6 weeks left and ive lost my enthusiasm!!! any ideas how to get ot back??

nicd1981

i have two exams left cmgt and ptx and 1 resit fnst
my exams are 3rd and 9th of july
resit prob week after, and with me being so busy im struggling to fit anything in!
ususally id make time, including sitting up half the night revising
but since i struggled with fnst ive really put of trying to relearn it. cmgt im ok with (i think) but ptx and fnst i just cant seem to make myself study!
feel like such a failiure but as i just couldnt get fnst i dont even wanna attempt it again
just need a boost!
anyway good luck to all
nic xxxxx

nonmugglesue

I felt like this towards the end, it's a case of so near and yet so far. My advice is to worry about 1 exam at a time, I found CMGT quite easy as there is no right or wrong answer in the written, it's just your common sense and understanding your T&Cs. The good bit about that is if you fail one part you only have to resit the one you failed, not the whole lot. Plus you get your results of the multiple choice within a few hours of sitting it.

I failed my first Tax exam but the second time I took it I did the revision in a week and just got a new pad and went through the books and wrote out any facts I thought might come up in the exams. Take note of any little bits, there was a question in my exams about purchasing equipment from a company after a year and it through me as there was such a short bit about it in the books.

Don't be in a rush to resit the FNST one if you don't feel ready, I too failed the first one.

I got very down as I didn't complete the course in the time I wanted to, but I persevered and I am now fully qualified, it took me and extra 2 months but it was worth it in the end. Take your time, you will get there xx

nicd1981

thanks sue xx xx
Ive actually studied loads today (alot more than i have in ages)
I did paper practice exams for both tax and cmgt
and i did both online exams , failed tax and passed cmgt
understandable as i havent done anything on capital gains yet and with answer pages i couldnt work out how they got there answer
but it has made me feel a lot more confident, just needed forcing
and i am not even opening an fnst paper until i have got both these exams out the way x
does anyone know where there are any more practice part 2 exams for cmgt?
I have completed one and think it was ok, need another practice now x

welshwizard

I think you'll find that most people reach this point - I did, my students do and I always tell them it is quite normal. To get your enthusiasm back, look back over teh last 2 years - how far have you come? How much difference could this qualification make to your life?

This usually spurs them on to finish - those who don't have been weak at Level 3 and 4 and are often just looking for an excuse to finish.

Keep on drilling away at your books, the end is so close and it would be a shame to waste what you've done. GOOD LUCK!

Whirlwind

Thank you for starting this thread as its sonice to know I'm not alone!!

I started AAT April 11 and have FNPF (28/06), PTX (Aug), BTX (Sep) and the project left, but I am sooo sick of studying!! Fortunately have passed all, so far, but can't allow myself to relax as the extended writing sections get me in such a panic. I keep looking at my statement of achievement and feedback.reports to remind myself what I have accomplished, but always 'hit the wall' around three quarters of way through text (ie chapter 5/6 of FNPF BPP).

Ho hum ... less moaning more studying!!

guinea pig

Hi Nic, Keep at it!
I hit a wall, the week before PTAX, with my final exam FNPF about 5 weeks later, I'd had enough with studying, its been really tough, however, I managed to push on,studied every minute I could spare, and now I've recently heard that I passed them both, and am now MAAT! Just keep thinking about how far you have come, and what an achievement it will be, I'm sure that once you get back in the study "zone" you will be fine.
Good luck, and if any topic is being especially challenging, ask on the forum, there are so many encouraging and helpful people here.
GP

CovTeej

I have lost interest too now, as have most of our class. I think this is partly due to the messed up year we have had at college.

The lead tutor became ill last October, that wasn't an issue, people can't help getting sick, but instead of stepping back he decided to carry on teaching so the level of teaching we received wasn't really adequate considering that none of us actually worked in accounting. Three weeks before the FNST exam he finally went off so we were just given past papers to do, but no-one provided answers for the papers so we couldn't mark them to see how we were doing.

Basically it has all just snowballed from there, we had no assistance with the project we just got several extensions, having started it on the 1st November we are still awaiting the results to appear on LearnPlus nearly 8 months later.

Credit Management and Ext Audit were both taught by someone with no accounting experience or qualification and who was having to learn each lesson a week at a time, she is doing a good job and it must be hard, but it is not ideal for us really as we cannot ask too many questions.

If it wasn't for the fact that I need this for work, having now secured my first job in accounting, I would just walk away. I have 3 exams left to sit, Ext Audit next friday, FNST resit the friday after and, unless my tutor has any luck reversing my FNPF result, that will probably be resat next year as the college closes the week of the FNST exam.

Whirlwind

Hey CovTeej,

So sorry to hear about your situation, especially as it is out of your control.

I found EXA horrible but I still passed. One of the written tasks was on a disaster recovery plan (which I had no idea about as no where in the text) yet I got an exceeded for that task!! So my waffle must have been logical. I did not meet the task about opinions, though - there were a choice of three which were modified, unmodified with modified opinion, or modified with modified opinion.

Keep going, you are nearly there, the end is in sight!! Print off the list of achievements as a reminder of all you have accomplished so far!!

All the very best for the next couple of weeks!!

guinea pig

Hi CovTeej, I can well understand your frustration, can you get any help from the college, as it sounds you have had a tough time? Although the college classes may finish shortly, the college may still be open? it could be worth asking if you could get some help?
As Whirlwind says, look at your achievements, and think how great it will feel when you have completed. Don't waste energy dwelling on past exams, whilst waiting for the results - I did this several times, and then was amazingly surprised to find I'd passed!
Take care, and good luck,
GP

JJB

I was going to post this subject up actually! I feel exactly the same as you do mate! I've sat all my exams bar business tax which is on Monday and i'm awaiting two results for performance and statements and they didnt go very well! I also need some motivation but it doesnt help at work when they tell me that AAT is nothing and ACCA is the real test, but i couldnt't care less what they think and neither should you, just have bash at it and someone has quite rightly already stated that you don't have to do it all again you just need to resit the ones you have to! I mean, potentially i've got 3 exams i could possbly resit again but i've passed the others so im 50% there, thats the best way to look at it! What an achievement when you have finally got them, nobody can then take them away from you can they!

janwal

[QUOTE

If it wasn't for the fact that I need this for work, having now secured my first job in accounting, I would just walk away. I have 3 exams left to sit, Ext Audit next friday, FNST resit the friday after and, unless my tutor has any luck reversing my FNPF result, that will probably be resat next year as the college closes the week of the FNST exam.[/QUOTE]

Hi

Our college closes this week too and due to a mess up we have our last exam on level 3 on Tuesday, we have been told if there needs to be resists they have arranged 3 days in July for Levels 3 and 4 and also 2 in August, this is because although college term has finished they have an oblication to try and make sure you have a full year to complete the qualification. So therefore Level 4's have until September to be marked for resists. May be worth checking with the collge.

Good luck
Jan

lisalofty

BIG HUG- Don't Give up x

So sorry to hear you feel this way but I was the same when i failed my FNST the nasty one so they say got myself all worked up that I was going to fail and I did:001_unsure:

The worse thing for me I think was that it was my first resit in 13 exams within 3 years nobody could understand why I was so upset but I lost my motivation aswell.

I got over this by giving myself a mental shake got the FNST books back out and booked my resit giving myself 2 weeks head down.

The sun came out today when I received my results from the resit and it was a lovely PASS xx

But lets be positive you've gone this far and done well !!!!

Financial Performance sitting this thursday 28th June.

Budgeting Awaiting results on sat that exam 14th June

Good luck everyone still awaiting results x

nicd1981

Hi Everyone

Thanks for al your words of envouragement, its nice to know your not alone!
I got my head down and worked hard and have now passed credit management part 1 and 2
Uploaded final draft of icas - awaiting results
sat Personal tax- awaiting results
and have my resit for FNST today!!
But have studied hard and pased both practice tests so hopefull that means im in a better place.

Hows everyone else getting on?

Defo gonna need a good few months break before i even think of starting CIMA/ ACCA

Nic xx

nicd1981

Hi jjb,

How did you get on with business Tax/ Performance and statements?

Hope you got the resulls you wanted

Nic xx

Jo Clark

nicd1981 wrote: »

Hi Everyone

Thanks for al your words of envouragement, its nice to know your not alone!
I got my head down and worked hard and have now passed credit management part 1 and 2
Uploaded final draft of icas - awaiting results
sat Personal tax- awaiting results
and have my resit for FNST today!!
But have studied hard and pased both practice tests so hopefull that means im in a better place.

Hows everyone else getting on?

Defo gonna need a good few months break before i even think of starting CIMA/ ACCA

Nic xx

Morning Nic

What time is your exam? I just have ICAS to complete and am waiting on my last set of exam results... starting to get butterflies now like others have mentioned when waiting for the final set of exam results.

Good luck you can do it!


JC

nicd1981

Hi Jo,

My FNST exam is 2pm , but ive been up since 6 trying to find more random standards questions incase they throw something in i dont know!
Theres loads on the forum, but im still worried i wont have enough knowledge of the standards to back up anything i quote!
Ive decided to just anser what i can and focus on the adjustments

How are you getting on with icas?
what results are you waiting on?

Nic x

Jo Clark

Hello Nic

You don't need to write loads on the standards, just make sure you answer the question with the key elements/points relevant to the question.

ICAS is going slowly but am getting there... sometimes I think I would rather sit another exam than do this report! However, it is good practice as we could be expected to write reports later in our career if not already. I know I am going to need to write reports in my new job so it is good practice... I won't get 12 weeks to write a report for work though! :001_tongue:

I am awaiting my BTX results and am a little anxious as previously mentioned not just as it is my last exam but also because a friend of mine from here failed and I (and they) was sure that they would pass this exam.


JC

nicd1981

Ah Jo, Ill keep my finers crossed for you, How long have you been waiting for results now?
Ive heard the BTX is a horrible paper, although i didnt think PTX was too bad, havent had my results yet tho :laugh:
will have to wait and see, 5 weeks to go for that one ha
Think ill just put these books away now and go get some breakfast and a cuppa, 5 hrs to go haha

xx

nicd1981

Sorry Jo i meant to ask what is your new job?
Congratulations by the way

Nic x

Jo Clark

3 and a bit weeks. Not in a rush for the results other than being able to complete my membership application.

I found the module really interesting and the exam was ok apart from one true/false question so I either did or didn't get marks Having said that is was ok only time will tell... roll on early August.

I'm off to do some reading/writing now, enjoy your breakfast! :001_tt2:

Jo Clark

nicd1981 wrote: »

Sorry Jo i meant to ask what is your new job?
Congratulations by the way

Nic x

Well I say new, been there a couple of months now, on and off with completing my AAT studies. I am working as an auditor now, very different to my old finance role.

nicd1981

Well Jo, Ive got to say that was a completely different exam than i sat last time!!
One of my statements didn't balance but that was ok, i breathed and didn't cry!!
Everything else i have to say was pretty straight forward, there wasnt even any depreciation to work out for adjustments.
I dont want to say i worried sick about nothing because i obviously havent had my results yet so dont want to tempt fate, but lets just say this next 6 weeks are going to be nothing like last time, full of dread and despair. Ill be checking constantly and excited about it haha
So for now i am done, no more studying unless i have resits!!
What will i do? haha
Goodluck Jo xx

Sammmy88

I have my Budgeting exam tomorrow and I am really nervous!! Eakkks!

Any advice?

nicd1981

Revise revise revise!! are you ok with all the numerical parts?
what about the written bits? When i first started level 4 this crippled me, i never wrote enough and found it hard to force me self to, but now i answer every question and try and make a few comments to back up my conclusion.

ie) if commenting on ratios only ever say better/ worse or improved/ deteriorated. then give reasons for this
- if Gross profit/ operating profit- could be because sales price has increased or more units have been made spreading fixed costs further (improved) or the expenses have increased (deteriorated)

When writing a letter use there name (ie) Dear John and end with Yours sincerely/ Faithfully

When writing an email use an email address- (ie)aat@knowsley.com

hope this helps

Any specific questions

Nicola x

Jo Clark

nicd1981 wrote: »

Well Jo, Ive got to say that was a completely different exam than i sat last time!!
One of my statements didn't balance but that was ok, i breathed and didn't cry!!
Everything else i have to say was pretty straight forward, there wasnt even any depreciation to work out for adjustments.
I dont want to say i worried sick about nothing because i obviously havent had my results yet so dont want to tempt fate, but lets just say this next 6 weeks are going to be nothing like last time, full of dread and despair. Ill be checking constantly and excited about it haha
So for now i am done, no more studying unless i have resits!!
What will i do? haha
Goodluck Jo xx

Hello Nic

Glad you are feeling more positive this time compared to last

What to do with your free time.... enjoy! :001_tt2:

Thanks for the good luck wishes.... I have been doing some more work on ICAS and trying to get all I want to say into it whilst sticking to the point and word count... not good

Do stay in touch and let us know the results of PTX, ICAS and FNST as you receive them.

Bye for now.


JC

vickie88

I know the feeling! I am so fed up now I only have one exam left to do which is financial performance, Which i have failed twice already and now I just seem to be loosing interest and don't seem to have any motivation =(

nicd1981

Hi Vic,

aw no, its horrible when you fail, but have you had feedback reports? Do you know where you have gone wrong?

I know our tutor prints ours of for us, but if you are home study maybe ring AAT they may be able to send you it

Have you booked your resit yet?

Goodluck
Nic xx

Sammmy88

Thanks for that Nic! I had my budgeting exam yesterday now for the long wait! :-p

vickie88

Hi Nic,

I know its so disheartening when you try so hard and don't achieve anything. I have passed all my other exams first time and this one is just holding me back now =(

Yes my tutor has printed me the feedback forms out and each time it has been on the written section where i did not succeed and the second time i also did not succeed in the what if analysis.

Yes my resit is the 13/08/12 if you have any tips or pointers it will be much appreciated.

Thank you x

nicd1981

Ah good luck Sammi, Its just the long waiting game now , Im waiting on Financial statements (resit) and personal tax and also ICAS !!! each day will feel like forever haha does anyone know if AAT are still marking throughout the summer?

Vicki, I thought id failed Financial performance exam, I was so shocked when my tutor emailed me the results with feedback to say id Passed!!! I did not meet the what if statement either but i passed! thats what matters. So i dont think im in the best position to give advice, i studied really hard on the written questions and variances, and ratios. Think thats probably got me through the exam. Do you have the osbourne book? I learned how the written questions where answered from the books and tutor feedback and then basically used this as a template to answer every written question, And i exceeded them.
Has your tutor gave you practice papers and analysed your answers?

Good luck

Nic xx

vickie88

Yes my tutor gave me some practice written questions from an old PEV paper and she has read my answers and said that she can't see any major problems and that what i am doing is ok.

Am ok with the ratios I remember them from Financial Statements and am ok with the variances i seem to know them off by heart now hahaha.

I have not heard of that book, I just use the Kaplan book and the Kaplan revision kits.

Good luck with Financial Statements exam x