#roadtocpa

[studykaisoo]

College tips from an average student

Background: I am fresh graduate with a degree in Accounting. I’m obviously not an A+ student, I’ve experienced failures and I have a short attention span. Here’s how I survived college (even if I got delayed)

How to stay motivated?

- Acknowledge that you cannot always be motivated. Inspirational quotes and simple cheers from you family and friends could help. But I tell you, it doesn’t work all the time.

-Motivation helps you to start studying but the true secret to keep going is DISCIPLINE. 

-By developing a routine and strictly following it is a good start to build discipline. I won’t give a specific tip for this since everyone has a different life. You need to figure out this yourself. 

For an example:

Majority of the classes I used to have were scheduled in the afternoon, so what I do is that I wake up very early (4-5AM). I eat my breakfast, do minor chores then off to study what I needed to for that day. How do I do it? I read and analyze the concept first. Then, if there’s some problems needed to solve, I try to do it (if I can) Whatever works for me may not work for you. Some people would say their best time to study is in the evening. 

How to study when you can’t? (due to personal circumstances)

-There are a lot of factors for this one. It’s probably you have a part-time job, or you have other responsibilities like taking care of a family member, etc. 

-The first thing you need to do when you can’t study (or you feel there are a lot of constraint to study) is to ACCEPT THE SITUATION WHERE YOU ARE RIGHT NOW. 

-The next thing you need to do is to think of a game plan. For an example, your whole morning to afternoon is occupied for other important things, you should make time in the evening to study.

-Since you have limited time to study, absorb everything you can in class so you can thoroughly focus on topics you don’t know (or those with difficulty) on your free time.

How to study a topic that you don’t like

-Make notes for it, make it pretty and colorful to boost motivation. 

-Understand the concept thoroughly. You know you have understand the concept if you can explain it to another person.

-Do concept mapping; whatever it is that will help you: your own formula derived from what is given from the book, making charts, graphs, tables, etc. Story telling the topic helps too. 

How to deal with professors

-Treat them the way you want them to treat you.

-They are usually older than you so give them respect.

-Try not to argue with your professors, but if you feel violated tell the higher authority. 

-Ask questions if you need to since it’s their job to answer you. 

How to deal with classmates

-Distinguish the people who are true to you and those who are fake (who are just using you)

-Remember that college is temporary and majority of the people you’ll meet there are not for long-term.

-Group works are pain in the a** but yeah, don’t be that a**hole group mate.

-Even if friendships are temporary in college, you should engage communications with your colleagues since you need each other to go throughout college.

How to save money in college

-Learn to say no when a friend asks you out to hang out (but don’t do it too often, you might lose friends)

-Get a part-time job if you can

-Bring your own snacks and lunch

-Bring your own water bottle.

-Maximize your resources. Always check first if you really need to buy a specific thing before actually purchasing it. 

How to spend your time productively while commuting

-I like to divide my productivity into two parts: For studying and for leisure. Sometimes I study while commuting; I read e-books, power point presentations, PDFs or even watch Youtube videos that are relative to the topics I need to learn.

-Sometimes I do the things I want for leisure during the commute so that when I get home, I won’t be too burnout to study. I listen to music, watch random videos, checking out Tumblr, and whatever floats your boat.

Other tips:

-Don’t drink too much coffee. PLEASE! (Alternatives; but take it in moderation: hot chocolate, milk tea (it works too, but caution: too much sugar), candy, apple)

-Don’t drink energy drinks if your body is not used to it. 

-Try to be-friend people from the Accounting department (or whoever processes promissory notes) just in case you can’t pay your tuition on time, they can help you with your promissory note.

-It’s okay to switch classes (if you can) especially if the professor is not that good.

-If the professor allows you to record the lecture, then do it. You can listen to it while commuting or re-writing your notes. (this will help you remember the lessons more)

-BE RESOURCEFUL. The internet is your friend. 

I hope these tips will help you. I know it’s not enough but nevertheless, I want to tell you that you can do it! You’ll survive college, don’t worry!

[jeezsurreal]

CPALE TOP 1 CUTIE

[ironcyclecherryblossom]

Reservation

Yes, judgment day is coming. Everything was falling into place. I hope it continues ‘til the announcement of passers. Kahapon nga ay nagpareserve na kami sa RESA, Review School for Accountancy. Nkakakilabot, nakakatakot, nakakakaba. Hindi mo alam kung pano ba, ano kayang mangyayari sakin? paulit ulit kong tanong sa sarili. Naghanap din kami ng bahay, matitirhan pero wala pa kaming napipili, inabot na kasi kami ng gabi at gutom. mahaba pa naman ang panahon kaya pinili na lang naming pumasyal muna sa UST. ayun, at nag mala Ninja kami sa pagtakas sa guard haha. Nakakatawang experience pero worth it ang lahat. Nagtae man ako sa Manila dahil sa dysmenorrhea, naka survive naman sa Manila experience. Sobra kong nagpapasalamat kay GodMaster sa paggabay Nya sa amin lalo na sa akin. Di biro ang maghanap ng malapit na cr sa Manila habang pinagpapawisan ka na ng malamig. Haha. Not once, but twice. Summarizing all, it was a great experience indeed and I’m hoping for more. LaSalle naman ang susunod! hehe. *crossed- fingers* 

[misspretite-blog]

And when you want something, All the universe conspires in helping you achieve it ~ Do your best And God will do the rest . . . . . #roadtocpa #f433 #collegelife #certifiedpublicaccountant #firstdegree #bsat #seconddegree #bsa #bachelorofscienceinaccountancy #paulocoelho #paulocoelhoquotes (at PGN Building, Holy Angel University)

[ownlittledramas]

#RoadToCPA

Hello self, You may be tired, but keep fighting! 😚 strengthen your will and seek for God's help. 7/6/17 It's normal to feel not doing what you should be doing.. But it's not gonna help you, dear. 😕 Me: i kennet aral. Ad: U should. 9/13/17 Feels so unreal. The judgement day is coming for us BSA. "Turn your worries into prayers." 10/01/17 No worries. So far? 10/11/17 "Lord help me to remember that nothing in this world that You and I cannot do." - C.V

[janetalejandrocpa-blog]

Hi! So this is my 1st ever blog as me! I’m Janet Rachel Alejandro. 22. F. half human, half alien! I love Yoloing. I love adventures. I love travels. I love my family. I love my friends. I love my boyfriend. I love my life. I love food. All I wanted is to be a CPA, in God’s Will, I claim it! #roadtoPRC #roadtoCPA #CPAMay2017 💕

[studykaisoo]

I'm also from the Philippines and I'm a freshman BSA student!!!!!! I just wanted to say hi, and was wondering if you have any tips for incoming accounting students? Thanks💕

Hello @disappointed-pepe, this took a while but I'm now finally ready to answer your question ☺️

Tips for incoming accounting students:

First, you need to know what subjects you'll be taking prior to the start of the semester. Research on the said subjects so you'll have an overview.

A lot of accounting students tend to buy books all the time (what you use this year may get outdated the following year) so I suggest maximize the use of the library. I don't have that much money way back in college so I spend most of my time in the library. It's free and the books are all new. I just borrow them.

If you know any seniors in your school, ask around about the accounting professors. So that you'll know whether you need to change classes or how to deal with them.

You have to study EVERYDAY. You can't be lazy if this is the path you wanted. Allocate hours per day. This depends on your learning curve but I suggest do not sacrifice your sleep. Accounting students are mostly sleep deprived but trust me, if you're not the type of person who will be ok with just 3-4 hours of sleep....just sleep early and wake up early next morning.

It's important to create your own notes. You should not just copy from your books but rephrase it to something you can easily understand.

If allowed by professors, record the lectures. Replay them while writing your notes.

In terms of problem solving, you have no choice but to practice everyday. There are a lot of practice books/reviewers where you can test your knowledge. Trust me you need to start this early. I regret being lax in my younger years.

Pray and trust in yourself too.

Don't beat yourself just in case failures arise. Tbh it's normal in the accounting field. Take care of your mental health. FYI majority of my classmates before have anxiety and depression 😭

If there's anything you want to know in specific just message me. I think there's a lot more to share but I'll make a separate post if I remember it!

Good luck on your journey!

[rosefiassahra]

March 31, 2016: Finally did a photoshoot (meaning officially took pictures) of the review school I went to -- The Review School of Accountancy (ReSA). Located in Loyala Sts., Sampaloc, Manila, it was one of the top review schools for CPA Board Exam in the country.

Many had asked me why I chose ReSA and not the other giant which was CPAR. I didn’t really think much of CPAR. Like before I got to know ReSA, it was expected that I’d go to CPAR. But then when we got to our 5th year, ReSA was advertised by these seniors who went to ReSA (because tbh, almost all, and i mean all, MSU-Acctg grads go to CPAR for review). They told us how it was very student-friendly, moderately-paced and just generally a friendly review school.

When I also got to iCPA (Review School in Iligan), somehow the reviewers there were from ReSA just like Sir Nacion who placed 2nd in his time. We met some past ReSA reviewers then and they only said good things about the review school. This somehow solidified my decision to go to ReSA.

I didn’t actually like being pressured. And I felt like if I went to CPAR, that’s exactly what’s gonna happen to me considering how fast-paced their discussions are. Coming from a not-so-stable background in undergrad years, I didn’t think CPAR style would suit me.

So I went to ReSA despite the questions people threw me and this little doubt that I might have had a higher chance of passing the board exams had I went to CPAR.

When I got there first and took few lessons, I knew that I was making the right decision. Well, it’s not a perfect review center and not all reviewers are your jam, but all in all...it’s great! Notwithstanding the 5 floor flight of stairs and the siksikan, I liked the discussion style and the handouts. (Will prolly discuss this in detail when I post something about the reviewers themselves.) I liked the style of preboards and result giving. I liked how they took care of us and gave us kind words that we should believe we’ll be CPAs.

Now I’d heard that already before but this time, it made sense as it was my final step to being a CPA. So tagos siya bes. Tagos na tagos. Right into my heart. LOL

ADVICE TO THOSE WHO ARE HAVING A HARD TIME CHOOSING A REVIEW SCHOOL:

Choose it because you are comfortable with it - the ambiance and the reviewers, as well as their performance in the past board exams might also help. Not because most people you know go/went/will go there. Not because it’s where you are told to go to. Not because your reviewer crush teaches there. Not because your crush, or friends, go there.

Just feel good about it. Don’t rush. 

[sanie1989]

Day 275: Natapos rin sa clinical for the day. Since 2 weeks more to go before the licensing exam, back to drinking Starbucks Doubleshot while reviewing. #RoadtoCPA #buhaymed #buhayaccountant #lablife #buhayworkingstudent (at Richmond, British Columbia)

[jewellocket]

First major accounting examination tomorrow! *jitters*

I just finished having a review of the scope of our exam for tomorrow. However, I still feel that what I know is not enough; what I did is not enough. I’m terribly anxious at the moment. So many “what if’s” and “what could be’s” going on in my head… I know I have to make up for my lacking in the previous activities we had because those devastated me (In Filipino, “nanghihinayang talaga ako sa pagkakamali ko noon”). And to think that those mistakes I made were pretty easy for others (here we go again comparing yourself to others, lady. Cut it out). But yeah, I felt dumb learning that those were easy afterall. But, moving on, I have to face our first examination for tomorrow because ayun, ganun talaga. It’s part of the course, part of the journey.

If I fail or almost fail this test, or even the upcoming ones, (just expecting the worst case scenario, you know), I know that I did my best and that human errors are not impossible. Though I will really do the best I can not to commit mistakes in my test, I should always remember that this examination will not define my intelligence and the extent of what I’ve learn. Yes, exams could somehow tell about what I can as a student, but I should know by now that this does not define who I am and what I really can as a person. So ayun, here I am trying to convince that I have myself put together, stable *nervous laugh*

But of course, and seriously speaking, I will do the best I can tomorrow. Afterall, this is my first major examination in Accounting. I could and would not miss the chance of aiming for a successful outcome. And no matter what I get, I’ll still continue to study hard, to learn and to give my best in everything I do.

But, ultimately, I am aware that I cannot do this alone. This journey will be difficult if I rely on my own capabalities only. So, help me, dear God. Once again, bless me as I take on this part of my journey. Give me the courage and the wisdom to carry on with my life that no matter what I get is all in accordance to Your Will. And whatever happens after this, all the glory and praises be unto You!

To all my fellow sophomore AMVians who’ll take the exam tomorrow, kapit lang! Godspeed! 💛

[lang-sai-sayangsinasabi]

sumusuko na ata ako. katiting na lang ang pag-asa na meron ako. 😞

[byefelicia54321]

road is open to everyone but not everyone can walk in it

[allaboutxia]

Five years ago, I was figuring out where to go for college. I experienced failing in my entrance exams. I tried UPCAT and I failed. I tried DLSUCET and I failed again. I was almost disheartened,  but then I felt a sudden rush of joy when I saw the results of SBCACET and FEUCET. I passed. I was debating on where to go. I’ve chosen FEU. I’ve chosen to become a tamaraw. The first time I stepped on the six storey building of my new school. I’ve felt the rush of excitement flowing through my veins as I walked slowly in the hallway of the school. But at the same time I’ve felt terrified. It felt like my heart is going to leap out of my chest anytime as it beats fast like a train approaching the next station. My first semester was fine. It was by far the easiest semester I had. But by the time I was on my second semester, There was a part of me that knew that I didn’t quite do well on my major. I was habitually tardy and I never even bother borrowing notes or opening my book just to catch up with the lessons I've  never fully understand. I’ve felt a little dismay on myself after I opened my portal and saw the red font right at the center of the monitor. I failed. I failed my major. It was pure negligence on my part. I was a coward. I was weak. I never even have the guts to blurt out to people what am I pursuing. I let my fears conquered me fully. I never even have the slightest sense of pride in myself. I’ve let my paranoias eat me alive. But I had a dream. I had an ambition. I had a thirst to prove myself and that’s what keeps me going. I took the subject that I failed over the summer. I’ve put a little effort into it. And gladly I got a grade higher than I expected to have. The next semester I’ve found company that somehow manages to keep me sane. I’ve found a friend that I know I could keep for life. Another semester has gone, and the same thing happened. I failed my major again.  That’s two majors I’ve failed already. I already felt dispirited. But a part of me tells me another shot is worth a try and that I could and I will finish what I started. I took the subject that I failed over the next semester and managed to put a little bit of effort into it. And by luck, I passed the subject. The next year had gone smoothly, With a bit of an effort coupled with sheer luck and hope, I managed to pass all my subjects. I took another summer class to catch up with the subjects that I missed. Due to my failed subjects. This time I made sure that I did put a better effort in these subjects  than the ones I’ve taken before. I was shocked when I found out that I got a failing grade in one of the subjects that I took. I got devastated. I thought everything was alright. It was like being hit by a thunderbolt or being poured by a bucket of cold water. It was at this point in time that I was debating on myself whether this career path I’m taking is the right one for me. I failed not just another subject. But another major. Then suddenly it hits me that it was my last year. I’ve gone this far and that I can’t stop now. I reminded myself of the reason why I did started on the first place. Everything I ever did was not for me. Yes. I wanted to create a better version of myself. But the only thing that could make me the happiest person alive is seeing the people I love the most smile because of me. My desire to make everyone proud of my family especially my parents is greater than my thirst of proving my worth. I wasn’t able to get the subject that I failed the next semester as it was not open. I had to cling for the slightest hope that I would be able to get the subject that I failed the next semester along with other majors so I would be able to graduate on time. I was quite positive that I would pass in all of my subjects. But when judgment day comes, I’m pretty sure all the color was drained in my face. After I saw that I failed not just one but two subjects. I felt a deep hole has just gone through my chest. I was dumbfounded. I wanted to cry. I got depressed. I prayed to God. I keep on praying and asking him to help me guide my way. I’ve manage to keep a “nothing-bothers-me-I-can-do-this-despite-managing-to-hang-on” face. No one really knows how I felt terrible that time. I was sure I did my best effort in that semester I but I can not also deny that there are countless times wherein no matter how I go over my notes or how many times I read Valix, Robles, Empleo and Guererro my mind just could not absorb everything, all at once. I feel like a pressure cooker redy to blow-off any minute. The next semester, I was able to get all my majors. I was doing double simultaneous enrollment meaning I was taking a subject along with its prerequisites. I was also getting overload units while taking my Internship. But even if I was on overload, I wasn’t able to get one of my subjects due to the fact that I already had a full schedule. I did it in desperation of managing to graduate on time.

The last semester was the toughest semester of all, But it was also where I’ve learned the most. I was in school 6 days a week. Having a schedule of 7:00am- 9:00pm everyday. My only break was during sundays. It was one hell of a schedule. I barely had any sleep nor do I ate a proper breakfast.  Months before the semester ends,  I would always breakdown and cry every saturday of the week. Its like all my dreams have been shattered. I was on the verge between giving up and moving forward. I was ready to accept the fact that I was worthless and I was good for nothing. And no matter how I tell myself not to cry because I just can’t bear with people seeing me cry. But, I just can’t fight back my tears. Tears has a mind of its own it will instinctively fall from your eyes when you’ve been hurt too much. I was debating myself whether I could still continue, If all those sleepless nights and struggles would be given justice. I reminded myself  that it was meant for the people I love. I tried to make myself believe that there are still people out there believing that I can do it, People who had not given up on me even if I had already given up on myself. I prayed to God to help me see the silver lining in the situation.

And Luckily, When the semester ends I’ve managed to pass all my subjects. I even managed go get a grade higher than I expected.

I took my last remaining subject this summer.

And now I can officially say that I did it. I graduated. I may not have worn the black cap and toga and march side by side with my parents together with my fellow batch of graduates. I may not have known what it feels like to be called up on stage while getting my diploma as I faced the crowd of people in PICC showing my diploma. It must have been goosebumpsy. I may have been a month delayed of my graduation. But I still did it. I survived college.

Being an accounting student was never an easy task. But, all those hardwork will eventually be paid off. Things might not always go the way as planned but life has to go on and we have to move forward. It matters not on how many triumphs we had gotten but how we rise every time we fall. I had failed not once but several times. Failure is not the end, It will only be the end if we stop trying. There is more to life if we listen to our hearts. I am not an achiver but I am also not a quitter. Yes, I almost wanted to give up but my dreams are more powerful than my fears. I’ve learned that I wasn’t really afraid of criticisms, I wasn’t afraid of what others will say about me, I wasn’t afraid of standing out or not being able to fit in. Because truth is I was afraid of being myself. I might still be in the verge of discovering what am I truly capable of, but I know now who I really am. I am a  blogger, an aspiring writer, a musician,a daughter, a sister, a friend, a future lover and a future accountant. I may still be miles away from where I should be but I’m also far from who I used to be. They say graduation is the end of a journey but for me it is just the beginning. As I officially close this chapter of my life, I am ready to begin another chapter. Because I am a CPA in the making.

Abrera,Patrixia Donne A. BS Accounting Technology 2016

[studykaisoo]

Life Update! I have started working again ☺️

It's been a while since I shared whatever happened to me after the board exam. In November, I was still sending out CVs and applying for jobs online. Somehow along the way I got tired and decided to take a rest until January.

Life at home

Being a homebody does not mean I'm just doing netflix and chill all day. In fact it seems like I'm busy just like anyone having an 8 hour job (even going beyond that). Sometimes I cook meals, I do wash the dishes, prepare stuff for the family, cleaning and other errands. I was always on the go. I never felt that I have time to actually go and binge k-dramas because I was so busy (chores + other personal things I couldn't disclose)

While I am stuck at home, I have developed new hobbies like doing clay art (I use air dry clay) and bullet journal. These activities have been my coping mechanism for healing.

Going to a faraway place for healing

Most of the time, I feel okay but there are days where I would experience mental breakdowns. I have never visited a psychiatrist (because I couldn't afford it + I don't want to be a burden to my family at that time since money was an issue and I'm not contributing at all). Sometimes I get into heated arguments with my parents and I told them why they never understood how I felt. With all that explaining, still they never knew how to cope up. I was tired and mentally drained. It was such an emotional torture.

During the holidays, my grandmother decided I take some time off at home and she brought me with her. We went to a faraway place from home where my uncle and cousins live. I am so used to housework that even I was there I wanted to help but they all stopped me and told me I was there for a vacation. It was a breather. I lived for more than a week without worries.

I brought my bullet journal with me so during my free time, I was just preparing designs for 2020. While on vacation, my friend offered me a freelance writing job. I took the opportunity and up to this point I am still writing.

Coming back home and continued applying for jobs

When I went home after the holidays, the situation at home has become more bearable. Also, I felt that my family had become more understanding to me. I started applying for jobs again. I jumped from one interview into another.

During the process, I still continued my freelance job and other tasks at home. I was at the peak of my productivity since I was also researching about freelance remote jobs.

I got hired!

I finally got hired in January! But the process was so long that I have only started last month. I continued my old routine and maximized all my remaining free days. I have been working since February and so far all is well. There isn't that much to share at this point but as always, I am wishing for a happy 2020. I hope this year will be a life full of possibilities and new experiences.

At this point, I may not know when I will try again for the board exam. But all I know is that I am trying my best to get my life together at this point. Hope all is well