How do I study for the CPA exam?
Hi, I just graduated college about 4 months ago, and have been working full time for a private firm doing various law firm's accounting and financials. I struggled in school, and honestly found that what I learned in school, didn't necessarily translate into work or what I have reviewed for FAR so far.
I started studying a few months back, about 2-3 hours a day, and then became very discouraged by my MCQ scores and just not being able to retain the information.
I am looking to start again, but I dont want to repeat what I was doing if it wasnt seemingly working/
Through Becker, I was watching all of the lectures, taking pages of notes just on the lectures, and would go back and rewatch to make sure I got the information down, then would move onto the MCQ's and do those (Fail bad), do them again (Fail less bad), and then would move onto the sims, and I would spend so much time on them, just for them to be wrong.
I just now am trying to get back into it after taking a beak, but I am wondering what I should do different?
I just ordered the book to try that, but I am a slow reader and dont love reading, but I saw that many people had success with reading it at least once.
I am also very curious as to what other's timelines are. My initial budget was about 9 months of 3 hours 6-7 days a week, but I have seen many people do it in less than half of that time.
I am not the best test taker, I will know the information, and then question myself when it comes to the test day.
Any and all tips would be greatly appreciated, regarding: Strategy, timeline for each exam (I am planning to do FAR, AUD, ISC, REG), What strategies did and didnt work for you, and if you actually think the lectures are worth watching, or if the book is worth reading/ what in the world should I put my focus into besides the MCQ.
Any information would be great, so please let me know!