August 2016 Student of the Month: Denye Versher

Why did you take Roger CPA Review?

I chose Roger CPA Review because it was the best value combining a much lower cost than Becker with a proven high pass rate (88%). I also had friends and former auditors that I had worked with highly recommend it.

How did you hear about our review course?

I heard about Roger CPA Review through friends who are CPA’s and through company auditors.

What was your favorite aspect of the course?

My favorite aspect of the course was the energy that Roger brings. It kept me very well engaged even at times when I was very tired and got little sleep. I have a toddler and we are expecting our second child, so there were a lot of nights that I spent studying until 2am-3am after work and after putting my daughter to sleep.

How has passing the exam affected your personal and professional life?

Passing the CPA Exam has : Given me more credibility at work. I am well respected around the office as being the go to person for accounting and financial reporting issues. I am poised now to hit my goal of becoming controller or CFO in the next few years at either my current organization or another. I no longer have to look at jobs that say “CPA Preferred” and know I don’t fit that description. I am now the preferred candidate and with my MBA and undergraduate degree in economics, I am prepared for anything.

What piece of advice do you have for other CPA Exam candidates?

I suggest taking FAR first. For me it was important because since the “ 18 month clock” does not start until you pass your first exam, I was able to take extra time to study for this test since it had the most material. Also, as Roger advises, expect to study at least 100 hrs minimum for each exam. I actually used Roger’s full course and Cram for each section since he advises it could boost your score up to 10 points. In terms of practice questions, shoot for 2,000-3,000 problems. This is the most important way to apply what you have learned and pass the exam. Also, do your best and, when you make a mistake, correct it without feeling like you are not great at what you do. Everyone makes mistakes but it is those who learn from them that grow and come out on top.

Anything else you would like to share?

Always be determined and persevere for your dreams. I was not new to the CPA Exam. I honestly failed the first 4 times I took it and had to let the first part I passed expire. For the first 4 exams, I used a cheaper review course that did not prepare me well for the exam and the first 1 I passed I let go for personal reasons. The biggest thing that changed is that I did not give up and this time I decided not to go cheap but to invest in the program that I thought would prepare the best for success and that is why I chose Roger. And guess what; I passed all 4 exams on the first try with Roger!

Favorite quote?

I chose 2 quotes: “I never lose. I either win or learn.” ― Nelson Mandela “An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.” ― O.A. Battista