re: LSU CPA exam rate ranked 8th nationally

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Just curious, why a year? Why didn't he take all of them in two months? Did he just burn all kinds of time in between exams? Didn't read all of these posts so maybe it's in the thread. Maybe he passed them all in one quarter?

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He doesn't know why his brother would take the same amount of time as everyone else even though he studied for less time in total than most study for just one part. But he knows it's true.

And he couldn't fit in 50-80 hours? Hmm that just doesn't add up.

ETA: most people graduate and start work within a few months. So the only extra thing he dealt with was marriage which I assume his wife planned and pregnancy, which probably took him a total of 2 minutes.

Whatver makes you feel better.

If nailing it has changed meaning to being wrong, then yes you've nailed it.

What I've been telling you is fact. I really don't get why it hurts you so deeply.

So it's a fact that the only difficult part of the CPA exam is studying during busy season?

I understand it's a fact that your brother told you he studied 50 hours over a year for the test, but you should be a little skeptical based on the norm. I also have a feeling you made up the 50-80 number. As in, even he wasn't specific when he told you.

It doesn't hurt me deeply, but it's important for you to think that. I understand. Or am I to assume that every petty argument you engage in hurts you deeply? I haven't thought that, but I will if that's what you're trying to convey.

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You should just stick to crying over someone taking less hours than the norm.

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This seems to be the crux of all your arguments. You should work on that. And maybe not talk about what you do not know, as you love to tell people.

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watch you melt

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God damn, you suck.

Just let it go man. He's either trolling or his brother in law lied to him and he was gullible enough to believe it.

The "10 hours on the last part" comment gives it away.

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Wow man that sucks. Good luck!

I'm working for a finance department of a school system while trying to raise two kids. I'd say you have it a harder. At least my wife can handle the kids while I study. I think she's as ready for me to finish up as I am.

What are you using to study?

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Becker. It is the most expensive studying material but my company paid for it. Definitely worth it for the investment and if you can afford it. I passed the AUD with ease (87) and I am waiting to hear back on BEC. Certainly you can pass with other materials, but Becker is generally considered the best. Nearly all of the Elijah Watts Award winners use Becker.

The material on the CPA exam isn't hard to master. The amount of time you must devote to study each section is the hardest part and what causes many people to give up.

Most recommend 80-120 hours of studying (depending on the section you are taking) to be prepared for each exam. Now I have seen some do it in shorter time and other it takes much longer but there is no denying that it takes quite a bit of studying.

As for work, I'm in audit so our busy season is wrapping up (finally). I've worked 60-75 hours a week since January but once you get into the routine of working and then coming home and studying, it isn't too bad. The biggest advice I would give someone about to take the exam is to devote time each day to studying at first. Once you start studying and get into the groove, it is almost difficult to take a day off. I am taking this week off before starting studying for the next exam and I feel odd not studying each day.

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I started out with Yaeger and have since added on the Ninja CPA Review materials. I watch the Yaeger lesson videos and use the Ninja stuff for everything else.

I gotta say, the Ninja stuff added alot to my studying. I got mp3s for each exam that I burn to CD and listen to during my commute, a test bank that is waaaaay better than the Wiley bank I used to use, online flash cards, and they have some books too but I don't use them. I wish I had discovered Ninja sooner. I wouldn't have purchased Yaeger.

I am sure you will do great using Becker (they've definitely got the best track record) but I would recommend at least checking out the Ninja message board at another71.com . It's pretty active and is more than just people who use the Ninja materials.. There are constantly "study" threads for each exam and people also compare their results and talk about other exam issues.

ETA: I don't "need" a CPA for work so I'm not feeling that pressure right now but since I passed Audit the timer is going so that has made me step up my game a bit.

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I lurk another71 fairly frequently. it is a greats source to just read and learn. I have considered the Ninja study questions. I am the type that over prepares and by the time I schedule an exam I usually have done each Becker question multiple times and I get afraid that I start memorizing answers instead of understanding why it is the answer it is. I will probably get the Ninja questions for Reg and FAR as those two sections seems to be more challenging.

The clock is ticking for me too. I have till March 2016 to finish all 4 parts.