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Allocate Your Study Time to Your Weak Areas (SmartPros) Stop studying what you know. Begin studying your weak areas! [Editor's Note: this article is in reference to the old paper-based exam, not the computer-based exam now in use.]
Candidates are happier when they are reviewing areas that they know well. Once you enter a difficult area that has been a weakness in the past, the comfort level with the topic drops dramatically. Use this drop in comfort level as a clue. You are weak in the area and you need to work until you can correct some of the weaknesses. Yes, there is too much information to work until you know everything perfectly. There are not enough hours in a day to do that. However, you can't afford to ignore even one area. Sure enough, if you gamble on the hope that your weaknesses won't be tested, you are setting yourself up for failure.
The CPA exam is unforgiving. Your weak areas as well as your strong areas will be tested. For example, statistical sampling is an area that many candidates are weak in. Usually the weaknesses are a result of poor coverage in the typical auditing class. However, this does not prevent the AICPA from asking statistical sampling questions. Quite the contrary - candidates can count on some statistical sampling questions in the auditing exam. Once you begin to study the area, you will find that many concepts are quite basic and can quickly be learned.
This is just one example of taking the time to correct weaknesses. Your memory will always help you to recall your strengths. What you knew yesterday you will know tomorrow for the exam. However, if you don't know it now, you can't expect to recall the information at the exam. Correct your weaknesses now to improve your knowledge base and to improve your chances of passing.
DEBRA HOPKINS is author of You Can Pass the CPA Exam: Get Motivated.
2000, Smartpros Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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