I graduated with honors. Why can't I pass the CPA exam?

Clearly, academic ability is generally a benefit in life. A student who understands the expectations, has aptitude, and strives to meet those expectations can generally be successful in school, enjoying additional success in life. However, academic courses are short-term in nature and long-term retention is not every student's focus.

Many students know how to complete assignments and study for upcoming exams, meeting the immediate requirement for the desired grade. However, students often fail at long-term retention of details because focus shifts to the newest assignments after a chapter, topic, or term is over. Tutors refer to this as the "glib student." If this sounds familiar, there is hope. Long-term retention can be achieved with proper learning, study and review techniques.

Perhaps you were never taught how to learn, study and review to achieve long-term retention. The Academic Skills Center at Dartmouth College offers excellent resources for Strategic Learning, time management, notetaking, reading improvement, and stress management. Time is well-spent viewing this short video and using the proven techniques. If you have an excellent academic record yet struggle with the CPA exams,  improving your learning, study and review techniques may be just what you need to pass the CPA exams.