CPA Review | CPA Exam Review – Another71.com

Dale is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

I have to tell you, studying for the CPA exam… it’s been a real struggle as of late. I study the topics, answer the MCQs and start over working to add points on the next go round.

I have to constantly remind myself that I have embarked on a marathon, not a sprint. I have to master all of the information because while passing the exam is important, being a highly knowledgeable professional after the exam is equally if not more important.

My high school kids school year is winding down, one of which is graduating so there are decisions to be made in the midst of celebration. My college kid’s year is winding down and there are the decisions for next year like where to live, what to take and when so they can graduate on time. Then there has to be time for marriage, work, personal life and balance.

Point is, without much effort, study time can get derailed and any progress and momentum I built is lost and I feel like I have to start all over. For me, that’s a terrible feeling. I read the blog threads written by many that have taken the test more times than I have and I see they struggle too.

I read in their posts that they get frustrated, aggravated and discouraged just like I have been. Some have contemplated career change, some question whether they have made the right choices to pursue this career path, and I’m certain there are a number that have quit trying without writing anything about it.

So for me, I am comforted by reading about the struggles of others to accomplish this goal. I feel better knowing that there are many that have felt the same way I have and do. And reading about those struggles that ended in success gives me strength to continue on. A heartfelt thank you to all that never gave up and serve as an example to me that difficult isn’t impossible.

I have a friend that was in nursing school years ago that was stressed out about an upcoming pharmacology exam. It was pass or fail…they either got a 100% or they failed. She told me about the exam and how they protested to the professor’s choice of grading and the about the response which made perfect sense…”How would YOU like to be the patient who trusted your life to the nurse that got an 85% on their meds exam?”

That one exchange puts a new perspective on this quest I have undertaken and while I am not dealing with physical life or death issues as my friend the nurse is, I deal with clients that have received IRS notices almost on a daily basis.

In my experience, there is not one other piece of mail found in the mailbox that creates emotion and fear that an IRS envelope does and to them, the client, it’s a life or death situation and they look to a knowledgeable professional to help get the IRS “off their front porch” so to speak.

I am thankful for and impressed by the NINJA products simply because they are pragmatic and straightforward providing immediate feedback about my strengths and weaknesses which allows me to zero in on what I need to really focus and work on to master and identify those areas that need only maintenance to keep fresh in my mind.

I have used the NINJA Flashcards religiously at the baseball park, the gym, in the car while I am sitting in traffic…anywhere I can find a free minute or two to do a topic. The clear and simple language of the flashcards and notes has really helped me make the best use of my time, such that it is, to drill into my mind the necessary information to pass the exam. And it does so without any fluff, just crystal clear easy to understand language applied to sometimes not-so-clear topics.

I’m not expecting 100%’s on the exam but am certainly shooting higher than the 75…

Kristin is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

Well, as my title states, another 74, BUMMER!!

I am feeling the pain in the word ‘another’, as this was my second 74 on the AUD test. I took it last year and had a lot going on, didn’t feel like I passed when I left, and ultimately was correct.

Now this time around, I was feeling foot loose and fancy free! Okay, not really, but I felt good prior to sitting for round two. I felt solid with most of the material, and I felt I grasped it in a way that I didn’t the first time around. I went in, AND LEFT, feeling confident.

And then I got my score. Another 74. Are. You. Kidding. Me.

I got my score a few weeks ago, and honestly have to say, it is still sinking in. I just don’t get how I could feel better about the material and the test, and do the same in the end. Needless to say it was heart wrenching, gut punching, motivation stealing. And of course, it was at the end of a testing window. And double of course, it is changing starting the next testing window.

I have BEC scheduled for July 13th, and am really having a hard time getting in to it. But it is like taking a nasty cough medicine…a little at a time, I have to do it, it is for my own good. I have taken a cost accounting class before, although long ago, so it is nice that the subject is not completely foreign to me, but it is still a LOT, a lot of formulas and concepts and memorizing.

Last week I had a planned vacation with me and my boys to San Francisco, and we went, and had a blast. Aside from the plane ride, I did very little studying. Now that I am back, the next thing on my agenda is my test, so it is time to get in gear. I may move my test out a little bit, but am undecided as of now.

Currently, I am using lecture videos, and the NINJA Flashcards, which are great because it is something I can do 4 of, or 5, while I am on hold, or downloading something, or even one in between reading each email. I am getting ready to start unit 3/6 in my videos, and I have been watching the lectures and taking notes…notes….so many notes.

My last post was much more light- prior to my second 74 knowledge. I know once I get back on track and start covering more material, and getting comfortable with it, I will feel better.

As I said before, hopefully being accountable to this blog, as silly as it may seem, will be the push I need to fully get back up. My words of wisdom I leave with today, of course are not about AUD, but….two things I keep telling myself.

1. If failing a test is what is gut punching and heart wrenching in my life, and some of yours as well, we are all very fortunate. For example, turn on the news. If this is our bad day, week, or month, we are lucky. Period.

2. My boyfriend reminds me, if this was a license that was easy to obtain, it wouldn’t be as respected, it wouldn’t be such a ‘big deal’, and the victory won’t be as sweet in the end. I am reminded, thankfully, that if I am getting scores that are this close, I am in the right place. I am close. I will get there.

-Number NINJA Kristin, out.

Carla is a new NINJA CPA Blogger.

Hello fellow NINJAs,

When I began my CPA journey after losing my job in 2010 I did not realize the magnitude of the challenge that lay ahead. I had graduated just two years before and had been working in Public Accounting for two years, so I thought passing the exam would be a walk in the park.

Boy was I wrong.

I took all four sections during the course of 2011 and did not pass a single section. I got discouraged and was ready to give up. As it turns out, this was the beginning of the cycle.

I went back into Public Accounting in 2012 and decided to get back in the saddle again, only this time with a new study plan. I decided to focus solely on one section, the beast FAR. I had read many of the Another71 Forum posts and talked with several colleagues and they all talked about how FAR was the hardest section, so I figured I would get that one out of the way.

I began studying for FAR and sat in May 2012 … again came up short. Fall of 2012 offered very little time to study because of being on the road auditing, but I managed to find study time on the road and took a few weeks off at the end of the year to focus on FAR and sat again in January 2013 … I scored a 61. Discouraged and upset, I was ready to throw in the towel.

So now here it is June 2013, and after some long decision-making and contemplation I have a renewed focus. I have found my determination and motivation that I started with almost three years ago. This time will be different, this time will be better … this time I have mad NINJA skills (and tons of support and encouragement from all of you)!

I have begun to study FAR again and plan to sit for the exam in July. I am excited to be on this journey with so many people, and share my stories of success and inspiration with all of you. I will leave you all with a quote to inspire you.

“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison

Jason is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

Dear fellow NINJAs,

I am coming to the end of my REG studies; I only have about 20 or so days left until I test.

I am feeling fairly confident going through MCQ after MCQ. I am also supplementing that with my NINJA Notes and Audio.

It’s a great combo because when you get a few MCQs wrong in a row and it throws you off your MCQ game you can turn to the Notes or the Audio for a quick reprieve and get back on track.

Within this timeline we also close on our house and start repairs, fun right!

I am also a little down for my buddies in the live review. Out of the 5 or so people that I sit around/study with, myself and one other person are the only ones that passed our AUD exam. It’s tough because while you want to celebrate I also feel bad that they don’t get the chance to celebrate (YET!).

Do you guys have friends/co-workers/etc that didn’t pass and you did? How did you deal with that?

Till next time,

-j

Ralph is a new NINJA CPA Blogger.

Hey NINJAs.

My name is Ralph (a.k.a. The Island NINJA), all the way from the sunny Turks and Caicos Islands. With me in the picture is my better half, Erin, who I’ve been with for the past 5 years.

My CPA journey began in November of 2012. At that time I attempted AUD and BEC; unfortunately I was unsuccessful on both (AUD 74 and BEC 63). After failing both tests I was borderline depressed, I got the feeling that the CPA exam was just not for me.

Looking for motivation, I went on YouTube and looked up CPA videos for tips on how to increase my score. That’s when I met the sensei (Jeff) from Another71. As I watched his video I remember thinking to myself “another guy with a story that was going to end with me spending money on something that may or may not be worth it, but what the heck.”

What I found however was a guy who shared the same experience and pain that I was now feeling. After watching the video I decided to venture to another71.com and see what it was all about.

As I read fellow NINJA blog entries, sorrows I once experienced from failing quickly faded away, because I realized I was not alone in this journey. At that moment I decided I was not going to give up on my goal of becoming a CPA.

Since then I’ve attempted both AUD and BEC a second time, in which I was successful in AUD (83) but once again failed BEC (73). Although I failed BEC again, I must say the NINJA Audio plus my home study program helped raise my score 10 points; I guess with everything you have to take the positive with the negative.

Currently I’m studying for FAR (July 8) and plan on retaking BEC (July 29). If all goes well I will attempt REG in August.

My approach going forward is to lean on prayer, support from family, friends, all the NINJAs worldwide, and many hours of dedication and effort to ensure I accomplish my goal of passing the CPA exam, and become a Certified Public accounting. Until then it’s back to FAR (Not-for-profit).

All the best NINJAs

Mark is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

It has been a few weeks since my last post and a lot has happened since then. I was offered a new job that was a nice pay raise and step up in my accounting career.

After I accepted and put my two weeks in, I was approached by a friend of mine to come run his business. He is a doctor who invented some products but needed help getting everything going.

It was a tricky situation but after a lot of thought I figured it was worth the risk to work for the startup business, coming in at the beginning.

Because of all this I pushed my BEC test back from May to the first week of July. It took me a couple weeks to get use to the new job but now everything is going great. I have been working a lot, but also able to study more and my schedule is a lot more flexible.

I have one module left to go with the videos, and then it is on to multiple choice and writing the NINJA Notes over and over. I really feel like I am getting in the studying zone and hope it can last.

The material is also helping me with some of the same stuff I am currently working on so that is pretty neat. I have had problems in the past staying focused but right now I am totally into it. It is a Saturday night and I am home watching lecture videos, not going out and not even watching the NBA championship game.

I know if I can keep this up I will be able to take down BEC and move on to REG to finish up and finally be done.

My wife also finished up her Master’s degree for special education teaching and was offered the job she wanted at the school she wanted. It will finally be nice to have two incomes coming in.

Well I have to get back to my lectures, need to finish the night strong and start early tomorrow.

Good luck to everyone getting their scores back.

Patrick is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

We are officially off the grid. I unplugged our shore power receptacle a couple of days ago in preparation for our cruise to nowhere in particular, which will last until mid August.

I parked our car at our church, where my folks will pick it up in a couple of days. As I walked back to the harbor, I caught my last glimpses of Olympia.

I was stuck with a certain uneasiness, the kind you’ve experienced before taking a long road trip in a worn-out car. The forecast is for sun tomorrow, with 0% chance of precipitation….. recipe for disaster?

We would have left by now, were it not for engine trouble yet again. The engine sputtered and died many times over on last week. I decided to remove the carburetor and have it professionally cleaned. It seems to run ok now, but it doesn’t start as easy as it once did.

We will leave tomorrow at first light, in order to cross the Tacoma Narrows when the current is to our favor. From there, we will head up the West side of Vashon Island and hopefully reach Kingston by nightfall. Winds will be light tomorrow so we’ll probably motor through the Narrows. Our goal is to reach Port Townsend by Sunday, and spend the week there.

I don’t have much to say about the exam, which I took last Friday in Phoenix. The trip to Phoenix was far more interesting.

I found a ride through Craigslist to Phoenix on the night of the 30th. The plan was to review on the way there, review some more at the hotel, and do a final review in the morning. However my ride fell through on Thursday, prompting plan B – Greyhound bus.

I was completely out of my element and almost didn’t make it on the bus, which was 90 minutes late. The eight hour ride was completely awful and I probably got about three hours of sleep.

Through brief fits of semi-consciousness, I remember passing through a town on the Arizona border with large Casinos lining the North side of a river, perhaps it was the Colorado. I remember one casino in particular was named the Golden Nugget. The name made me sick to my stomach.

I got to Phoenix at about 6:00 am and caught a cab to the closest Denny’s to the testing center. Of course, I looked, smelled, and felt my very best. I ordered a Moons Over my Hammy, my favorite, and tried to review.

I did about 30 Wiley MCQs as a warm-up and tried to review notes but by seven, my give-a-shitter was broken and I concluded that in this state, there was little value in doing a review, so I caught a bus to the testing center. They allowed me to test early and so I ate half a banana and popped a Red Bull that I was saving for an emergency.

I’m pretty sure I didn’t pass this time. I need to work on not only memorization, but the ability to recall the information when needed. Most of the material was familiar to me, but I felt like I took too many educated guesses.

Leah is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

Hello fellow CPA exam enthusiasts!

I was reminded this past week of an important rule; always have the right tools for the job. This goes for just about everything in life, and it reminds me of when I first started the CPA journey.

I remember feeling a little confused about all of the different study courses. I spent a few weeks researching the various programs to try to find study materials that fit my wallet, but also fit my learning style.

With my ‘tools’ in hand, including Ninja Ten Point Combo, I was able to pass FAR on the first try.

I recently applied for an accountant position at the same place I applied last month. They had a second opening, and as I’ve said before, accountant type work is few and far between in ‘cow town’. I just found out I didn’t get the position so I’m thinking I’ll take BEC in the same window with AUD.

By the time I sit for AUD in July, I will have been studying for CPA exams for six months, and I’m really tempted to take a little break by moving BEC to the October/November window. Then again, if I’m not working there really is no reason why I shouldn’t try to take AUD and BEC in the same window.

Two exams in one window might be a little ambitious for me, but I’ve read around on the forums that it is possible to study for BEC in eight weeks. I really do not want to wait a full three months before giving BEC a try. I guess I’m feeling a little antsy about getting the exams out of the way now that I’m on the clock.

In between studying, I’ve had a chance to start working on house projects. My husband and I have lived in the same house for over twelve years and we are just now getting around to adding a little landscaping.

We have zero landscaping to start, but a few potted plants and several blisters later and the place is looking a little brighter.

As I mentioned earlier, it helps to have the right tools. Today, my back wishes I had used a long handled shovel instead of a short handled, baby shovel. A shovel is a shovel, right? Don’t bet on it!

I took both Saturday and Sunday off and didn’t study so I could get the house project started. Of course I felt a little guilty about that, but I did listen to NINJA Audio while I was getting some tomato plants set up. I’ve added a picture below of a piece of our handy work. Not too shabby for amateurs. Until next time!