Megan shares with us the trials and triumphs of CPA Exam preparation, all from the perspective of a non-accounting major. She currently resides in Pennsylvania, and is loving Roger CPA Review’s acclaimed review course to prepare for the BEC Exam.
The theme of my week- testing Newtons First Law of Motion. Its the week before my BEC exam, my final section. I completed the Roger CPA Review course. My Saturday and Sunday were spent completing the CRAM course. I have notes to review and questions to practice. There are a few more nights remaining to finish preparing. I’m desperately trying to maintain good study habits right now.
All I can think about is the momentous relief I will feel upon completing BEC and receiving a passing score. Actually, I still wont be a licensed CPA until I complete the work experience requirement, but I’m not concerned about that. Going to work every day will seem much more tolerable when I don’t have to come home to my second job- studying! As far as I’m concerned, the worst will be behind me.
The last ten months of sleepless nights and stressful days have worn me down. The days of frantically trying to absorb and understand as much accounting as humanly possible will shortly be behind me. I feel fairly confident that my consistent efforts thus far will pay off with another passing score, but that’s no reason to give up now. I believe in dedicating as much time as possible to this material up until the test date, because then I will know I gave it my all. That being said, its been very difficult to focus these last few days, because I can almost taste my freedom. I’m blinded by the light at the end of the tunnel.
From time to time on this journey of determination and resolve, I have fallen prey to distractions and anti-motivational conditions. During this most important final week of preparation I find myself resorting to the most basic strategy to accomplish the final stages of my study process.
Do it with me. You have 60 seconds. Ready?
Step 1: Hide cell phone.
Step 2: Grab study materials and sit in a room with no distractions (ie. TV, family, chores).
Step 3: Open the book.
Step 4: Begin.
Sometimes, there is just no other way for me to bring myself to start studying. I force myself to stay on task by pushing myself through the motions. Many CPA candidates will tell you that beginning is the hardest part. This is just as true for each lesson as it is for the whole process. Once you get moving, you realize there is no sense in turning back. Newtons First Law of Motion states that objects in motion tend to stay in motion. Each morning you are another day closer to your dreams. Don’t stop now!
Only a few more days-wish me luck!