101 Things to Do to Pass the CPA Exams (and Put the Suffix CPA After Your Name)
101 Things to Do to Become a CPA
You know there are so many ways to become a CPA. I mean, each person has different strategies, different styles and different dogmas or beliefs. I for one has my own set of principles, own strategies and own style. When I look back, I remember the things that I did differently from my peers. I am not saying I am the best or anything – its not what I am insinuating. I am saying that there is a way to become a CPA. Your way or my way, it does not matter as long as we both become CPA.
What you are about to see is a compilation of thoughts of me looking back 15 years ago, when I became a CPA. This is my set of things that I did. Not a complete list but rather a compilation of experiences that made me where I am today. Here are one hundred and one (101) things that you might want to do in your quest to become a CPA.
They are not in any particular order and it was meant that way. Enjoy!
1. Ask God for help.
2. Believe in yourself
3. Believe you can pass the CPA exams.
4. Get ready for some sacrifices in the review.
5. Build self-confidence over time.
6. Get your school documentations ready.
7. Register early at PRC.
8. Enroll in a formal review or be serious in non-formal review.
9. Do your self-study sessions on time.
10. Do practice tests as much as you can.
11. Watch your diet.
12. Exercise regularly.
13. Take your vitamins daily.
14. Find a study area in the house.
15. Make your study area holy.
16. Organize your review materials.
17. Get updated review materials.
18. Connect with positive-thinking friends.
19. Accept help from someone.
20. Avoid fights for the meantime.
21. Stay away from distractions.
22. Stay away from malls or out-of-town trips except to relax.
23. Stay away from time-wasting friends.
24. Ask your lover or spouse to give you space.
25. Talk to friends and relatives about your quest.
26. Announce to the world that you will be a CPA soon.
27. Keep your promises.
28. Think big and positive.
29. Mingle with like-minded individuals.
30. Look for a review-buddy.
31. Exchange notes with other reviewees.
32. Be couragreous to ask questions even if it sounds silly.
33. Study the hardest first going to the easiest topics.
34. Allocate time to review.
35. Make for more time to review when required.
36. Bring a book where ever you maybe.
37. Record yourself to an Ipod or recorder to memorize.
37. Read a book when you have idle time.
38. Find time to relax.
39. Sleep just about right.
40. Never underestimate yourself.
41. Don’t try to skip review sessions (self study).
42. Try not to miss your review classes (formal review).
43. Do things now than later.
44. Chew up your study one small chunk at a time.
45. Learn to read fast with high level of comprehension.
46. Memorize using your own acronyms.
47. Buy the best calculator for the exams.
48. Reward yourself when you finish a task.
49. Realize that learning new things is not that easy.
50. Do not be discouraged if you don’t understand things at first try.
51. Make a detailed study plan.
52. Stick to the study plan schedules.
53. Mind your own business.
54. Be good to yourself.
55. Give yourself a break from time to time.
56. Motivate yourself to the max.
57. Don’t get yourself be swamped by biting more than you can chew.
58. Judge yourself by achieving your goals.
59. Be proud of and thank your family who is with you in this endeavor.
60. Forget about past failures.
61. Don’t judge yourself by your grades in school.
62. Reward yourself if you succeeded to learn something new.
63. Recognize mental fatigue when it sets in.
64. Know when to stop studying.
65. Know when is the time you study best.
66. Know how to relax while studying.
67. Set realistic study goals for yourself.
68. Check off the goals you fulfilled and reward yourself accordingly.
69. Know the senses through which you learn best and use them.
70. Discover your learning strengths and use them.
71. Don’t feel stupid if you ask for help.
72. Find out why you find it hard to learn some topics.
73. Find a new way of solving problems.
74. Practice using mental calculations.
75. Find your best way to concentrate.
76. Be courageous even when others are afraid.
77. Give other people hope and inspiration.
78. Share your learnings and become a teacher to others.
79. Avoid griping and complaining.
80.Learn to detect trick questions.
81. Answer easy questions first.
82. When in doubt, stick to your first answer.
83. Read aloud something you particularly want to remember.
84. Tape record those topics that you are weak and play it over and over until you master it.
85. If you are attending formal review classes, do group study with peers.
86. Avoid multi-tasking and keep focused.
87. Realize you may need to learn more.
88. Be willing to accept new information.
89. Write notes so you can read them later.
90. Don’t put off studying. Just do it.
91. Say no to time-consuming request from others.
92. Write your goal on the wall where you study.
93. Don’t let your emotions prevent you from learning.
94. Make it a habit to be aware of the time.
95. Answer fast so you can review your answers later.
96. Honor your parents for giving you what you have now.
97. Hold your head up even when you feel down and exhausted.
98. When you feel like quitting, remind yourself that you are almost there.
99. Hope for the best; prepare for the worst.
100. Stay humble no matter what happens.
101. And lastly, promise to give back to those who will follow you. Promise to yourself that if you succeed in this challenge, you will help other people as well become CPA by mentoring at least 1 reviewee.
At least that is one thing I learn that works in all aspect of life – when you give, more will be given unto you.
Until next time… Stay tuned.
Manny
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