Leah is a NINJA CPA Blogger.

I have about 3 weeks to go before I sit for my first exam, FAR. I’m finishing up studying, and preparing for a final review push.

I will have studied four months for FAR, and I’m thinking that may have been a little too much time.

I know these last three weeks will be important leading up to the exam. I still have trouble with several concepts so I’ll try to get a better grip on them.

I have to admit that it would be a little embarrassing if I fail FAR knowing I spent so much time studying for it. Yet, I know this very thing has happened to many others.

My three week plan includes re-writing NINJA Notes, non-stop MCQ’s, and working on NINJA Audio and Flashcards in-between.

In the meantime, I’ve learned something new about the CPA exam; namely the Elijah Watt Sells Award. I didn’t know about this award. It goes to those that average a score above 95.50 on all four sections without failing any one section. Say what??

Only 39 out of 92,000 candidates made the cut in 2012. I don’t feel so bad now after seeing that figure. That is .0004 percent. Most candidates on the list work for big name companies, have master’s degrees, or graduated from awesome schools.

None of the above describes me, but if I’ve learned anything it is that a candidate does not need those things to succeed and become a CPA. I would be thrilled to pass all four sections with ‘just’ a 75 even if I have to do a few retakes.

I think there can be something said for those that get knocked down a few times and get back up. It says that a person has guts, determination, and they won’t let a few setbacks keep them from their goal. I hope I’m a part of this group and I never give up.