Trisha is a weekly NINJA CPA Blogger.
Preparing for what I hope to be my final encounter with the CPA exam feels much different than previous sections. I started this journey over 16 months ago, and just scheduled my rematch with REG for November 13, 2012.
REG was the first exam I attempted to pass. I attended live classes through my chosen preparation course, did all my homework, and studied using their method. I had been out of school over 5 years, and was a little rusty in the study department. I assumed they knew best.
After many long Saturdays in class and a few burnt out highlighters, I sat for REG in August of 2011. I left feeling unsure since it was my first exam. I was completely devastated when I received my failing score of 72. It took me a bit to pull up my bootstraps and move on.
After this first experience with the CPA exam, I decided to re-evaluate my study methods. I chose to watch the DVD lectures instead of attending the live classes. This is a method I have maintained since. Amazing what you can learn when you put down the highlighter!
I also added NINJA Materials and the Wiley Test Bank. Their inclusion offered me an alternate perspective that really made me aware of what I was really grasping and where I needed work.
I am currently watching the REG DVD lectures for the first time. What an improvement over the live class! I cant believe how much more I am retaining and understanding the material.
I do have to wonder if it is the quality of the lectures that is making the difference, or that I am now seasoned with a much larger base of accounting knowledge than I possessed over a year ago.
I usually score in the 60s my first time through the MCQs. I have been consistently scoring in the mid to high 80s this time around. This is such a huge confidence booster for me.
I am currently finished with the Tax portion and am heading into Business Law. I hope to complete the DVDs and related MCQs in the next two weeks, leaving over 2 weeks for review.
I also think that even though I am not done, knowing there is only one subject in my way to becoming a CPA is in itself a stress reliever. I feel a sense of calm because I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
This experience has always been After this one, then that one, followed by maybe another one UGH. Now it is JUST ONE MORE.
This WILL be it for me. I am taking my life back on November 13th!!!
