Posts tagged: Gleim EA Review System

Packing In The Study Time

March 14, 2013, by No comments yet

Written By Guest Blogger Patti G.

Everything is in flux as I try to pack so much into such a small period of time. I am working every day now, so I have had to revamp my study schedule. I am trying to finish studying for EA Part 1 before my test date, which is scheduled in just a few weeks. I’ve put the new study schedule on my new 2013 calendar the rest of this month.

Now, each study unit must be completed in 4 days in order to meet the new schedule. I will begin a new study unit and go right through the Gleim suggested sequence. I usually review the study questions and take the test over and over until my score is satisfactory. That means achieving a grade of 75 or or better. Hopefully, my scores will be better than that.

I find that listening to the audio and carefully reading the correct answers helps sink the concepts into the cognitive domain of my brain. I have also been inputting key concepts or sticking points in the Notes menu. I plan to use these for a quick review later, and I like the outline form.

After studying a subunit, I access Gleim EA Test Prep online. Sometimes, I check the ones I’ve already completed to see if I have retained what I learned earlier. Eventually most of the concepts will stick if I just keep at the drill.

Today, I created a test session covering the first four subunits. The result was very good. Then, I took a look at the Grade Report, Performance Graphs, and viewed the History to ascertain if my scores were in the acceptable ranges. The graphs also show the average time per question and the cumulative percent correct.

My tax job is beginning to be very busy, and the phone is beginning to ring quite often as clients make appointments. In addition, I must notify my clients of all the new tax changes. This is accomplished via email and telephone, depending on the client.

The Gleim Study Program enables me to accomplish more than I ever could if I were trying to pass the EA Test on my own. So, I will study, work, and utilize the suggestions from Dr. Gleim, and I will do my very best on the upcoming test.

 

Initial Study Materials and Organizing My Time

February 22, 2013, by No comments yet

I’m just beginning the Gleim EA Study after having successfully passed the RTRP exam in early December 2012. I began once again by reading the initial directions on the Gleim website. The EA portion of the site seemed a bit different than the RTRP portion. I discovered that I had to download the EA Test Prep software separately. It contains thousands of questions not offered in the book. I immediately contacted Gleim and spoke to a friendly personal counselor who was able to explain the downloading steps to me. I then downloaded the test prep software and put a shortcut icon on my desktop.

Within a few days of signing up for EA Part 1, I received the Gleim EA Review book in the mail. I scanned the Table of Contents and read the Introduction to familiarize myself with the steps required to pass the EA exam. The book also contains an overview of Part 1, a detailed plan to obtain EA certification, tip on how to organize my study schedule, and test day tactics.

I then registered for the Prometric exam so that I could be sure to complete my exam before February 28, 2013. I was lucky to find a day and time to schedule the exam at a nearby test center.

I also found a step-by-step study sequence in the Introduction of the Gleim EA Review 2012 book. The steps delineate time periods for each section as well as the sequence of recommended study. The next step is to peruse my calendar and mark study times for the next 60 days. Completion can be done in 60 hours, so I should have enough time to prepare for the exam, especially because I will be working in my tax office during this time.

I recommend reading the Introduction of the EA book first. There is a lot of good information here. At the back of the book there is also a helpful index.

Whew! I look forward to passing this exam, and if I am able to properly organize my time, I believe I can.

 

Finished With Part 2 Of The EA Exam

February 6, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Guest Blogger KP.

So, I got to the point where I felt I had studied enough. However, I figured that since it was nearing the end of the year, I should just take the test to see where I was at. Worst case scenario, I could study a bit more and take the exam again if I failed. I am starting my new job in January though, and I really wanted to get the EA exam done before that. So last week I took a few days off from my job and decided to just pound through the remaining studying I had to do. I scheduled my exam for the end of the week, which forced me to finish up all the software questions. I also answered most of the online multiple-choice and true/false questions. I scheduled my exam for a Friday morning at 8am, and I could NOT sleep the night before! I literally got 2 hours of sleep and had to drink a cup of coffee and an energy drink before my exam to feel alert. I remember feeling a huge sigh of relief once I started the exam. I studied for Part 2 much longer than I did for Parts 1 and 3. The first 10 or 20 questions were pretty easy and I felt really confident. I had the first part of the exam (50 questions) done in 20 minutes!

However, then the middle part started to get pretty difficult. For me, the most difficult thing about Part 2 is that there is so much information. Also, when you’re in an exam setting, it’s difficult to remember all of the rules…and all of the exceptions! On the really difficult questions, I went with my first answer and then “marked” the questions that I wanted to come back to later. At the end of the exam, I was literally at the same spot I was with Part 1. I had 30 questions marked, which meant I felt pretty confident about the other 70 questions (and I believe you need at least 70% to pass). I went through all of the questions again to make sure I didn’t make any careless mistakes, and then I triple-checked my “marked” questions. There were only about 10 questions that I still felt uneasy about, so I ended my exam and just hoped that I had answered them correctly. Of course, you have to take a survey at the end of the exam and then wait in line to get your results, which was so nerve-wracking! However, once I saw the “congratulations” on my letter, I let out a huge sigh of relief! I can’t believe it, I passed all three parts and now I can apply to be an EA! Woohoo!

 

Welcome CPA Guest Blogger Allison H.!

January 17, 2013, by 1 comment

Written By Guest Blogger Allison H.

One of the goals shared by my accounting classmates at the university was to be a CPA. Most of our professors were CPAs and many of us worked as staff in CPA firms, gaining the experience we needed to be successful in the business arena. While a CPA designation isn’t required to be a tax accountant or a bookkeeper, somehow the community equates CPA with “expert” and looks for CPAs to partner with in conducting business, problem-solving, and building new enterprises. We wanted to be a part of this esteemed group. Taking the exam is one of the main steps in attaining the goal. Most of my school friends have done it, and they are cheering me on.

I raised my children and then decided to go to school. Choosing a major was a big deal since I was interested in so many things. I chose accounting, expecting that I would sell my siblings’ art someday. All seven of my siblings are practicing artists (not me – I must be adopted!). I thought it would be wise to learn accounting before starting a business. When I learned how much I enjoyed accounting and taxes, I raised my hopes and set the goal of becoming a CPA. My work path after graduation gave me many opportunities to learn and stretch, but it didn’t provide me with the audit hours I needed until now. I am now with a CPA firm that would like me to earn the license as fast as I can. I know I will have success studying with Gleim.

I recently passed all three parts of the Enrolled Agent exam with Gleim. I was pleased with the specific instructions and the pattern given for studying. I carefully used the recommended pattern to prepare. It didn’t take long to master the topics, and when I tested, I felt confident in the testing chair. I’m sure it will be the same with the CPA review materials. My first step is to register with my State Board of Accountancy and pay for my first exam. My goal is to pass all four parts of the CPA exam by August, 2013, and to meet my audit hour requirements by my birthday in February, 2014. Earning the CPA license will be a great birthday present.

 

EA Exam – In A Study Rut

January 4, 2013, by No comments yet

Written By Guest Blogger Danielle C.

I am quite sure everyone has studied more than I have this week. The last couple of weeks have been awful for studying. I broke my rule and did not review much. I only have a couple study units left, but for some reason I feel stuck. Maybe this is normal? I have been very busy, and my luck with everything has been terrible. My computer crashed again. This is the third time this has happened since September. Luckily, it’s still under warranty. With everything that is going on, I am finding it hard to study for both Gleim and school. I have never felt this behind. However, I am hoping things will calm down. I am starting to feel a little distant from my goal, and I am starting to feel a little down on things. I know I need to just get some fresh air, look up and forward, and get my motivation back.

I want to finish the study unit that I am on and then just study, study, study. It’s going to be tricky to find the time to do it.  My number one goal though is to take and pass the EA exam by my target date. I know I can do it. I just need to get back in the game.

The only advice I can give at this time is to try to squeeze in a few review questions or listen to the audios. It can be while you’re eating lunch or waiting for the pasta to boil. I really believe that every little bit helps. It keeps you thinking about the material, even if you are not studying it at that moment. I wish you the best in all of your studies and keep you chin up high!

 

Hurry Up And Study Before Busy Season Gets Here!

January 4, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Guest Blogger Danielle C.

EA Studying is still going slow, but I was able to read a new study unit. I was also able to skim through the last few study units. I feel like I am forgetting information that I thought I had memorized. I didn’t get through too many study questions, but I need to get to it as soon as I can so I can reinforce what I just read. At this point, reviewing all the previous study units is crucial. I only have a couple of study units left, which is great news. We have started tax planning at work, so my responsibilities at work have been increasing. Once busy season is here, I will be very busy with work.

I am hoping I can finish this book, study a lot, and then pass the test. I want to study the second section January through April. It would be plenty of time for me to study; I can do one study unit per week. The weather will be cold, so I won’t be tempted to take the kids outside! There have been a few times where I could have studied, but it has been unusually warm this time of year, so I decided to take them to the park instead. I should have used it to study, and I am only getting further behind.

My plan for this week is to get a good grasp on the study unit I just read. Then I plan to review, review, and review.

Best regards,

Danielle

 

Study Perseverance

January 4, 2013, by No comments yet

Written By Guest Blogger Shelley C.

I am having a bit of a struggle this week staying with my study plan, but I want to compliment Gleim for their diversification in their study materials. Whether I am in the car and have a minute to listen to the audios, on the computer and want immediate feedback to a study session, or reading the EA Review book to catch a few minutes before my child’s band recital, Gleim has all types of study options covered. Much of the Gleim material is presented so that the concept is repeated enough times to thoroughly review it. I am a visual learner and I don’t always recognize what part of the concept I might be unsure of until I write it down or make a diagram. Gleim asks the questions in different ways so that I am able to see what part of the concept I am weak in. I applaud them for this.

I have found that I am building confidence in my study habits; I stay on one section until I get above an 85% on the study session tests. I usually only select 20 questions at time, so I can’t miss more than three and get the score I need to move on. I have also noticed that I need to give myself enough time in between the sections so that I don’t memorize the questions and answers. Again, I applaud Gleim for their variety in study options. As with all parts of our life, we enjoy a bit of variety.

 

Making Studying Work In A Busy Life

January 4, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Guest Blogger Danielle C.

Hello everyone!

What a crazy week.  I have not really studied this week, and I can’t believe the week slipped by like it did. It went by way too fast. I need to find a better schedule so I can get more studying done. I work between 20 and 30 hours a week from home, so the hours for studying vary throughout the day (in between caring for my children). If I know I have work ahead of time, I get up early to get it done. I am also considered a full-time student, working on my master’s degree. So I have to be sure to keep my grades up.

I also have to make time for studying for the EA on top of caring for my two young children, one who is in preschool. I was studying while she was in school, but I have been getting more work, so that has been taking up what free time I had. I feel like the only way to get the studying done and get a lot out of it would be to make a full day out of it. Ideally, that would be a day my husband has off, but he had requested that I spend time with him during his time off since I only see him two days a week. I of course did not object!

I guess it’s a good thing I’m not in a rush. I know it will open doors for me in the future. The only day that I could use would be Saturdays, which are generally the days I get the most studying in anyways. However, the last several Saturdays have been busy. I have been traveling for birthdays. Every weekend there has been a birthday party for someone in the family or for a close friend. This weekend I have two to go to! One party is on Saturday, and my own son’s birthday party is on Sunday.

I have a good study plan. The most important tip I can give, which has helped me tremendously, is to review, review, review. I always try to take a short 20-question study session using question from all of the study units I have completed. I believe that is what has helped me the most.

My study plan for this week is to find one day to focus just on the EA exam. I need to forget about school and work! Think I can do that? I don’t know.

 

Is Your Timing Tuned Up? Study Habits & EA Studying

December 26, 2012, by No comments yet

Written By Guest Blogger Shelley C.

My thoughts today are about fine tuning study habits. I am up every morning at 6:00 am, and my family of two teenagers and a husband are gone by 6:30 am. I usually exercise from 7:00 am to 8:00-8:30 am. The only exception to this schedule is once every other week when I take one of my daughters to her piano lessons at 6:30 am, and I have exercised during her piano lesson. This week I decided that instead of exercising, I would study my Enrolled Agent material and get that done for the day. As I sat there trying to study, my mind would not focus. I think I re-read the same material at least five times and it still seemed a little unclear. I am self-employed, so I usually start my work day after I have done my workout and showered. Sometimes, I work for an hour before I exercise at 7:00 am. I thought that studying was no different than doing my regular work tasks. I was wrong. I discovered that my studying had to be done during the time of day that my brain is not in autopilot mode.

I know we are approaching the holiday season and that we are all going to be a bit more squeezed for time. Some of you are students and study time is already built into your daily schedule. For me, I need to carve it out, and I realized this last week that all minutes are not created equal. I need to assess my schedule and pay attention to when my brain will learn and commit the concepts to memory, not function in its usual “multitasking” mode. Good luck to all of you, and I hope this message helps someone with their study timing.

 

Scheduling The EA Exam & Working Through Last Two Study Units

December 26, 2012, by No comments yet

Written By Guest Blogger KP.

I did end up making it through two more study units, so I now have fifteen study units done and five left to go in the Business book. I have two study units left for corporations, which I am very happy about! I took a look at the three remaining study units after corporations and the material looks a little bit easier to retain. That keeps me a bit more hopeful as I make my final push through this book. This is the first week that I felt completely in my groove again with studying, just like I was for the first third of this book. I listened to the audios, read the outlines, and then answered the questions at the end of the study units. I felt like my studying was most efficient this way, and I also found that I retained the material a lot more quickly. I do feel a bit bummed that I wasn’t able to study like this for the entire portion of the Business book. I was sidetracked with interviewing, working full-time, and grad school. It also felt like the study process for this part of the exam has been twice as long and not as productive, which is discouraging considering the Business exam is considered to be the most difficult part of the three-part EA exam.

My next steps are to push through these last two study units on corporations over the next week and then finish the last three study units the following week. I will then need to get a jump on the online review and then finish up with the software questions. I followed this approach with my last two exams and found it to be very helpful. However, I know that during my final review in the past, I buckled down and devoted nearly every night to working on the online and software questions, so I am hoping that my schedule will allow for that this time. According to my schedule, I should (hopefully) be able to take my last part of the EA exam at the end of November or early December. I am very much looking forward to finishing up this exam. It will feel like quite an accomplishment!