I'm back 100%
I took FAR back in February as a provisional candidate in Illinois. What this means is that I was able to sit for a portion of the exam while fulfilling the educational requirements required. While this is great that Illinois allows this, you cannot see your scores until you fulfill said educational requirements. A blessing and a curse wrapped up as one.
On one hand, you can get the exam process started as early as possible. On the other hand, you will not know how you did until the state board receives your final transcripts. Could be worse, right?
Shortly after I sat for FAR in February, my father had a massive heart attack which was probably the most frightening thing that has happened to me in my entire life. My girlfriend lost her father to a helicopter accident in January 2013 in northern Iowa and I was not ready to go through that whole ordeal all over again. While this allowed me to completely forget about how I did on FAR, it also allowed me to completely lose sight of my original goal of tackling the rest of the exams in April and May.
It is now June 6th. My father is probably in the best shape he has ever been in (albeit with baby aspirin, lipitor, and blood pressure medication) and my educational requirements have been fulfilled. I checked the state board website this morning after receiving news that my provisional candidacy status had been lifted and low and behold...a 95!!!!!
WHAT?! I jumped out of my chair and thought, "nope, dyslexia is setting in, that is really a 65. *ran and put on glasses* holy ****" I'm elated but also energized. Energized to finish the rest. Energized to finish what I started back during the winter.
Sometimes life gets in the way of things and that is okay. We can't plan for everything. Family is always first but at this time, I'm going to get this done as quickly as possible before life decides to throw me another curve ball! The FAR beast has been slayed and I can't wait to take attack the remaining three.
P.S. I over studied. I know, I'm an idiot that doesn't trust my own intelligence. I'd rather be over prepared at all times because I have a way of freaking myself out. I studied using Becker and supplemented with Ninja Notes (Both re-writing and reviewing), Ninja Audio (Jeff on my ipod while I fell asleep), and the Wiley test bank. I totally blew the research question and walked out of the exam feeling like I was punched in the face. After this experience, I'm going to assume this is how you will feel after every single one.
Studying for the CPA exam is almost like following a cooking recipe. Follow the recipe, don't overlook the fine print and you will be fine.
HiYA!