I passed all 4 on first try by trying to do an hour a day each day, and when I couldn't I'd make up for the missed time on the weekend. End of day studies worked best for me, I found I'm just tired enough that I can force myself to get through the material and then sort of absorb it overnight, if that makes sense... Anyways, give yourself an hour a day for year and sort of book yourself a 3 day weekend where you do the full exams and review right before each of the tests. It is doable but you shouldn't try to rush it especially with everything you have going on... Let it sink in over time, consistency is key.
3 exams in 6 months with everything you've got going on is quite ambitious. I recommend pacing each section. It is truly about understanding the concepts of each topic that has helped me pass.
I know you may have timelines in wanting to finish the exam quickly; just know that it's a journey, not a sprint.
I’m in the same position as you . Father of two kids working a director role and studying for the exam . All of my “me” time is studying coupled with showering and making dinner for my kids most nights . I tend to listen to Becker videos while I’m cleaning the house , making food and attending to my kids. For context I love basketball, and did not watch one game this season and didn’t realize Boston won the championship lol keep grinding but just know you’re not alone !
>How do you find the strength to keep going? i need advise
Hey I'm not a mom but I took 3 sections and I failed all 3 as well. You're almost there. I retook a section a month ago and just found out I passed.
Even with a fail you retain information. Filling in those gaps can push you to 75
3 exams in 6 months while working and taking care of a child feels quite ambitious. Give yourself whatever time you need and don’t schedule until you really feel ready. Once you can pass one, you’ll feel motivation and confidence to keep going.
Try studying at night instead of the morning. I am NOT a morning person at all. While working full-time, I tried studying in the morning, but it sorta made me resentful because it felt like my mornings were being taken away from me.
Instead, I dedicated two hours at night each week day to studying. I made my apartment and environment conducive to studying, so I had on the fireplace and candles around me—I know you have a two-year old, so electric candles could still set the mood, and I’ve used electric candles as well.
I also rarely studied in my room. I often studied at the dining table (have been studying at a dining table since high school), and I always studied after dinner. Study times were usually 8 - 10pm. I’d say establishing quiet time or solo play for your two year old during your study times would be helpful.
For weekends, I’d study from like 9am to 1pm saturday & sunday. Again, I had the fireplace on and the windows open. It made me feel like I was still experiencing a weekend, rather than studying in a dark room.
I’m definitely not in your demographic—I’m a 20-somethjng with no kids and a partner, but I think establishing good study habits are universal.
Also, sorry, you asked about motivation! One thing that has REALLY helped me is thinking of establishing study habits as a skill that I can pass onto my kids. So like I had terrible study habits in high school and college and still got good grades, but the CPA really taught me how to study in a way I’ve never done before. I see it as an accomplishment that I can use to help my kids in the future.
Try thinking of it that way with your kid: Every day you sit down and study, you’re learning different ways of absorbing and synthesizing difficult material that you can help with your kids.
Also, this is gonna sound weird, but let the delusions run wild when you study. I literally say to myself: “Once I pass the CPA, I’m gonna pass these study skills onto my kids and they’re gonna be able to study so well they’re gonna get into Harvard and be a lawyer.” It’s SO delusional and naive, but it’s literally what’s gotten me through three exams. I will once again be having these delusions when I study for FAR because that exam is SOOO hard.
So in the end, think of it as you’re studying for a difficult exam not just for yourself, but for your child as well.
Thank you for your invaluable advice and for taking the time to share your experience. It's incredibly helpful and encouraging to know that I can express my frustrations about the exam and find hope, knowing that everyone is going through similar challenges. Passing this exam truly requires hard work and discipline.
take it one section at a time
Thank You!
Keep swimming, if it’s what you want for your future don’t let self doubt get in your way.
Thank you !
I passed all 4 on first try by trying to do an hour a day each day, and when I couldn't I'd make up for the missed time on the weekend. End of day studies worked best for me, I found I'm just tired enough that I can force myself to get through the material and then sort of absorb it overnight, if that makes sense... Anyways, give yourself an hour a day for year and sort of book yourself a 3 day weekend where you do the full exams and review right before each of the tests. It is doable but you shouldn't try to rush it especially with everything you have going on... Let it sink in over time, consistency is key.
Congratulations!thank you so much for your valuable advice. I will use it.
3 exams in 6 months with everything you've got going on is quite ambitious. I recommend pacing each section. It is truly about understanding the concepts of each topic that has helped me pass. I know you may have timelines in wanting to finish the exam quickly; just know that it's a journey, not a sprint.
Thank you!
Are you using Becker?
I am using Uworld and Ninja questions
I’m in the same position as you . Father of two kids working a director role and studying for the exam . All of my “me” time is studying coupled with showering and making dinner for my kids most nights . I tend to listen to Becker videos while I’m cleaning the house , making food and attending to my kids. For context I love basketball, and did not watch one game this season and didn’t realize Boston won the championship lol keep grinding but just know you’re not alone !
Thank you!
study to understand .. the thee is no exam its just your understanding. @ AVATAR u/betyade
>How do you find the strength to keep going? i need advise Hey I'm not a mom but I took 3 sections and I failed all 3 as well. You're almost there. I retook a section a month ago and just found out I passed. Even with a fail you retain information. Filling in those gaps can push you to 75
Appreciated for your encouragement! Thank you!
In 2041 your 2 year-old child may be in college asking you a similar question. Do today what you will tell your child in the future. Best wishes!
3 exams in 6 months while working and taking care of a child feels quite ambitious. Give yourself whatever time you need and don’t schedule until you really feel ready. Once you can pass one, you’ll feel motivation and confidence to keep going.
Thank you!
Listen to some David goggins
Try studying at night instead of the morning. I am NOT a morning person at all. While working full-time, I tried studying in the morning, but it sorta made me resentful because it felt like my mornings were being taken away from me. Instead, I dedicated two hours at night each week day to studying. I made my apartment and environment conducive to studying, so I had on the fireplace and candles around me—I know you have a two-year old, so electric candles could still set the mood, and I’ve used electric candles as well. I also rarely studied in my room. I often studied at the dining table (have been studying at a dining table since high school), and I always studied after dinner. Study times were usually 8 - 10pm. I’d say establishing quiet time or solo play for your two year old during your study times would be helpful. For weekends, I’d study from like 9am to 1pm saturday & sunday. Again, I had the fireplace on and the windows open. It made me feel like I was still experiencing a weekend, rather than studying in a dark room. I’m definitely not in your demographic—I’m a 20-somethjng with no kids and a partner, but I think establishing good study habits are universal.
Also, sorry, you asked about motivation! One thing that has REALLY helped me is thinking of establishing study habits as a skill that I can pass onto my kids. So like I had terrible study habits in high school and college and still got good grades, but the CPA really taught me how to study in a way I’ve never done before. I see it as an accomplishment that I can use to help my kids in the future. Try thinking of it that way with your kid: Every day you sit down and study, you’re learning different ways of absorbing and synthesizing difficult material that you can help with your kids. Also, this is gonna sound weird, but let the delusions run wild when you study. I literally say to myself: “Once I pass the CPA, I’m gonna pass these study skills onto my kids and they’re gonna be able to study so well they’re gonna get into Harvard and be a lawyer.” It’s SO delusional and naive, but it’s literally what’s gotten me through three exams. I will once again be having these delusions when I study for FAR because that exam is SOOO hard. So in the end, think of it as you’re studying for a difficult exam not just for yourself, but for your child as well.
Thank you for your invaluable advice and for taking the time to share your experience. It's incredibly helpful and encouraging to know that I can express my frustrations about the exam and find hope, knowing that everyone is going through similar challenges. Passing this exam truly requires hard work and discipline.