I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. After 5 years of toiling with the idea of becoming a CPA, which has included some failures, wasted time, wasted money, and a 3 year hiatus, it has finally come to an end. Ten months ago I reached a boiling point. I was tired and fed up with dropping hundreds of dollars per retake and spending time away from my wife and our newborn. I had to take a step back and digest the reality. I gave myself two options. I was going to either give my full effort and dedication to the review process in order to pass the FAR section of the CPA exam or accept failure and simply walk away from my dreams of being a CPA. I would wash my hands of everything. I am not a quitter and to accept the second option is not in my nature. I have a competitive spirit. I knew that if I gave it everything I had and really sacrificed the time, I could pass any section. Well, after coming to my little revelation and changing my habits and attitude, I was able to pass FAR in May 2012. After this huge success of passing a very difficult section, I knew what was required of me in order to pass the remaining three parts.
After passing FAR, I wanted to focus on a less difficult section: AUD. Using the same strategies and effort, I was able to pass AUD in July 2012. After AUD I had confidence and momentum in my favor. I quickly pursued BEC and passed in August 2012. At last I only had REG to beat. In a matter of 6 months, I was able to pass three parts. At this point, I was feeling very sure of myself. I was arrogant and cavalier. With little effort I thought I would knock it out of the park with REG. I was wrong. When scores were released in November 2012, I was stunned, upset, and panicked. Come the first of January, I immediately went into my routine. I was studying 25-plus hours a week using the Gleim Review System. I was studying at lunch, in the morning before work, and taking days off from work. This was my first time using the Gleim CPA Review System in its entirety, beyond the standard textbook and Gleim test prep software, which was my method for passing the previous three parts. The Gleim Review System is comprehensive, systematic, and has an intuitive interface. I enjoyed it. I strictly followed all instructions on completing the Gleim Review System, then took a 3-hour practice exam to help me with my weak areas. When exam day came, I felt completed prepared and confident. I knew I gave it my all and there was nothing else I would do differently. I am glad I prepared with the Gleim Review System going into my rematch with REG. This exam was truly a beast and not to be underestimated. My advice to those debating the order in which to take the exams is to get the most difficult sections knocked out first. Just do what works best for you.
After weeks of wishing, praying, and stressing, the day had come to see how I fared on my second attempt with REG. As I was in the process of accessing the NASBA Candidate score advisory page, my family gathered around the computer. We all looked at one another and I sighed before clicking the submit button. In one mouse click, it was all apparent. Things would be different from now on. “Pass” was the four letter word that appeared before us. I felt as if I was going to fall over. I grabbed my little girl and I hugged my wife. Next thing you know we are dialing up friends and family. It was truly a crowning moment. After years of contemplation, failure, money, time, and stress, it was all over. I am very proud and honored to carry the CPA designation.
Lastly, I want to say that I don’t know if passing would have been possible without the strong support group behind me. I had my wife and parents. At work, I had a few colleagues who backed me (also CPAs). All the support helped me remain focused on the light at the end of the tunnel. All the hard work and sacrifice has paid off, and I can now say that I am a CPA. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Gleim for his personal words of encouragement. He is a very generous man. Also appreciation goes out to Gleim Publications as they assisted me with all my review product needs. Their products are great! Good luck to the rest of the CPA candidates in 2013.
-John E., Guest Blogger for Gleim CPA Review