Guest Blog: College Study Habits That Helped Me Study for My Accounting Certification Exams

My name is Celeste Loudy, and I am a graduate student at East Tennessee State University. I am currently a Gleim Campus Rep and studying for the CPA Exam.

The study process for any accounting certification exam can seem like an impossibly daunting task. Luckily, as a college student, you are already equipped with a multitude of tools that will help you through this journey. In this post, I’d like to discuss some of the habits that I’ve acquired from my college experience and how those habits have prepared me to tackle these exams.

My first study habit may seem basic, but it should never be overlooked.

There’s a reason people say consistency is key. Staying consistent and sticking to a schedule is how you can build good habits and make sure you spend enough time in your study material. Since I am a student, I’ve found that I have to revamp my study schedule every semester to learn where I have time to study and spend time really looking at what my schedule looks like and where I can squeeze in study time. This allows you to build a schedule, and then you can figure out how to stick to it.

Consistency can also mean more than simply having a study schedule you adhere to. It can also mean anything that helps you get into the mood to focus. I had a professor in an undergraduate class that gave me one of my most coveted study habits–pick a spot in your house or anywhere else that can act as a designated study spot. This allows you to train your brain to focus by associating that spot with studying.

Some other examples of consistency include picking a certain time of day to study, or always having a good snack with you before you begin.

There are a plethora of study methods available to try out. Some people may be able to sit down and study for hours, while some feel they need a break every 10 minutes. Wherever you fall on the scale, you need to make sure that you can block out enough study time to suit your needs.

One method that works for me is what I’ve named a “modified Pomodoro” study schedule. The Pomodoro method is a study tool that builds in breaks while you study.

A basic example would be:

• Study for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break.

However, with this method I’ve found that it’s hard to only take a 5-minute break. Instead, I try to study for longer and then take a longer break. Personally, I like:

• Study for around 30-40 minutes and then take a 10-20 minute break.

This way, I give myself more time to recover between study sessions.

Additionally, I think it’s important to focus on what you do during your break. If you choose to pick up your phone, you might not want to put it back down. Some methods I use to combat this is to use my breaks to go on a walk, take a “power nap,” or play with my cat. Since you are likely studying on a computer or screen, it’s crucial to also take breaks from the screen.

This might be the most important study habit, and the one that I find the most difficult to follow through. We have so many distractions that can prevent us from studying, and as students or professionals, we only have a limited time in the day to study. It’s easy to waste valuable study time lost in devices or activities, and we don’t even realize how much time we lose during the day. I’ve found that the only way to get away from distractions is to remove them entirely.

My major distraction when it comes to studying is my phone. I am always getting a message or notification that makes me feel like I need to urgently respond. In reality, there are few messages that you need to respond to right away. To solve this, I opt to leave my phone in a different room while I study. If this is not feasible for you or you know that you can’t fully remove yourself from your device, utilize your phone’s do not disturb feature. This allows you to set limits on who or what app you can receive notifications from. That way, you can receive the important messages without getting lost in a sea of endless distraction.

While I hate to admit it, I’ve learned that I can also get distracted by the people around me. A great idea for me in theory is to study with my friends. In reality, we end up lost in unrelated conversations and distract each other from our studies. Study groups can be great, but be aware that sometimes they can do more harm than good.

Finally, I want to share the habit that has helped me avoid burnout and follow through with all the other tips in this list. It’s so easy to feel guilty enjoying time that you think could be better spent studying. I know I personally experience this guilt all the time. But without the breaks, you lose sight of what’s important or why you’re studying.

My advice–carve out some designated “free time.” Much like how I approach my designated study time, I’ve found that dedicated free time helps me avoid the guilt associated with taking it.

These four study habits were definitely learned the hard way, through trial and error and understanding what works for me. Everyone is different, and it’s up to you to decide how you can practically implement these or other study habits.

If I can leave you with anything, it would be to give yourself some grace. Studying for accounting certifications is no easy feat, and it’s okay if you don’t get it on the first try. If you’re methods aren’t working, find a way to switch it up or implement a new technique.

Good luck with those exams!

– Celeste Loudy

Gleim Campus Rep