By Jack Castonguay, CPA, PhD

College students pursuing an accounting degree have a lot on their plate: classes, internships, possibly a part-time job. Now add CPA Exam preparation to the mix. Balancing these demands can feel overwhelming. However, with careful planning and effective strategies, college accounting majors can maintain a healthy work-life balance while preparing for the CPA Exam. This blog offers practical tips to help students manage their time, reduce stress, and optimize their study sessions, all while keeping the college experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

Start with a Solid Study Plan

The first step to achieving work-life balance while preparing for the CPA Exam is to create a detailed plan. Without one, it's easy to feel like you're drowning in responsibilities. Here's how to get started:

• Assess your current schedule: Take a close look at your weekly commitments. Identify any free blocks of time that you can dedicate to studying.
• Set realistic goals: Break down your study plan into manageable chunks. Focus on one section of the CPA Exam at a time. For example, study for the Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) section first, especially if your recent coursework has covered similar material.
• Create a study schedule: Develop a weekly study schedule that fits around your existing commitments. A good rule of thumb is to plan for at least 10 to 15 hours of study time each week.
• Use technology to stay organized: Calendar apps, to-do lists, and reminders will help you keep track of deadlines and study sessions. Tools like Surgent’s personalized dashboard can help you stay on top of your progress and focus on the areas where you need the most improvement.

Strategies for College Students

As a college student, your schedule is likely to be packed and unpredictable. That's why flexibility is key when it comes to studying for the CPA Exam. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your study time:

• Incorporate micro-sessions: You don't need hours upon hours to study effectively. Instead, fit in "micro-sessions" throughout your day. You can review multiple-choice questions during your lunch break or watch a short video lecture while commuting. Surgent offers a Study Companion App that offers mobile-compatible courses to make it easy to study on the go.
• Leverage audio learning: If you have a long commute or enjoy walking around campus, consider using Surgent’s audio courses. Listening to lectures or key concepts can reinforce your learning without cutting into personal time.
• Pace yourself: When tackling practice questions, aim to spend around 75 seconds per multiple-choice question. If you don't know the answer, make an educated guess. This approach mirrors the time constraints you'll face during the actual exam.

Prioritize Self-Care

While it might be tempting to push yourself to the limit, neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and even illness. Here’s how to incorporate self-care into your routine:

• Get enough sleep: Sacrificing sleep for extra study time can backfire, leading to decreased concentration and memory retention. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and boost your energy levels. Whether it’s a quick workout at the gym, a jog around campus, or a yoga session, make sure to incorporate exercise in your weekly routine.
• Eat balanced meals: Proper nutrition fuels your brain and helps you stay focused. Try to eat regular, balanced meals and keep healthy snacks on hand for when you're studying.
• Take breaks: Studying for long periods without a break can lead to diminishing returns. Take short breaks to stretch or go for a walk. This will help you return to your studies refreshed and more focused.

Maximize Efficiency

One of the most effective ways to balance your studies with other commitments is to study smarter, not harder. Surgent CPA Review offers a suite of tools designed to help you do just that:

• Personalized study plans: Surgent’s Predictive AI Technology creates a personalized study plan based on your strengths and weaknesses. This means you spend more time on areas that need improvement.
• ReadySCORE: Surgent’s ReadySCORE feature lets you know when you are exam-ready by estimating your score with 98% accuracy. This takes the guesswork out of your preparation and boosts your confidence heading into exam day.
• 1-on-1 coaching: Need extra support? Surgent offers personalized coaching sessions to help you refine your study strategy and stay on track.

By leveraging these tools, you can confidently balance CPA Exam prep with your other commitments, making Surgent the ideal choice for your CPA Exam preparation journey.

Stay Flexible and Adapt

Despite your best efforts to plan and prepare, unexpected challenges will arise. Whether it's a sudden increase in coursework, a personal emergency, or just a particularly tough exam section, staying flexible is crucial:

• Adjust your schedule as needed: Life happens. Be prepared to shift things around to accommodate new priorities, and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go exactly as planned.
• Stay positive: Maintaining a positive mindset can make a huge difference when balancing multiple commitments. Focus on the progress you’ve made and remember that setbacks are just part of the journey.
• Reward yourself: After completing a study session or reaching a milestone, take time to reward yourself. Whether it’s treating yourself to a favorite meal, spending time with friends, or simply taking a well-deserved break, acknowledging your hard work is important.

Maintain Work-Life Balance with Surgent

Balancing CPA Exam preparation with college life is no small feat, but with the right strategies it’s entirely possible. By creating a solid plan and leveraging the tools offered by Surgent CPA Review, you can achieve academic success and a healthy work-life balance.

Remember, the journey to becoming a CPA is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to seek support when you need it. With dedication, perseverance, and the right resources, you’ll be well on your way to passing the CPA Exam and launching a successful accounting career.

Jack Castonguay, CPA, PhD, serves as vice president of learning and development for Surgent in Radnor, Pa. He can be reached at castonguayj@surgent.com.

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^{Statements of fact and opinion are the authors’ responsibility alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the PICPA's officers or members. The information contained herein does not constitute accounting, legal, or professional advice. For actionable advice, you must engage or consult with a qualified professional.}