My previous post, I have answered why a CPA. Now, I want to get to the point! That point being, I started this blog to begin logging my studies, vent my frustrations, ask questions, and offer any help to other fellow examiners. 

If it helps anyone reading this rant, I began this process in 2007. Not very proud at this moment because it is now 2011. I haven’t been exactly dedicated the last 4 years to my studies, hence why I am still taking this exam!

I first studied for BEC. I thought fresh out of school BEC would be the easiest. I was wrong. My self studying didn’t get me very far. I got a 50. I was absolutely devastated. Regardless, I got back up on that horse, and enrolled in a review course. (NOTE: I won’t mention any review courses specifically, but if inquiring minds need to know you can ask me privately). I chose to do live classes for all 4 parts in an 8 month process. To say the least, it was a major shock and adjustment to my life that I wasn’t prepared for.

This time, I began with AUD. I made a schedule, stayed on task with all the homework assigned in class and practiced MCQs until my hand hurt. I sat for the exam and waited and waited and waited…did I mention I waited…yes it did feel like a century passed before I got that envelope in the mail. I held my breathe and opened a 74. While the AUD wait was going on, I moved on to class #2 BEC. I already was knee deep studying for BEC when that score came in the mail. I decided the just add AUD to the end of the list of sections still to take. 

I sat for BEC and 2 weeks later began class #3 REG. I was half way through REG when I received a 68. This is what I call the gray period. At this point, I was mentally not even prepared to finish the rest of the course, but I did. I went to every class, even #4 FAR. I decided to add BEC to the end of the list, focus on the last class and pass “the most difficult” part first. That would give me the motivation I needed to pass a part, any part. 

Before I end here and continue the drama in the next post, I want to outline how I scheduled my NTS’s. My first NTS for BEC, I only signed up for BEC. The second round, I signed up for AUD and BEC. I have only ever signed up for 2 tests at a time. For me personally, this is my preference. A NTS expires after 6 months. I didn’t want to spend the money then have an emergency that would prevent me from sitting. I consider that a waste of money. 

To be continued in the next post.