After finding Universal CPA Review, I began establishing a CPA exam daily study routine. I would start at 7 am by reviewing the prior day’s CPA study materials. First, I would do a little mini-lecture (out loud or in my head) on the concepts, imagining that I was explaining them to a friend or coworker. Then, I would run through a few practice problems.
After my review session was complete, I would cover new content by watching the videos and or reviewing the CPA exam study guides. My notes were usually organized in an outline format, with a bullet point listing each main topic and sub-bullets listing out my detailed notes. Since the CPA exam is also a test of memorization, I tried to keep my notes as brief as possible, writing out only the details I struggled to remember.
After taking a mid-day break to work my part-time job, I would resume content and practice questions in the afternoon and study until 7 pm.
I followed this schedule Monday through Saturday, and though it was rigorous, it was doable. Yes, I had zero social life. Yes, I was in my room, studying all day, while my friends were off traveling in Europe or South America. But, as Thomas Sowell said, “there are no solutions, only tradeoffs.” I carefully reminded myself why I had decided to take the CPA Exam; I also focused on the joy of my small renewal routines (such as prayer and gardening). Through these intentional practices, I kept mentally and emotionally balanced, able to continue the long days of intense study.