1) I got lazy
Explanation: After passing FAR and BEC in the same window, I got cocky. I let myself relax, since I already had what it takes to pass this exam.
Why this failed: I kept putting off my exam dates to the next window and lost that sense of urgency to finish the CPA exam.
How I fixed it: In May, I looked at my calendar and realized my FAR & BEC credits expire in November.
2) I used Yaeger AUD lectures
Explanation: Yaeger AUD lectures are terrible.
Why this failed: The lectures are boring and put me to sleep.
How I fixed it: See #3 below.
3) I memorized practiced questions
Explanation: I could easily recognize keywords and associate them with other keywords. So instead of learning and understanding practice questions, I memorized answers.
Why this failed: I could easily be tripped up by the detailed wording of questions and double negative answer choices.
How I fixed it: I used the Roger lectures for understanding and relating concepts. The mnemonics in the Roger CPA review book helped with organizing and memorizing long lists of information.
Tagged as:
CPA hipster,
lists4fun
Since I’m almost done with the CPA exam, I got to thinking about what will I do with myself once I’m done with the CPA exam. What is there beyond the CPA exam? Is the CPA exam the highest level of achievement for accountants? What do accountants do with themselves after passing the CPA?
Here’s a list I’m working on that consists of shit to achieve after passing the CPA exam:
CPA + MsAcc/MsTax
No, because I wouldn’t know what to do with all that knowledge I probably don’t even need.
CPA + MsAcc/MsTax + PhD
Yes, because teachers paid mad cash for going through the actions.
CPA + MBA
Yes, but only if I get into a top 10.
CPA + CFA
No, because it seems unnecessary.
CPA + CFE/CIA/CMA/etc
No, because I don’t want to be one of those nerds with way too many abbreviated certifications after their name.
CPA + Motivational Speaker
LOL
CPA + Start A CPA Review Course
Roger’s a freakin’ millionaire. (2010 Revenue = $4.5m) Yeah, I know it’s ‘revenue’ and not profit, but what expenses does he have besides his internet marketing blitz?
Accept that the CPA is the only certification I’ll ever get and find a way to be happy with that
Yes, I can be happy with that.
Further analysis to come…
Tagged as:
CPA hipster,
lists4fun
August 2010, Attempt #1:
- On the first attempt, make the mistake of using Yaeger to study.
- Use the Yaeger AUD lectures as a sleeping aid.
- Study for about a month, but fail to really absorb the information.
- Feel unprepared the day before the exam and reschedule for end of August.
- Practice more Multiple Choice Questions and become evermore frustrated and confused.
- Feel unprepared the day of the exam.
- Receive scores a month later and lament over your failure.
November 2010, Attempt #2:
- On second attempt, make the same mistake of using Yaeger to study (reasons: I’m broke and it’s already paid for)
- Again, use the Yaeger AUD lectures as a sleeping aid. For the month of November, get the best nights sleep you can remember.
- Try to study for about a month, but fail to really grasp anything.
- Schedule the exam at the last possible date, November 30.
- Panic and decide an impromptu 3 day cram-a-thon before your exam is best.
- Receive scores a month later and lament over the 3 points you were short of passing.
May 2011, Attempt #3:
- On the third attempt, use Roger for CPA study materials.
- Use the Roger AUD lectures to study and feel somewhat engaged and entertained.
- Study for about a month and feel like you actually learned something about audit (terms such as ‘internal control’ and ‘assertions’ are no longer definitions you were forced to memorize in undergrad, they become concepts with relative meanings).
- Schedule the exam at the end of May.
- Receive passing score a month later and lament over the $800 spent on exam fees and subpar study materials, wishing you went with Roger in the first place.
Tagged as:
CPA hipster,
lists4fun
