u/Infamous-Archer4568

Hi everyone! I’m an incoming Grade 12 ABM student and I’m planning to take BSA in college.

To all the current CPALE takers (good luck to you all, you’ve got this!) and those who are already CPAs:

If you could travel back to when you were in senior high or a freshie, what specific topics, habits, or concepts would you tell yourself to focus on?

What are the "foundational" things I should study now to make my life easier once I enter the "integ" and board exam review years?

Rooting for all the board takers this year! Laban!

Hi everyone! I’m currently 17 (incoming Grade 12) and I’m planning my long-term future. My absolute goal is to move to the UK and settle there permanently as soon as I’m qualified. Ambitious, i know, but I'm determined.

I’ve applied for Accounting at UP and I want to know if my planned "Golden Path" is still the most efficient way to get sponsored for a Skilled Worker Visa in the UK:

1. Undergrad: Finish BSA at UP.
2. Boards: Pass the CPALE immediately.
3. Work: Join a Big 4 firm (SGV, Isla, etc.) in External Audit.
4. Experience: Stay for 2-3 years until I reach Senior Associate level.
5. Exit: Apply for direct hire or internal transfer to a UK firm.

My questions for the UK-based Pinoys here:

• Is External Audit still the best service line for UK sponsorship, or are they looking for other niches now?
• Should I start taking ACCA exams while in college (ACCA Accelerate), or wait until I’m working?
• How is the demand for PH-trained auditors in the UK lately given the visa rule changes?
• Are there specific industries (e.g., Financial Services, Tech, Energy) I should aim for in the Big 4 to make my CV more attractive to UK recruiters?

I’m very driven to make this happen. Any tips for a high schooler starting this journey would be appreciated!

I’m not looking to get huge or build a ton of muscle or anything, I just want to look a bit more toned and feel a little stronger overall. I’m already pretty lean, but I’d describe myself as slightly skinny fat, so I mostly just want a bit more definition and muscle rather than losing weight or dramatically changing how I look. For context, I’m an 18 year old female, around 103 lbs and 5'1, and I feel like even a small amount of muscle would probably make a noticeable difference in both how I look and feel.

There are also a few specific areas I’m kind of self conscious about and hoping to improve if possible. I have a bit of what looks like armpit fat that I’d really love to reduce, although I’m aware it could also just be breast tissue or anatomy related, which I know probably isn’t something exercise can directly change. I’m mostly just mentioning it for context because I’d love to feel a bit more confident in tops that make that area more noticeable. I also really dislike how soft or flabby my lower back feels, so building some muscle and looking a little tighter overall is something I’d genuinely like to work toward.

The biggest challenge is that I’m starting college, so my schedule is going to be pretty busy and inconsistent. I realistically don’t think I’ll be someone who can commit to super long workouts, spend hours at the gym, or follow a really intense routine every day. I also don’t have access to a gym or weights, so bodyweight exercises are pretty much my only option for now. I’m hoping for something simple, realistic, and flexible, maybe exercises I can do on a whim whenever I have a bit of free time, that would still help me slowly build strength and a little muscle over time. Even if progress is gradual, I just want something sustainable that fits into a busy schedule and helps me feel stronger, more toned, and more comfortable in my body overall.

I’ve also been thinking about strengthening my TVA/core for posture and stability reasons, but that’s kind of a separate conversation for now.