[MelK813]

Looking for some advice on my study plan. I’ve been out of school for 10 years and after many procrastination, finally heading down the path to CPA. I should have all y materials and be ready to go around the beginning of June. The time frame I’m struggling with, since o don’t know how I may adjust to getting into the study groove, should I aim for taking it the end of August(which is a quarter close at work) so not too much would be accomplished the beginning of the month, or aim for the end of July. My hesitation going earlier, is because with not having studied in a while, I’m not sure if it will take my brain a little longer to absorb thing and get used to studying. : -) looking forward to the encouragement on this site!

[smp73]

My suggestion is to pick a date, set a study plan and stick to it. It may be hard at first finding your groove but if you stick to your plan you will do it! Try the ELL plan or something like it!

As long as you want this you can do it!

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

Training for a half marathon post studying!

[smp73]

My suggestion is to pick a date, set a study plan and stick to it. It may be hard at first finding your groove but if you stick to your plan you will do it! Try the ELL plan or something like it!

As long as you want this you can do it!

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

Training for a half marathon post studying!

[RandomAlt]

What review system are you using?

My suggestions

-Lol…my suggestion is the exact opposite as smp73. Don't KILL yourself with a deadline for the first test…but don't set it too far away. Have a range you are comfortable with. I had a false start with my studying. I studied for about 2 weeks and just didn't like my system/progress, so I switched it up, and started over. It killed my original test date, but I think it was worth it.

-The other reason for setting a range. Make sure you understand the material, don't just kinda understand it, but move on because you are on a schedule. Some topics you will breeze through, some will take WAY longer than you expected.

-Watch Jeff's video about the NINJA system, or read his guide. My review system suggested doing the MCQs as I studied each section, but Jeff suggests waiting until the end. I liked Jeff's idea, and incorporated it into my system.

For the record, I've been out of school for one year, but it feels like more like 10 😉

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[RandomAlt]

What review system are you using?

My suggestions

-Lol…my suggestion is the exact opposite as smp73. Don't KILL yourself with a deadline for the first test…but don't set it too far away. Have a range you are comfortable with. I had a false start with my studying. I studied for about 2 weeks and just didn't like my system/progress, so I switched it up, and started over. It killed my original test date, but I think it was worth it.

-The other reason for setting a range. Make sure you understand the material, don't just kinda understand it, but move on because you are on a schedule. Some topics you will breeze through, some will take WAY longer than you expected.

-Watch Jeff's video about the NINJA system, or read his guide. My review system suggested doing the MCQs as I studied each section, but Jeff suggests waiting until the end. I liked Jeff's idea, and incorporated it into my system.

For the record, I've been out of school for one year, but it feels like more like 10 😉

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[phyrus100]

I took about 6-7 weeks per section. I used Becker and it took me about 3-4 weeks to go through all the lectures and MCQs once. This was the hardest part for me because it was easy to fall behind schedule. My 1st section was FAR and I did live lectures through all of FAR. My 2nd section was AUD and I went to about 1/2 the lectures and did the other chapters with Olinto and Gearty through self-study. The next two sections were all self-study and my test scores didn't suffer.

Over the final 3 weeks I would re-do all the MCQ again, about 1-2 days per chapter. The final week was used to hammer problem areas through MCQ. I spent very little time doing Sims while preparing. Although if the homework had a SIM that was a problem area for me I did it as part of my final review.

I was able to get through all of the tests in about 6-7 months…and not get divorced due to the no-life factor.

[phyrus100]

I took about 6-7 weeks per section. I used Becker and it took me about 3-4 weeks to go through all the lectures and MCQs once. This was the hardest part for me because it was easy to fall behind schedule. My 1st section was FAR and I did live lectures through all of FAR. My 2nd section was AUD and I went to about 1/2 the lectures and did the other chapters with Olinto and Gearty through self-study. The next two sections were all self-study and my test scores didn't suffer.

Over the final 3 weeks I would re-do all the MCQ again, about 1-2 days per chapter. The final week was used to hammer problem areas through MCQ. I spent very little time doing Sims while preparing. Although if the homework had a SIM that was a problem area for me I did it as part of my final review.

I was able to get through all of the tests in about 6-7 months…and not get divorced due to the no-life factor.

[wendywhite]

I have been out for 17 and I work full time & have 3 kids in activities outside of school. I try to aim for 8 weeks per test. I break after an exam until the scores come out and then start back studying.

Just took my 3rd test today.

How long you need depends on if you are working, etc… try a read through of the material & practice tests to guage how much time you need.

I do recommend far first – so many aspects of the exam fall back on a solid foundation of what is covered in far.

FAR 11/2012: 80
AUD 2/19/2013: 90
REG 5/14/2013: 76
BEC 11/2013: 85
Ethics: 100
Waiting on the packet....

[wendywhite]

I have been out for 17 and I work full time & have 3 kids in activities outside of school. I try to aim for 8 weeks per test. I break after an exam until the scores come out and then start back studying.

Just took my 3rd test today.

How long you need depends on if you are working, etc… try a read through of the material & practice tests to guage how much time you need.

I do recommend far first – so many aspects of the exam fall back on a solid foundation of what is covered in far.

FAR 11/2012: 80
AUD 2/19/2013: 90
REG 5/14/2013: 76
BEC 11/2013: 85
Ethics: 100
Waiting on the packet....

[MelK813]

Thanks for all the advice. I plan on using Gleim. I work full time as well. How many hours a week are you personally putting in? I would think if your getting in less, you would want to take longer.

[MelK813]

Thanks for all the advice. I plan on using Gleim. I work full time as well. How many hours a week are you personally putting in? I would think if your getting in less, you would want to take longer.

[jgrfan1]

I gave myself about 4-5 months per exam. It seems to work for me.

Just used Wiley book and Test Bank.

Good luck.

BEC - 5/2012 - 91
AUD - 8/2012 - 89
REG - 1/2013 - 90
FAR - 5/2013 - 88
Wife, 2 kids and a job

[jgrfan1]

I gave myself about 4-5 months per exam. It seems to work for me.

Just used Wiley book and Test Bank.

Good luck.

BEC - 5/2012 - 91
AUD - 8/2012 - 89
REG - 1/2013 - 90
FAR - 5/2013 - 88
Wife, 2 kids and a job

[wendywhite]

I study 25 hours a week. I use the before work, lunch, evening method and I do long days on weekends. I have to juggle whatever sport the kids are in – but i can usually get it in by getting up early.

I basically take 1 per quarter.

FAR 11/2012: 80
AUD 2/19/2013: 90
REG 5/14/2013: 76
BEC 11/2013: 85
Ethics: 100
Waiting on the packet....

[wendywhite]

I study 25 hours a week. I use the before work, lunch, evening method and I do long days on weekends. I have to juggle whatever sport the kids are in – but i can usually get it in by getting up early.

I basically take 1 per quarter.

FAR 11/2012: 80
AUD 2/19/2013: 90
REG 5/14/2013: 76
BEC 11/2013: 85
Ethics: 100
Waiting on the packet....

[10keyLeah]

MelK,

Which section are you going to start with? How much time can you realistically spend each week for studying?

It may take you a little time to get used to studying CPA materials and questions. It took me a little time to adjust at first. The good news is the clock has not started for you yet since you haven't passed your first exam. This gives you some breathing room.

As mentioned by others, it is important to develop a plan and stick to it (check out Jeff's ELL plan). If you started with FAR and studied 20-25 hours per week (quality study), you may be ready for it in the 3 month period. Again, it all depends on you – your study habits, your pace of learning, etc.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[Author]

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