5 CPA Study Tips

You’ve done all your research, you’ve mapped out your path to the CPA Exam, and you’ve made a picture-perfect study schedule to get you there. All that’s left is to actually execute it!

We all know that things don’t usually go exactly according to plan, and without intentional effort to stick to your schedule, things almost definitely won’t go according to plan. To make your schedule work for you, you have to work to stay on top of it.

Here are five tips to help you stay on schedule and rock your study plans:

Find a Study Buddy

Some people learn better studying with a friend or with a group. Some don’t. Whichever one you are, you can still benefit from a study partner. Having someone to study with is about more than just talking through difficult concepts or quizzing each other. It’s about having accountability, having a companion who knows what you’re going through and is walking through it with you, and having a support system to lean on when you need it (and you will need it). How and if you choose to actually study with that person is up to you and your learning style, but regardless, everyone needs a study partner for accountability and support. Step one to sticking to your schedule: don’t go it alone.

Stay Active in Online Forums

The great Bill Nye once said, “everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.” If that’s the case, we can always be looking to learn something from someone else’s experiences and knowledge. The age of the internet has made this easier than ever. Online forums on websites like Reddit, Yahoo Answers, Quora, or LinkedIn are a great way to learn from other people that are in the same position as you or people who have been there before. People share study tips, review materials, questions, and answers to those questions. All of which are great ways for you to learn and enhance your own study skills, all while building a larger and more diverse professional network.

Set Goals for Yourself

At the end of the day, you have one goal: pass the CPA Exam. But to get there, you need smaller, more frequent, and more short-term goals. It’s like following a trail of candy to get where you’re going. You find a piece of candy and enjoy it, then move along to the next one. The candy isn’t the end goal, but it sure helps to get you there. Set both long-term and short-term goals for yourself that line up with your study plans. When you achieve them, you’ll not only be staying on track, but you’ll also be motivated by your success. Don’t forget to enjoy the small victories and reward yourself for achieving your goals, big and small.

Share Your Plans and Goals with Family and Friends

The support system of family and friends that you have around you is such an important part of successfully studying for the CPA Exam. But if you leave them in the dark, they won’t know how to support you. Tell your family and friends about your goals, your study plans, and what you need to be successful. Ask for their support. Sometimes you need an encouraging word, sometimes you need some quiet time to study, sometimes you need to just get your mind off of studying. Whatever it is, give the people around you the opportunity to help by communicating what you need. If they know your plan and your goals, they’re much more equipped to be supportive of you along the way.

Use a CPA Review Course

The truth is that you haven’t walked this road before, and while you may have some directions that will help you get where you’re going, you’re much more likely to make it to your destination if you have a detailed map and the advice of people who have made the journey before. With a CPA Review course, you’ll get that map, the expert advice, and much more to help you along the way. Not only will it help you get where you’re going, but it will also save you time and effort, making your path as efficient as possible.