Posts by GleimBlog

360: The Perfect Score

May 20, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By CMA exam Guest Blogger Ashley G.

Although I took my exam on 2/28/2012 (the last testing date of the testing window), I received my score on 4/12/2012 (talk about the waiting game). For all of the readers out there, I thought I would share my score and provide some advice. Some people might feel a perfect score is scoring the highest possible score; however, for me, 360 is the perfect score.

I once read an article a few years ago when I first began studying for the CMA (when it was a 4-part exam) where the author claimed that the goal is to achieve optimal efficiency and effectiveness when it comes to exam performance. Think of this as break-even analysis. This individual said that if you consume your life with studies and score an absolute perfect score, you have over-studied. Therefore, you have achieved effectiveness (by passing) but have missed the mark on efficiency. If you study and procrastinate, however, and fail the exam, you have achieved neither effectiveness nor efficiency.

When I studied for both the CPA and CMA, I used the 1-month approach (warning: this isn’t meant for everyone). I study for about 1 month for each section. This means being diligent 100% of the time and focusing on the finish line. The only time this did not work was when I sat for CMA Part II the first time (it took two tries). I scored a 330, which was as a result of not being diligent and letting work get the best of me. To study and work at the same time is the hardest and most admirable task I can think of (besides adding children and other obligations to the equation).

You have to stop to think what is best for YOU. Much like weight-loss, everyone is different! For myself, and I did learn this the hard way, studying for several months results in procrastination and putting off study plans. It would turn into “I can miss one day. What’s one day?” After this approach resulted in me failing the CMA and CPA several times, I changed my study routine (slow and steady did not win the race for me). For my lifestyle, 1 month has been the perfect plan, although I have no significant other and no children. I do, however, have an intense work environment, which requires traveling, minimal obligations, distractions, etc.).

What was my score you ask? A perfect 360. As a final note, I would like to give a huge thanks to my Support System. I would also like to thank Gleim for granting me the opportunity to document my experience (the ups and downs). This will definitely be a piece of history in my life that I share with future generations. It’s incredible having the ability to sit back and reflect on what I went through. I would encourage anyone out there to journal their progress – it helps. I hope my entries have helped the readers out there in their exam preparations.

Cheers!

 

Seeing Improvements in EA Review Scores

May 20, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Gleim EA Guest Blogger Katherine K.

Wow! I was able to improve my Section 1 test scores from 60% to 100% over the last 2 weeks! The questions in the true/false section and the multiple-choice sections helped me to find areas I needed to focus on and review. Just when I thought I knew all about it, the quizzes opened my eyes to the need to review particular subjects. I plan to do a quick review of Section 1 before moving on to Section 2.

I am still recovering from tax season. I still have many questions about tax code that I encountered while preparing this year. I did my best to look up what I needed to look up at the time I was preparing the returns, but I want to review the information to ensure that I know it and can apply it when it comes up next time. I am so happy to have the Gleim materials to do this!

The questions in the Gleim EA Review are well written and make me think. I am very fortunate to have been preparing taxes while studying, as I feel I have been able to learn much more by using and applying the information. That is what is so helpful about the Gleim Review System, you get many opportunities to take tests on the information in many different ways. I have been able to read the book in bed at night and test myself immediately on each section. I have been able to take true/false and multiple-choice quizzes during breaks and during lunch at work.

I also have been using my EA Review book as a reference guide while preparing. I was able to refer a client to the information in the manual regarding meals and entertainment substantiation.

Now that tax season is over, I plan to spend much more time studying, especially over the next 2 weeks. I plan to finish Section 2 within the next week and be well into Section 3 by the end of the month.

 

 

CIA Transition to a 3-Part Exam

May 20, 2013, by No comments yet

The new Part 3 will now contain more information than before, and will take longer to prepare for. Candidates who are exempt from taking Part 4 should register to sit for the current Part 3 exam as soon as possible to avoid the new, longer format of Part 3″

 

Starting July 1st, the CIA will transition from a 4-Part exam to a 3-Part exam. CIA applicants will be able to register for the 4-Part exam through June 30, 2013, and will have through December 31, 2013, to complete the exam.

For both new and current candidates, we have found that it is more beneficial to get started studying and passing the exam(s) in the current 4-Part exam format. Taking the 4-Part CIA exam allows you to benefit from the experience of your peers who have already passed the CIA. The current exam is tried and tested, so candidates should sit for as many parts of the 4-Part program as they can. Candidates who pass Part(s) 1 or 2 of the current 4-Part exam will be exempt from the respective part of the 3-Part format if they transition to the new exam. As part of the transition, current Parts 3 and 4 will merge into one part. The new Part 3 will now contain more information than before, and will take longer to prepare for. Candidates who are exempt from taking Part 4 should register to sit for the current Part 3 exam as soon as possible to avoid the new, longer format of Part 3.

Also, if you start now, you will be on your way to being a CIA sooner, which means you will be able to reap the benefits of being certified quicker.

The 16th edition is perfect for candidates who want to fast track becoming a CIA. The multi-platform system is not only convenient, but also has all the tools candidates need to pass quickly. Every Gleim CIA Review system includes books, thousands of exam-emulating questions, online courses that include presentations, audio downloads, and access to exam experts who are able to guide you toward passing the CIA exam.

Gleim is excited to offer a special promotion on the 16th edition CIA Review materials to help you become a CIA faster. As the experts in CIA review with over 30 years of experience, Gleim has refined the art of preparing candidates to pass the CIA exam. With materials expertly authored by actual professors and questions from past CIA exams, Gleim is the right choice to assist you with your goal of becoming a CIA.

Don’t delay your CIA preparation; Gleim makes it easy to remain in your budget when you start preparing to become a CIA. Contact us today to discuss how you can save up to 33% on the CIA Review System and save time and money when studying for the 4-Part CIA Exam.

If you’re confused as to which CIA exam format you should take, contact Gleim today. Gleim has Personal Counselors available that can provide personalized, expert advice on which exam would most benefit your specific situation.

-Team Gleim | accountingteam@gleim.com

 

Final Review Process – CPA Exam

May 9, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By CPA Exam Blogger Erica T.

Before I sat for BEC, I blocked off a week of time to get a cumulative review of all the material. I hit all the multiple-choice questions in the book again, making flashcards of the ones that I struggled with a second time through. I also listened to the audio review on my iPhone in my car. That is one of my favorite tools. It helps you utilize your time efficiently. Even when you’re driving down the road, you can be listening to the concepts that will be on the test and not losing study time.

The weekend before I tested (on a Monday), I crammed like a madwoman. I spent every second that I could with my nose stuck in the book. I woke up early and stayed up late to study. On Sunday night about midnight, I couldn’t take anymore. I just closed the book, put my things by the door for the next day, and got a good night of sleep. To me, the final review was a lot less stressful than a first time review. You are familiar with the content and it’s just that, a review. I found this method to be effective for me. I tend to do well in a crunch. If I have any advice for a final review, it is to find what works for you. Each person is different in their study habits and this was the most effective way for me. I think another valuable piece of advice for someone studying for the CPA exam (and also working in the accounting field) is to have a little bit more common sense than I did and don’t schedule your exam one week before the tax deadline.

 

CIA Exam Day Approaching

May 9, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Guest Blogger Tracy C.

Exam day is quickly approaching. I have 2 weeks until the big day. I have made a good dent in my studying this week. I wanted to complete all of the study units by the end of this week and have almost made it. I will spend extra time studying this weekend. Next week will be a challenge for me to fit in studying because I am going on vacation. I planned my vacation long before I started studying for the CIA exam, so when I scheduled my exam, I tried to give myself plenty of time in between. I get back from vacation with a week and a few days left before I take the exam, so that will give me plenty of time to review. I scheduled my exam for a Monday afternoon. This should give me the whole weekend before my exam as well as the morning of to finish reviewing and prepare myself in the final stages.

My study plan while I’m on vacation is to spend time in the mornings or evenings fitting in some review. This way I can relax in between our daily activities and dinner and use that time to go over my notes. Hopefully, I can stick to this plan and get some reviewing accomplished. I’m looking forward to having a week off work and getting to relax. For me, having a plan and sticking to it is an important factor in studying for the exam. I may try to go back and answer some more multiple-choice questions this week while I am on vacation. This is a good review for me this week because it won’t take a lot of time, but I will still accomplish an important part of my review plan. Check back next week to see how my study plans for vacation went; we will see how much I can accomplish.

 

 

Keeping Up the Pace – EA Review

May 9, 2013, by No comments yet

Written By EA Blogger Katherine K.

Today I completed Study Unit 2, Gross Income. I feel like I have made it through one of the toughest study units. I know that properly identifying taxable income is basic to all tax preparation and that the Gleim materials are very thorough. I also have a tip for anyone studying this section: Clear up the meaning of terms and concepts as thoroughly as possible. I took extra time to do this and it was worthwhile. I am now maintaining an average test score of 80%, even when I include the score for my first exam in each study unit. The score for the first test is usually much lower because it is taken prior to studying.

The questions in the true/false and multiple-choice exams helped direct my attention to areas of study I had not fully understood, and they also helped to clarify the information. I learn a lot from the exams and the review! I am actually enjoying my studies now, which I attribute to the system wherein one approaches the subject and has the opportunity to interact and then review.

Another useful aspect I have found is that the true/false and multiple-choice exams are timed. I didn’t think much of this at first and was even a little annoyed. Now, I realize that the timing aspect forces me to keep a certain pace through each exam. This pace is what I will experience during the real EA Exam!

I am currently working in sales during the off season (tax) and will be traveling from New York to Florida over the next month. I plan to bring my laptop with me and get through the remaining 11 study units by mid June. I am so excited about finally getting my EA certificate this year! My employer in my tax prep work wants me to obtain my EA certificate by September, so I know I need to keep up the pace.

I also discovered that I will be able to do a final review the week prior to sitting for the EA exam with an “Exam Rehearsal” and “Online Test Prep.” It’s so relieving to be taken through these studies by Gleim and not have to worry about what and how to study.

 

Back to EA Review After Tax Season

May 8, 2013, by No comments yet

Written by EA Exam Blogger Katherine S.

 

I find that it is now easier for me to do my tax research since I have been studying my Gleim EA materials. The intricacies of tax code seemed formidable in the past, but now I find myself digging in and studying whatever is needed to get information for the tax return. This may also have to do with the fact that I have gotten a lot of experience this tax season by preparing over 300 tax returns. I am definitely feeling more knowledgeable and confident. I work with a great bunch of tax preparers who have helped me get through some difficult times this tax season. I am very excited about becoming an Enrolled Agent this year! Every other tax preparer in my office is an Enrolled Agent or CPA. They are expecting me to obtain my certificate this year. I feel very fortunate to have found a program like Gleim to help me achieve that.

 
I spent some time last night reading the Gleim book at home and taking the quizzes at the end of each section. I like the fact that you only read a short section and then immediately take a quiz on what you studied. The questions are very involved at times, developed to really make a person think about the details that they just read. I find that I am unable to read through the material without using the information thoroughly, and by using the information thoroughly, it is retained!

 
I haven’t had a whole lot of time to study lately because it is the peak of tax season. I am busy preparing returns from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm and just want to relax when I get home. I have put my Gleim EA book by my bed, however, and plan to spend time each night this week reading and taking the quizzes for each section. This will definitely help, and I will be making some progress while I am so busy during tax season.

 
Katherine Spurger

 

Skipping the Written Communications

May 8, 2013, by No comments yet

Written By CPA Exam Blogger Jennifer K.

I think I have finally settled into studying with the Gleim program. I am working on Study Unit 12 and hope to get through Study Unit 16 this weekend. Earlier on, I did not completely follow the study elements of the Gleim program the way they are prepared. I thought this would save me time. Over the last week though, I decided to follow all parts of the study plan (except the written simulations) in the order that they have been presented on the website. Following the plan in the order in which it is prepared has actually reduced the amount of time it has taken me to complete the study material.

I am still not working through the written simulations because they cause a bit more angst and interfere with me concentrating on the subject matter at hand. I am planning to complete the 20 study units in the program and then work on the simulations as part of my final test preparation. The final week before I take the CPA exam, I will run several complete test simulations, including the written portion.

As I progress, I will make sure to stop and take a few practice tests, which will include questions from all the study units I have completed up to that point. I am hoping that this will give me enough reinforcement of the subject material. I am definitely finding that the Gleim study material is increasing my comfort with the subject matter. I’ve also noticed that following the exact sequence of studying provides me with sufficient repetition of the subject matter and improves my recall. I really like the convenience of the online program. I have found it extremely convenient to log in to the Gleim website and take a quick 20-question quiz any time and any place. I am really starting to feel good about the exam again and I am ready to complete my studies in BEC.

 

Three Weeks Until Exam Day!

May 8, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By CIA Exam Blogger Tracy C.

Three weeks to go until exam day! This week I’m going to ramp up my studying and devote more time to it. I just finished a busy few weeks of work, but things should be a little slower now. This will give me more time to study in the evenings. I hope to finish the last few study units this week so I can move on to reviewing for my exam.

While studying, I’ve found it to be helpful to write down the key points that I want to emphasize in my review. I’m not a big proponent of highlighting things in my study book. I think if I started highlighting, the entire book would end up highlighted. For me, it is easiest to go through the entire lesson’s materials and make a list of the areas I need to work on. I learn much better from my own handwritten notes. I tend to write things out for myself in ways that are easy to remember as well. I like to write my notes so that someone who knows nothing about internal auditing could understand them. I have a pretty short attention span, so I need to keep things succinct for my review. However, I think the Gleim CIA study system does a great job of that to begin with. The format is easy to study and there isn’t a lot of unnecessary and overly complicated content.

I think the most important tool in the Gleim CIA study system is the audiovisual presentation. I gain a much better understanding of the concept when someone explains it to me out loud, as opposed to strictly reading the written materials. With the combination of audiovisuals and writing down important points, I should be able to easily review for the CIA exam. So by next weekend, I should be finished with the study units and ready to move on to my review.

Thanks,

Tracy

 

Last Days of Studying

May 8, 2013, by 1 comment

 

Written By Gleim CIA Guest Blogger Bev M.

I am now getting to the end of my studying for Part 1 of the CIA exam. My exam is in the next 24 hours. I spent the weekend studying and worked questions until I was blue in the face. I also rewrote all of the standards and read through them over the weekend. I must say that the 10 Study Units were a little daunting at first because it seemed like a lot of stuff to go through. However, I must say the Gleim study units were short. This made them a lot easier to read through before I reviewed the questions. My attention span is not the greatest. After a long day of work, who really wants to sit down and try to read through pages and pages of material? I think having more study units to cover this material was definitely a plus in using Gleim. I really learned a lot of information during this review, which I can apply during future audits.

All I have done in the last few days is work through questions, over and over. I have also been taking notes on the ones I get wrong. I am so glad that I get my score right after I am done. I cannot imagine what it would be like if I had to wait for my practice test scores like I have to wait for my actual CPA exam scores. I fell in love with Gleim so much during my review of the CIA material. I am going to purchase the Audit materials from Gleim as well. I have that exam scheduled for May 28th. One of my coworkers is also using Gleim, thanks to me of course. We will be studying for Part 2 of the CIA exam together. I hope to take that part in June. Hopefully, I can take it before my year-end performance evaluation at work. Hopefully my passing scores will have some influence on my raise. A girl can only dream.

Until next time.

Bev