    Participant

    Also quality over quantity, recognize your limits.
    One partner in a large firm recommend 50 minutes on, 10 minutes off for every hour.
    I found 2 hours, then 30-60 minute break worked well for me.
    Once you hit your max threshold, its just a waste of time to continue.

    Memento Mori - Kingston NY CPA & EA (SUNY Albany 2002)

    FAR-93 11/9/17 (10wks, 250 hrs, Roger 1800+ MCQs, Gleim TB 600+MCQs, SIMs)
    AUD-88 12/7/17 (3 wks, 85 hrs, Roger 1000 MCQs no SIMs hail mary)
    REG-96 1/18/18 (6 wks, 110 hrs, 1400 MCQs, no SIMs)
    BEC-91 2/16/18 (4wks, 90 hrs, 1240 MCQs)

    #1587123
    Future_CPA?
    Participant

    I'm 25 and I have a hard time remembering things too. I tried some natural supplements and it really helped my scores while studying. I was averaging between 30-40's and after those supplements my scores were in the 70-90's. It didn't help me on my exam, but that's because I was just memorizing the answer and not why the answer was correct.

    That's my biggest concern though, just memorizing an answer instead of why the answer is correct. But I guess it's all part of the process.

    "It's not a coincidence that the 4 parts of the CPA exam spell out 'B-A-R-F'."
    #1587133
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    Thanks everyone for all your comments – frankly I was not expecting even one person to reply to this thread. I'll have to go through and identify some of the things I could possibly try.
    I don't want to give up on the CPA exam because I'm way too far into it. To stop now would be kind of fruitless. And, I've spent the money already…it's a sunk cost!
    But, those of us who are older often have issues with this process. The older you are, the more responsibilities you have, the more miles you have on your brain, and the more STUFF you have in your brain. You're more set in your ways by your 40s, for better or worse. So, while not impossible, it's just harder. I can easily *learn* things. But remembering the stuff is just proving to be impossible. I see articles about “Passing the Exam When You're 30” – and the title says it all. I think I also saw one about “Passing When You're 35” too. But, nothing about doing it over 40. And for those who mentioned memory loss issues in their late 20s, I can attest to that too. I had an outstanding memory when I was between 0 and 25 years. I think the physiology of most people peaks at age 25 and from there, it's a slow downhill decline unless you are blessed with good genes.

    @BrickellCPA did mention that doing these exams with only a textbook is impossible. Yes, I agree. And, I'm not only using a textbook for any of these exams. But, my window of time for studying for BEC is a smaller one. I just don't have time to do as many online practice questions for BEC *this time*. If I don't pass, I'll be doing those in the future. I'm not really liking Roger's review course though. I came to the conclusion that I didn't get much out of the videos and the only real positive thing is Roger's high level of energy that kinda kept me motivated.
    But after awhile, I think it got to be tiring. But since I paid $2,000 for it, and still have a year before it expires, I might as well try to use it.

    I will probably take a break for a month, or a few weeks, after taking BEC next month. I've studied every day for the past year, except my birthday. I think I need to do it, because otherwise I'm just going to explode. The really frustrating thing is that the questions I've had on the sections I've taken were mostly not all that hard. It's just that my brain was not really “present” enough to get enough of them correct. So, that's my obstacle!

    #1587348
    Henrigu
    Participant

    I had problems remembering the stuff I read and with focusing. And I found these 2 things that helped –

    1) As you are reading through your textbook, jot down the important points in a word document preferable with detail and not bullet points. When you finished reading the textbook, you end up with a document which has all the important text in one place. Next, when you are still working on that subject, everyday, before beginning your studies, read that document once and then go on to whatever else you are doing. For example if I am getting ready for BEC. I had like a 40 page word document. I could quickly read through that document once, before starting on my MCQs or test review or SIMS. That way as you get to your exam date, you could have read that document with the important text at least 30 to 40 times or more and it stays in your mind.
    2) I had trouble sitting down for extended periods of time. I could try and force myself but could not focus and kept getting distracted. I started keeping a stopwatch and studied for about 30 minutes then took a 10 minute break then go back to it. And that helped me a lot. In that one slot of 30 minutes I was able to focus, understand and retain what I could have earlier spent about an hour.

    Best of luck.

    #1587410
    shawn in VA
    Participant

    Radez made a good point about depression and anxiety can cause issues with memory, concentration and focus. I got 2 74's in BEC in a row using Roger CPA course and it devastated me to the point I got both depression and anxiety. Never had mental issues in the past. I had to go to the doctor and was prescribed Pristiq and Xanax. The former is taken daily, and the latter is as needed. Takes about a month to kick in, but definitely more motivated to do things and concentrate better. We shall see though as I have exams scheduled in Aug and Sept.

    I would recommend strongly you get some blood work done since you stated you don't have a doctor. You may eat right and feel healthy but there could be some underlying issue. Our bodies are very complex. It may cost a couple hundred dollars to see a doctor, and waste a couple mornings to get the blood work and follow up with the doctor but may be the key to success.

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

    BEC-  81

    REG-75

    FAR- TBD

    #1587420
    shawn in VA
    Participant

    Unfortunately the CPA exam studies have caused me into depression and anxiety not b/c of the studying but failing so many times. Just the thought of a Prometric center makes me cringe. I work FT and have 2 kids so that puts more demands on me. I never thought in my life I would have to take prescription medications for my mental health. They have helped me some and luckily no major side effects if any. First week was kinda rough felt almost too relaxed and tired and took a lot of naps. After that it has been good.

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

    BEC-  81

    REG-75

    FAR- TBD

    #1587423
    shawn in VA
    Participant

    BTW I am in my mid 30s work in CPA firm. I started studying back in summer 2015 and have accomplished 1 lousy pass in REG after 2 fails . 3 fails in BEC and 2 fails in AUD. I took a bunch of time off somewhere in 2016, and have not taken an exam since March 2017. I keep going b/c I have just came so darn close to passes. If i was taking these exams and kept getting 40s/50s I would just say I am not smart enough to pass. But coming so close I know I can do it. I have told coworkers and they are “wowed” I have the strength to go on as most of them passed each part the first time (or at least they say they did).

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

    BEC-  81

    REG-75

    FAR- TBD

    #1587425
    shawn in VA
    Participant

    I've told many co-workers and friend (CPAs) and many say they would have thrown in the towel if they have gone through what I have. Although I have seen some pretty encouraging stories on this website about people failing multiple times/expiring parts yet managed to stick with it.

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

    BEC-  81

    REG-75

    FAR- TBD

    #1587441
    Anonymous
    Inactive

    @shawn in VA – yes I remember reading some of your older posts about your challenges with these exams. For some people, like us, it's just not a cakewalk. I wish I'd started studying accounting earlier in life, I'd be done with this whole process by now. It's very difficult to keep talking about it with people and having to tell them “I'm not finished yet, still studying hard, Haven't passed any yet but hoping to…” And they're like “Yeahhhh, tough stuff, hang in there”. I have been rather fortunate at work, I have either avoided the subject altogether or have just talked about it with people who are “thinking about taking it sometime” or who were thinking about doing it but decided not to. If I did stop the process, which I could so easily do, I think I'd get even more depressed than I am some days. I did take anti-depressants for 6 years in the 2000s and while they helped me over an extremely rough patch in my life, I was so much happier once I stopped taking them. Even if I only do like 1 hour a day of studying, something inside me still says “You can do this, you would be stupid to give up now, there is nothing so hard in these exams that you can't do it.” My biggest problem is just burning out. I've burned out now on FAR, BEC, and AUD like a month before taking the tests.
    And hence, I've walked into Prometric just thinking “ok, let's give this a try but it's not going to go my way I don't think.” My boss, who has been licensed in CA since the early 90s, even told me (after I told him how long I'd been doing this CPA grind), “You're taking way too long with this. Spending more than 1 month per part is a bad, bad idea. Of course that's why you haven't passed!” Well come on…does anyone except a genius make it through 30 chapters of FAR in a month? Even if they DON'T have a full-time job?

    I'll keep trying to figure it out but I'm not 24 anymore. I'm closer to 42. It all has a different definition for me. I think what's going to end up happening, as my NTS expires August 12th, is that I don't get another NTS right away. I have to let things cool way down. I'll study for REG and then get the NTS for that and the re-takes.

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