Navigating the CPA exam can feel overwhelming with its many requirements and deadlines. To provide some clarity, I spoke with Olivia Wood, a Lehigh University Class of 2023 graduate and current audit staff member at EY, who successfully passed all four sections of the CPA exam within six months of graduation. My conversation with her is full of practical advice from someone who has successfully completed the process.

General Tips for Tackling the CPA Process

1. Start Early:
   • Olivias top advice? Start studying during your second semester of senior year. "It was helpful because you're still in 'school mode' rather than 'summer mode' or 'work mode,'" she explained. By staying in that academic mindset, Olivia was able to pass one part of the exam before she even graduated. This head start allowed her to finish the remaining sections over the summer, ultimately reducing the pressure once she began her full-time role.
2. Ask for Help with the NASBA Website:
   • The NASBA website is notoriously confusing, and Olivia emphasized the importance of seeking help early. "The website is SUPER confusing," she warned, and making mistakes on it can delay receiving your Notice to Sit (NTS). Olivia recommended asking recent graduates and professors for guidance, as submitting your information correctly and on time - ideally 4 to 6 weeks before you plan to take an exam - is crucial to staying on track.
3. Plan Your Exam Schedule Carefully :
   • Scheduling your exams can get tricky, especially as exam score release dates approach. "You will find it more difficult to schedule closer to an exam score release date because people want to minimize how long they have to wait for a score," Olivia advised. Her tip? Schedule your exams well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush, allowing you to focus fully on your preparation.

Keys for Passing the Exam

1. Focus on Practice Problems:
   • While Olivia read all four CPA prep books cover to cover, she found that the practice problems were far more valuable."Honestly, it was overkill," she said about the extensive reading. The real key to success, according to Olivia, is to "do every single multiple choice and simulation available." These problems mirror the difficulty and structure of the actual exam, making them essential for effective preparation. Use the books to supplement any areas that you do not understand, but prioritize the practice problems.
2. The Exam Order Is Up to You:
   • When it comes to the order of the exams, Olivia believes it does not really matter. "I tried to start with the hardest exams and then work my way down to the easiest because you start to get exam fatigue after an exam or two," she shared. However, she also noted that many others have been successful with different approaches. Ultimately, it is about finding what works best for you and sticking with it.
3. Get as Much Done as Possible Before Starting Work:
   • One of the most common pitfalls Olivia observed was people delaying their exams until after starting their full-time jobs. "Work only gets more difficult, so waiting is a recipe for disaster," she cautioned. Olivia recommends getting as many exams out of the way as possible before entering the workforce, as this will help you avoid the stress of juggling both work and exam preparation.
4. Study in a Way That Makes Sense to You:
   • Everyone has their own study style, and Olivia found that speaking aloud helped her grasp difficult concepts. "When I was studying for FAR, I would take out a room in FML and actually talk out whatever topics were confusing me aloud," she said. While it might seem unconventional, this method was instrumental in helping her understand the material. Olivia encourages others to get creative with their study techniques, as you never know what will end up working best for you.

This specific example of a Lehigh graduate's experience with the CPA exam shows that with early preparation, careful planning, and study methods that suit your learning style, you can navigate the CPA process more smoothly. Start early, seek help when needed, and remember to stay flexible - everyone's path is unique, but with the right approach, you can achieve your goals too.