Posts tagged: Study Time

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.

 

 

BEC Studying Update

May 7, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Jennifer K. for the Gleim CPA Blog.

I began using the Gleim CPA Review System on March 15th. So far, I am almost halfway through the Business Environment Concepts (BEC) section. As I mentioned previously, I took and passed BEC back in 2009. When I first took this section, I concentrated primarily on the multiple-choice questions and spent almost no time on worrying or practicing for the written simulations. This time around, the biggest problem I have had studying has been the written simulations. I do believe I am putting too much emphasis on them. I also need to pass two more parts of the exam by July 31, and I find myself wanting to complete each task perfectly.

My husband is finally home after being out of town for a couple weeks. Getting him home has been a real test. His flight was delayed several times, which resulted in a one-day setback . Hopefully, his return will grant me some additional time to study by relieving some of the additional home and child related responsibilities. However, I also received some bad news this week at work, which will most likely result in a significant increase in work hours for me.

Based on the difficulty I have had with the written simulations on the CPA exam, I have chosen to focus more on the multiple-choice and true/false questions. Despite my work concerns, I believe that the changes that have occurred over the last week will improve my productivity. So far, I feel that practicing the multiple-choice questions as much as possible has had the most impact on my performance. Also, since my study time has been spread out over a long period of time, I think it is important that I take practice test and reinforce the material I have already learned.

 

CPA Study Tips – What to do when you’re in a study rut

May 6, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Guest Blogger Denise H. for the Gleim CPA Exam Blog.

Studying for REG has been going well for me, but I have definitely cranked it up a notch this past week and a half. I have also decided to take the multiple-choice quizzes after I have read the knowledge transfer outlines instead of before. I made this change because the low scores were very discouraging. This approach also gives me a better idea of what areas I really understand and what areas need a little more work. I am currently getting through an entire study unit (and some of the next one) each night. I expect to complete all 20 study units before this weekend so that I can begin my final review. Some of the things that I was struggling with earlier are starting to make more sense now as I complete the later study units. I’m hoping that the review this weekend will go smoothly.

After some unproductive study hours, I realized that a change of environment was just what I needed. Luckily, I live in a college town, so the library is open until midnight Sunday through Thursday. It has been enough of a change that I can still come home from the library and study for a couple of hours without falling asleep or being distracted. In the past, I have studied in dead silence because any music from the radio would distract me (I love to sing along). But I found these custom music stations that play easy-listening music. They offer a wide variety of music, from relaxing/soothing to a blend of jazz or rock (and a fair number of them have no vocals). If I find I am getting drowsy while studying, I just change the channel to one that isn’t as relaxing. Studying with headphones on at the library has kept me focused so much so that I am finding myself putting them back on when I get home. This focus is helping me get my daily studying to-do list done. I am no longer frustrated or discouraged with my progress, nor am I stressed about how close my exam is.

 

Another Hectic Week of CIA Studying

April 29, 2013, by No comments yet

 

It’s been another crazy week for me at work. I have been trying to stay on top of my studying, and it hasn’t been easy. I only have about 5 weeks left until test day. Now that I’ve gotten my schedule down, I’m in study mode, staying in on weeknights and weekends to study. This week I’ve been trying to get my study routine perfected. I’ve never been one to drag out studying over several weeks, so it takes effort for me to plan out a study schedule. Even in college, I was the type of student who would cram around exam time. I’m actively trying to get away from this mindset.

I realize that it’s typical to say “I’m a procrastinator,” but I truly believe that procrastination is a science. The longer you procrastinate, the more dopamine your brain releases, and it gives you this rush. In turn, it gives me the feeling that I can do this, no problem. When I do this, it drives people around me nuts, but I feel like I work best this way. I also have a lot going on, so I have to prioritize. Sometimes, I can’t get to things until the last minute, but I always seem to accomplish what needs to be done.

I plan on sticking to my study schedule for the CIA exam. I realize now that the more I have going on, the more important it is for me to follow a set schedule. Studying sometimes gets put aside because of other responsibilities. For me, the important thing is to make a strict schedule. If I have the plan laid out in front of me, then I am more likely to follow it. So, for now, I’m going to follow the plan and I’m not going to procrastinate. But maybe I’ll start that tomorrow . . . .

Thanks,

Tracy

 

Anxiety, Stress, and Misery: Sacrifices of a CPA Exam Candidate

April 3, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Guest Blogger Jaime C. for the Gleim CPA Blog.

Another hectic work week ends with only a moderate amount of studying complete. Since I’ve been blogging for a while now, I feel like I have already written about all of my tips, tricks, and updates.

I am excited to take the exam. Once it is over, I will start to breathe easier and be able to have fun without the guilt of not studying. My studying anxiety has really ramped up recently. I am constantly thinking about studying and squeezing in all of the material before the exam. I have not told many people that I am working toward the CPA again, and no one is pushing me to get this accomplished by a certain time. I have started to wonder why I am doing this to myself . . . anxiety, stress, misery. Blah!

I must remind myself that the CPA designation will help my career and increase my marketability. However, the journey to get there is not enjoyable. It was not enjoyable back in 2006 when I was pressured by my employer, and it is not fun now that I am taking it on my own accord. However, I am willing to endure this journey to reach a personal goal. A baby on the way drives me to hurry and get past AUD and on to the next section. Studying for AUD has opened my eyes to the insane amount of procrastinating I am capable of. It is also helping me to adjust my study habits for the next section of the CPA exam. The TV seems to suck me in, and before I know it, the evening draws to a close and it is time for bed. The spring time change will help me out with longer days and the feeling of more hours in the day to study.

 

CMA Studying: No Pain, No Gain!

March 14, 2013, by No comments yet

Written By Guest Blogger Lynn L. for the Gleim CMA Blog.

Greetings!

I hope all of you are doing well with your studying. This past week has been very unproductive for me. School has restarted, and I have three graduate-level courses to take. This is 20 hours of work every week and requires participation in student organizations where I am an officer. I only got a chance to spend 5 hours studying and have not finished a study unit yet. I guess it is time for me to adjust my study plan. I no longer have a full free day, even during the weekends.

Somewhere on this blog, I saw that a blogger compared studying for the CMA exam to a marathon. I agree that the biggest obstacle for both studying and completing a marathon is ourselves. How to keep studying consistently for the exam is a big problem. Sometimes, I lose interest in studying and take short breaks and watch some TV to relax. I also skipped some steps recently, such as taking the diagnostic quiz. I simply didn’t recall anything I studied for that study unit. I understand that I have not done enough practice questions from test prep yet. I hope to spend the last couple of weeks answering those questions in a test-like environment.

I am now planning to focus on the knowledge transfer outlines and test prep questions for the next couple of weeks. I know my weak areas are those conceptual questions, so I will also do some reviews of previous study units at the end of every week. There is not much time left for me to study and pass Part 1, so I am hoping to get into study mode in the coming week. I will also need to adjust my study plans to fit my work/class schedules.

The phrase, “no pain, no gain” always occurs to me. I know I have to give up some time for activities and friends and spend that time studying from now on. Friends or family may not fully understand your sacrifice and may no longer ask you to join them. However, I believe that once I successfully pass the exam and announce the result to everyone, they will start to understand everything. They will understand that this is an investment I made in myself and they will be proud of me. So let me be more focused with CMA studying, and I am sure I will make it!

 

New Beginnings: Middle of Week 1 (part 1)

March 12, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Guest Blogger Ashley G.

Based on my new strategy, I have 5 weeks of being diligent and the remaining weeks to review. This shouldn’t be too much to ask of myself! As I mentioned in my previous entry, I plan on studying one study unit for an entire week. This will probably vary depending on how challenging the content is. I plan to read the Gleim book and then examine the multiple-choice questions (and my notes) on the weekends.

As I compose this blog, I am sitting at my office desk finishing my lunch on a Friday. So, technically, I should be through most, if not all, of the first study unit by now. Well, I feel like I have achieved that. I have finished subunits 1 and 2. I am still working on subunit 3. I am hoping to have it finished by Saturday afternoon so I can get to the multiple-choice questions.

What has been my CMA exam study strategy? While going through these three subunits during the week, I have also listened to the Gleim lectures. Once I have completed this, I go back and re-read the entire subunit. If there is a formula, I create a notecard. While reading, I will highlight and make notations throughout the book. Once I have completed reading the entire subunit, I will go to the textbook multiple-choice section and essay section and complete them.

CMA subunits 2 and 3 are pretty lengthy and challenging sections for the good old memory bank. They primarily consist of formulas and ratio analysis. During these two subunits, I have been writing extensive notes and writing flashcards. This weekend, I plan on bringing out my easel board and write out formulas. Wow, writing that makes me sound like I should bring out my glasses, pocket protector, and abacus. It really works though! Having a flip chart handy always helps me visualize things better.

I will keep everyone posted on how the weekend goes and whether I was able to meet my goal of getting Study Unit 1 (subunits 1-3) down! Happy studying!

 

 

Ready To Start CPA Studying!

February 19, 2013, by No comments yet

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Written By Guest Blogger Allison H.

“And They’re Running.”  We’re out of the gate.  My first Gleim CPA book and materials came on Monday, and now I feel like a racehorse with the gates thrown open.  I’m going to earn this license. Maybe I’m a little too excited, but it’s been three years since I finished my Master’s Degree, and I’m so ready.

I opened the box and got started.  On page 1 of Gleim’s “CPA Review, A System For Success” it reads “Follow These Steps to Pass the Exam.”  Suddenly, I’m not a jockey on a horse, I’ve become cartoon Batman, ready to punch it out.  If the steps to pass are so straightforward, then bring them on.

·Read the Introduction of my CPA Review book – got it!

·Scan the “A System for Success” booklet and make notes of items to revisit later – zap!

·Take the Diagnostic Quiz  – bam! (75%)

·Know and use the Study Plan – pow!  I see that this pattern is the same one I used with the EA exam, except that I was asked to complete two 20-question quizzes in test mode and to complete all of the tasks in the simulation section.  I’m glad to have this extra support.  When I was studying for the EA exam, I used the study mode quizzes more than the test mode quizzes. I’m glad to have specific direction on the pattern that will ensure that I pass this exam the first time.

·The last two steps are to take the practice exam shortly before my test date, and then to take and PASS the exam (Sock! Biff! Kapow!)

I can do this.  I wonder if the kids will worry about me if I start wearing a Batman mask around.  Maybe wrapping up in a fleece Batman blanket during study time wouldn’t be too kooky.

 

 

Exam Studying: Be Careful of Absolutes

February 7, 2013, by No comments yet

 

Written By Guest Blogger Shelley C.

In spite of  my recent EA exam studying setbacks, I have noticed a few things that I wanted to share with everyone. The use of the words: “all,” “none,” and “always” have still gotten the best of me during my quiz taking. I need to stop myself and take a breath when I read those words in a question.

So, I’ve come up with a few steps that I am going to follow when going forward with my studying.

1. Survey the question. Quickly look over it to see what the question is asking. Look at the all the words. Get an overview.

2. Say the question out loud. This is where I hope to catch those “all” or “nothing” phrases.

3. Read through the answers carefully. See if any of them can be eliminated. Determine if the question is a slam dunk.

4. If the question is not a slam dunk, re-read the question a second time, a bit slower this time. Look for the key words that are familiar and/or similar to other study questions you have answered in the review process. Then, re-read the answers and see if they seem clearer.

I have found that if I am patient with this process, my grades on my quizzes improve. Happy studying!

 

 

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!