Guest Blog: Passing the CPA exam is not about intelligence...

I'm happy to introduce my guest blogger today, Aparna Sathi. She recently passed all CPA exam sections on the first try. She shares her approach and tips to help you pass the CPA exam.

It was a sweet coincidence when on the very day I was reading my journal from last year; Donna asked me if I could write something about my experience with studying and passing CPA.

My journey started last summer after I quit my job as an audit associate to move to a different state so I could stay with my husband. Considering the tanking economy and the fact that I absolutely loved my job, it was one of the hardest decisions for me. But on the plus side, I knew that this would give me a chance to pay full and undivided attention to passing the exam.

Your Study Zone

Each CPA candidate has different circumstances, living arrangements, and requirements for focus. I found the workstation I used at home during undergrad study to be inadequate for graduate classes and CPA exam prep, perhaps due the volume of material to memorize, time constraints, or because it was in the middle of many distractions. I set out to study at the library, but found it too distracting (not everyone obeys the "quiet" signs). Coffee shops are also too busy for me to get much studying done.

I have no office space at home, so I had to be creative. After a few failed locations, I settled into a corner of the basement (see photo). The table faces the wall, with a window to the right for sunlight. With my back to the room, I was not distracted by others when wearing earplugs or listening to lectures.

When preparing your study zone, aim to:

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.

When is the best time to study for the CPA exam?

This depends on your schedule and preference. Your goal is to study frequently, EVERY day. Use a single block of hours, many 15 minute power bursts, a marathon-study weekend, or any combination of these approaches. Start the day studying to take advantage of a brain that is fresh, alert and ready to learn or study in the evening to promote subconscious review during sleep. Study during your public commute might make it go by more quickly.

My favorite time to study was during and following a brisk walk, to take advantage of the increased blood flow to the brain. I set aside blocks of time each day to watch lectures, work MCQ and practice simulations at my computer. However, I was often seen flipping through my flashcards while in line at the grocery, in a doctor’s waiting room, and while a passenger in a car – each minute counts!

After intense study periods, take short “mindless” breaks, doing yard work, housecleaning, playing with your dog, resting, etc. These breaks allow your brain to absorb & solidify the most recent material and “make it stick” before adding new material. It is very helpful to set a schedule with goals for daily study time and record progress at day’s end. Be honest with yourself – does that hour of “study” during Survivor count? Each new day brings new opportunities and choices to help you pass the CPA exam.

Welcome

…to my first blog. I never planned on blogging, but had several requests for a blog, so here it is.
If you're looking for commiseration, complaining, or excuses you won't find any here. I don't believe that's what any CPA exam candidate really needs.

What you will find here are the proven practices, study tips and encouragement I used to pass all four sections of the CPA exams on my first attempt. I'm sharing to help CPA candidates reach the goal of passing the CPA exams. I will endeavor to keep my posts concise - if you're preparing for an exam, you don't need to waste time reading a long blog post!