Journal 2081: Your NOT-THE-USUAL Tips for CPA Board Exam Preparation! (Reminiscing the Good Times!)

Edited by: Mark Louis F. Ferrolino

The memories during my review days last year are still fresh, and I could say that being a student is one of the best moments of my life. I could still remember the days where I had to stay awake until three o'clock in the morning to answer all the practice sets, while having my backpack na pinagkakasya 'yung libro nina Valix and Soriano with matching bulks of photocopied review materials in both hands. Reminiscing those moments are the best and if I could just go back in time and do those right things -- I should do in the first place -- maybe nasa top ten na ako ng CPA Board Exam Batch October 2017! Char! Joke lang hahaha. But to make it sounds serious, I just want to share few helpful stuff to my colleagues who will take the on-board review this coming October (and pwede na rin sa mga gagraduate palang! Haha)!

Oh, I miss this one! This was the day when I came so early at school, like six o'clock in the morning, so I had the chance to take a snap of this empty room!  

First things first, for sure before the day of your graduation, you already chose your review school. Well, what they say is true na it is not about the review school you are in but more of how do you prepare for the board exam. The review school is only 5% of your key towards your dreams of becoming a CPA and the remaining 95% goes down to your preparation. Ika nga ng isang writer, “Prepare the umbrella before it rains.” By making sure you have enough bullets on the battleground, konting kembot na lang and you’ll earn the three magical letters after your name. So here are a few smart tips you could add to your weapons during the review!

      1.)    Highlighters on the way Part 1

-         During college, I never appreciate the art of highlighters! In fact, I never got the discipline on what to highlight and what color should be used. Usually, I just highlight whatever comes to my mind na importante; it turned out after looking at the whole page -- mas bilang pa sa daliri yung words na hindi ko nakulayan. My books during undergrad were kinda like coloring books with varying colors not until during my review days (in CPAR, proud #CPARian here!) when my reviewer taught us this law thingy stuff about highlighters. So for them, they have this “this-color-for” stuff na very useful talaga! So in my case, blue is for the exceptions (to the general rule na very useful sa Law subjects natin), then pink for terminologies, yellow for some topics na kailangang kabisaduhin and orange for titles. Make your own rule! Pero if medyo budget-strict tayo, you can also use colored ball pens as alternatives. Red ball pen for exception and blue for whatever you want to highlight. Let me plug in na rin pala the Stabilo’s Pastel Highlighters! They are very cool in the eyes and malinis siya tignan sa review mats.

I love this photograph! <3 But i love more the highlighters! hahahaha

2.)    Highlighters on the way Part 2

-         -          For auditing problems naman and for other problem-related questions like sa Tax and FAR, I also use highlighters for all of these. Especially sa auditing problems, we are all aware that audprob questions are usually long and somehow frustrating kasi mukha siyang “mahirap”. Well that is one of the traps underneath Audprob questions. They tend to kill you at first sight, and the result is mamemental block ka na. Good thing our reviewers and our professors way back in college already taught us on how to deal with these problems. Ika nga nila, “read first the question then go back to the given problem” and this is where highlighters would be a useful tool for this battle. Since you already know what the questions are, next step is to think about what are the items that you are going to need to come up with the answers. Once you already know the factors na kailangan mo, you can actually use your highlighters to mark it so you don’t have to take line by line for another time finding the amounts or data you need for the computation. This is very helpful especially for narrative-style problems. This tip is like making the monster looks nice and not boring -- the colorful it is, the easier it gets to solve the problem.  By the way, during my board exam din pala, I had with me green and violet highlighters which I used for all my exams!

       3.)    Sticky notes are cool!

-         For sticky notes naman, for me they have three purposes in life. To name it, number one is: use sticky notes for your question on a specific problem. Do not write on your review materials of your questions for a specific problem para mas organize 'yung notes mo and mas malinis 'yung handouts mo. I prefer to use sticky notes with size like the half of 1/8 index card so there is enough space for the answer in the question. Then once na naitanong mo na sa reviewer mo 'yung question mo and naisulat mo na rin dun sa sticky notes mo, collate all the sticky notes and stick it on your notebooks. Make sure lang na you put enough cross-referencing (nagagamit ko na po ang real audit work haha) para alam mo where to look back that specific question on your materials. Second, sticky notes are for the answers. Usually kasi in review schools, they give you in one shot lahat ng sagot sa isang handout so for me, it is better if you would put the answers in a separate sheet like your notebook or sa sticky notes mo then i-staple mo siya at the back of the handout. Do not put the answers on your review mats para the next time you reread it, malinis yun and mas marereview mo talaga and not merely memorizing on the answers. Lastly, sticky notes are for short sweet messages for your friends or sa crush mo na iiwan mo sa table nila kapag wala siya sa area. Haha. Kidding aside, the bottom line lang for this tip is to make sure na you exercise discipline and neatness with your materials for your present and future use. 

sorry for the not-so-instagrammable photo hahaha

4.)    Learn to make web diagrams, or bring your phone with you

-         During review school, I am usually the type of person na mahilig magsulat. Good thing happened naman na my review notes were able to help my batchmates (and the future generation) whenever they need to go back on something! (Hi guys!) But time wise, it really takes time to jot down all the recordings you have if you gonna write it word by word. So make sure you only write those which are really significant. You can use web diagrams to cut the paragraph short or use index cards for your collection of formulas. That’s one thing I want to emphasize; it is really cool if you can write all your formulas in a single notebook so it would be easy for you to look for a recipe in your computation. Make your own dictionary of formulas and don’t forget to label it to what subject it is for and for what computation it is for. Make it as a practice that when you encounter a new formula, make sure to write it down in your "formula-tionary". Also, this is very applicable in our Tax. You can also make your separate notebook for a summary of all tax rates. While for some, listening to the recording is more appropriate for them. So if you are the type of audio-learner, better to make sure you have extra memory for your recordings which usually take 2 to 3 hours per session.

Yes-No-Yes-No

5.)    Buy your own calendar!

-         Having your own calendar and plotting your own plans is really a helpful stuff during review. I am telling you, by doing this, you'll feel that every single day matters, thus you don’t want to waste any day of your life. It also helps you assured that you give enough time for each subject, particularly those topics that need ample time to study. Well, in my case, I usually allotted three subjects per day (depending on the weight of the topic and the schedules awaiting). So if I have these three subjects per day, I could make a round of all my subjects in one week. Your calendar is actually a daily reminder that you have these topics to study and how many days are remaining until the great day. SO NEVER WASTE A DAY!

My bida-bidang calendar! :D 

6.)    A file that stays together, well they should stay together! Haha!

-        This should be observed by making sure that all your files in one subject sticks together. Arrange it by number and make sure to put dates and your names on it. Actually, tip no.5 and no.6 are related. I usually arranged my new handouts depending on their schedules. So for example, I have this expanded envelope, and instead of classifying them by subjects (well I have a separate envelope for each subjects naman), I classified them by schedules so that I would have  the idea of what are the handouts that I need to accomplish each day. You may try it if it suits you well. haha.

       7.)    Review Materials on the pile- know what to prioritize

-       -         This is usually the common problem with reviewees, including I. During the review days, I tend to photocopy all review materials from different review schools to the point na I do not know anymore what to prioritize and some just stay on the corner of my room for the rest of their life. One thing I realized, it is not about having all the review materials of all review schools but knowing FIRST your weaknesses and strengths. This is because knowing these things would give you idea on which materials you should invest on and what to PRIORITIZE. If you have extra time na, then it is your moment to look for other review materials for your strengths. Just make sure you give balance on both sides. Remember, too much weight on one side is not good and not so cooool.
      
        8.)    Cover your room with cartolinas, baby!

I am very fond of doing calligraphy-that's why I wrote most of my notes in cursive so it would not be boring to read. 

-         This is very helpful especially for those people like me who more appreciates the topic when they see it. I usually recall it more because I see it everyday. Tipong during exam, mapapabulong nalang ako sa sarili ko like: “Eto nakasulat to sa cabinet ko eh” or something like this: “Naalala ko to! Nasa pintuan to banda!” If I could just go back in time and bring you to my room, you would see cartolinas in each corner of the room with varying topics --  from tax tables to provisions in law and formulas in MAS. According to psychology, the more we encounter a certain thing every day, the more we remember it. Apply it during your review. Just don’t put a cartolina inside the CR! Hahaha!

It looked a little bit saggy hahaha but yeah, these stuffs helped me a lot. 

9.)    Give yourself.. a BREAK.

-         I am not really sure on how to give tips with this one. Hahahahah.[skip this one]

-          Kidding aside, this one is unique to each and everyone of us naman. For me kasi, I usually give myself a “me” time whenever I accomplished something. So until I am not yet done with my schedule, no long breaks, just short breaks like scrolling down in Facebook, or watching teleseryes in Youtube. So ask yourself what could motivate you to keep going, then make sure to treat yourself once in a while. Watching movies with your friends, or unwinding with your family every Sunday, or simply eating foods that make you happy and alive. Treat yourself; just don’t overdo it. Haha! 

never forget the food! Pancit canton with matching boiled egg! YUMMY!

Or sometimes, I do calligraphy.

Coffee for the rest of the day. 

10.)  ASK whenever you need to ask. Share whatever you could share.

-         This is one thing I always inculcate with my friends and my colleagues; never get shy to ask if you don’t know something. Well, it is okay if you want to solve things on your own, but if it takes time na, better if you could ask for help to your friends nearby. This is where we use our networks with our friends, dormmates, and even with our professors or reviewers. Never let the wariness prevents you from asking and ultimately from learning. (Do you have questions, kid?)
      
      And yes, because I have the passion of writing stuff, I usually have this colorful notes that I share with my friends. This is a good thing to practice din with your friends; never be selfish on what you have and be thoughtful to others. If you have a friend na nahihirapan to pick up things on their own, have the initiative to help them. That’s one way na rin of reviewing topics -- by way of teaching others.  Plugging here my group page where you can share your review materials and those cute cards you have! Please see link below if you want to visit the group! :)

Thanks to my coolest professor, Sir Christian Louie Lim! <3 

11.) Find your inspiration. And PRAY.

-         These are the most important things that you should live with during your review. Find an inspiration that could motivate you to wake up early in the morning, to keep you going during the long night reviews and to push yourself beyond your limits. Your family, friends, or even your future goals could be one of them.

      Ika nga nila, “the only thing that you should ever look back, is to see how far you’ve come.” Malapit na malapit ka na sa pangarap mo, so ipush mo na ng todo! Lastly, do not forget to pray EVERYDAY. The more you pray, the more you are focus on your goals. The more you focus on your goals, the more you are organized in each day and the more you are capable of accomplishing something. So, always pray. Always pray.

My BSA IV-2 Family serves as my inspiration to keep going because if they can do it, I can also do it! 

My second family! I took the courage to follow my heart and to sailed alone in CPAR while all of them in ReSA. I was both right and wrong- right because I was really happy for following my heart in going to CPAR; and wrong because the love and support were still there despite that I was away from them. Love you all guys! 

and finally to my family who never leave me in any battles I took. Thank you so much! I love you all! This is for all of you! 

Well, prayer really moves mountains. So never forget to pray. He is always with you. Thank you God for all the blessings in life! <3 

Hoping these small tips could help you, especially during your review days. Disclaimer only- I didn’t make it to the top 10 or even to the top 20 of our batch but what matters to me is I passed one of the hardest exam in the country and that’s one thing I am so proud of! These tips are the things I wanna make you sure you would not miss before, during and after your preparation! Never underestimate the power of small things!

I made it! I made it! The fruit of my labor! Thanks God for this wonderful blessing! <3 

BONUS POINTERS: 

Well, I am super (duper) happy to have the honor to interview  some of my friends, colleagues, and idols whom I called "mamaw" or "the-best-out-of-the-best" people- to give us their secrets, tips, routines, rituals, chants (just kidding) which helped them reached their achievements. So let's go one-by-one! Never miss a word, okay?

--0--

From: Maria Isabel Marfil
UST Graduate
October 2017 CPALE 9th Placer

" Ako before, I concentrated on the subjects that were hard for me like Taxation and Law. Madaming bagong topics and since medyo assured na ako na enough na yung knowledge ko sa ibang subjects, nag-concentrate ako sa subject na mahina ako. Pero depende din sa subject na itetake eh. Like for example, if the upcoming subjects are easy enough for you, allot two days prior to the examination date to review those subjects. Tapos mag-concentrate muna sa mga di ko pa sure.

Setting the goals
Then magreview na ako ng summary ng mga topics per subject. Wag na mag-concentrate sa mahihirap na topics kasi mauubos yung oras, mas maganda madami ma-review bago boards kaysa ubusin yung oras sa mga topics na mahirap i-grasp kasi may possibility na kaunti lang kunin dun or sometimes wala pa- kaya mas magandang pasadaan lahat ng topics kahit ma-skim mo lang basta makita lang yun ng mga mata mo dahil may kaunting psychological effect yun sa brain mo na familiar sa 'yo.

How to Deal with "Tsismis"
Sa mga kumakalat naman na “hala baka dito kukunin ung exam blablabla” siguro hingi ka rin copy then i-evaluate mo sa sarili mo kung valid ba ung rumor, if totally foreign yung topics sa “pagkukunan” don't waste your time on it. Ma-i-i-stress ka lang at mahirap pag ma-stress bago mag boards. Mahirap makatulog. Sanayin din (pala) na matulog before twelve para magising bago mag six para on time din gising mo sa boards.

Tell me something "UNIQUE"
Unique? Di ko alam eh. Pero naka-apat na simba ako isang week bago magboards hahahaha. Pag kinakabahan ka, magpray ka kay Lord then tawagan mo friends mo or family mo then makipagchikahan ka para mawala kaba mo. Kain din ako ng kain dati tapos milk tea hahahaha!"

--0--

From: James Robert D.T. Aguila

PUP Graduate

October 2015 CPALE 5th Placer

...Social Media at Its Peak
" Before I attend review sessions, i make sure i answered the materials for the day before the class starts. That’s a CARDINAL RULE. Wag papasok ng walang sagot. Wag ka na lang pumasok wala ka rin mapupulot eh. Review is already fast-paced so just do REVIEW not first view. It wont work if you’ll go over all your books and materials. You dont have much time so if you’re really pressed for time just go back to basics. Most likely examiners would just ask the basic concepts; only that it could be from anywhere within the syllabus so it pays better that you finish the syllabus than mastering just a few topics.

It's not true na wala ng life pag review. It was actually the time when my social life was at its peak. You need a good support system - family, friends, classmates sa review (yes, they could be good resources lalo sa akin kasi tamad ako mag notes.)

"As long as you finish your tasks for the day..."
Go watch movies, go out with your friends, sleep, watch anime, kdrama, series - do not feel guilty about it as long as you finish your tasks for the day. All your connections may prove to be helpful so don't isolate yourself. You can ask your former profs or reviewers if something’s not clear with you. You can also reach out your classmates for notes/materials- if you need someone to talk to. And of course- do not forget to pray!

Facing the Unreal
As to my routine, I’ll share mine but it may not work for everyone. I’m not a morning person so I enlisted for afternoon classes. I get home at around 7 pm, eat dinner and have some leisure. I start studying at around 10pm, up to sawa na. There are times na inaabot ako ng sunrise. Then I sleep in the morning. It’s so messed up. Di ako organized na tao na by numbers but i have hard goals."

--0--

From: John Paul I. Punu

Magna Cum Laude

PUP-College of Accountancy and Finance 2017 Batch Valedictorian

"Use your time wisely. Have a rest when needed. Do not force yourself doing so much review. Exercise your brain for memorization skills. Strategize. Be driven. Have a goal. And be humble always."

--0--
From: (He requested not to include his name but yeah.. he deserves to be mentioned here...)
UE-Manila Graduate
October 2017 CPALE *th Placer

Ang ginagawa ko nung review (kahit nung undergrad) is pagkauwi ko ng bahay after class, natutulog muna ako bago magself-study. At least an hour. Mas nakakapag-isip kasi ako ng maayos and mas mabilis kong naiintindihan ung mga inaaral ko. Hindi rin ako nagpupuyat nung review. Pero kasi morning class ako nun haha. Basta make sure na you have enough sleep, especially the weeks ng actual boards.

Stick to one.
Sa pag-aaral naman, maganda if meron kang plan on how to cover all the topics sa board and of course stick to it. Advice lang sakin ng prof ko dati is pag mag-aaaral sa isang subject, better kung tapusin mo muna sagutan ang isang book bago pumunta sa ibang books. In that way, mako-cover mo lahat ng topics sa boards. Consuming kasi sa time if pagsasabay-sabayin mo (ang) maraming books sa isang subject na aralin. And may possibility na hindi mo maaral lahat ng required topics.

Me: Do you have any suggestions na playlist?
Pag nagsasagot ako ng problems, nakikinig akon ng music. Kung anu-anong playlist lng sa spotify. Nothing in particular naman.

I think yan lang naman. Usually, pag malapit na ang boards, marami na ang kumakalat na reviewers na may possibility na lumabas sa boards. Kumuha ka lang and try mo rin na sagutan. Pero 'wag masyadong dumepende dun. Basta na-cover mo lahat ng topics sa boards,magiging okay ka na. If may tanong na nahihirapan ka, always go back to basics. Be confident, wag kakabahan, magtiwala sa sarili and of course ask ng guidance kay Lord.

--0--
From: Alvin Thomas L. Endaya
UST Graduate
October 2017 CPALE 7th Placer

"First, know yourself- Never base your study pattern on others. Doon ka sa tingin mo gumagana para sa sarili mo. Next is Faith- have faith in yourself and in God. Laging tiwala lang na ginagawa mo ang best mo. Lastly, enjoy! Enjoy every moment of the board exam. For me noon, lagi ko iniisip na it’s my last chance to achieve academic excellence. All or nothing feeling talaga (para) to encourage myself to give and do everything.

Bonus: Claim it. Own it. Tiwala lang."

--0--

From: Prof. Geri Caiga

ReSA Reviewer

" Panindigan yung pagiging matalino- wag umasa sa sources "daw" ng BOA. Mag exam ka nang alam mo yung talagang konsepto. And lastly, care about the profession. I know everyone is dedicating all the challenges and everything to their family, but I hope, sa pag aaral nila, they were able to care about the future of our profession."

--0--

From: Christine Mae De Leon

UST Graduate

October 2017 CPALE 10th Placer

" Siguro maadvice ko lang is to not second guess yourself. Isipin mo na you've prepared for this for God knows how long. You know the answers, it's buried somewhere there in your mind. Just stay calm during the exam and give everything you got."

--0--

From: Prof. Reginald Laco

CPAR Reviewer
2014 Bar 4th Placer and 2009 CPALE 2nd Placer

" Do not settle for less. Always aim for the best but study and pray the hardest. Believe in yourself and always have Faith in God."

--0--

From: Ronald A. Bolanos Jr.

PUP Graduate

October 2017 CPALE 4th Placer

Consistency
"Review not too long. 6 to 10 hours pero everyday. As in. With 7 to 8 hours of sleep everyday. Review theories in morning. Problems in afternoon. Wag na wag magpupuyat haha.

Setting the Right Motivation
Dapat may mataas na goal para yung actions mo will follow. Wag magsettle sa pagpasa lang.

The Real Battle
And wag negative haha. Lalo na kapag malapit na yung exam. Ma-fi-feel mo wala ka pang alam. Ganun talaga yun kasi kinakabahan ka at ang naiisip mo lang kasi yung di mo alam. Kahit yung mga gustong mag no. 1 nararamdaman yun. Hindi lang patalinuhan ang labanan kundi pagalingan magcontrol ng emotions. "

--0--
From: Rochelle S. Enrile
FEU-Manila Graduate
October 2017 CPALE 9th Placer

One scroll per month
"Yung 10 scrolls of OG Mandino! Do you know that? I printed it dati nung 5th year. 10 scrolls yun. Per scroll, binabasa ko siya for 30 days. Dapat every morning, afternoon and evening kaso minsan nakakalimutan ko pag lunch time hahaha. Nakalagay kasi dun (on how to form) good habits. After 30 days next scroll naman ganun hahaha hanggang sa halos memorize ka na yung each scroll kasi paulit-ulit talaga. Pero nasa 3 pages per scroll yun so usually nagte-take ng 5-10 mins pag babasahin hahaha.

Me: Do you have a preferred playlist?
Yung spotify ko din puro Hillsong playlists kasi inaantok ako pag super tahimik pero nadidistract ako pag mga usong kanta kaya yun hahah effective naman ata lalo na pag nanghihina loob ko mag-aral.

Schedule at 3 AM
Di applicable to all e pero natutulog ako around 8:00 pm tapos gumigising ako ng 2:00 am or 3:00 am. Gusto ko kasi tulog na yung mga kasama ko sa dorm pag nag-aaral ako hahaha. Napapakwento kasi ako hahaha.

Pros and Cons
Tapos gusto kong nag-eentertain ng mga questions galing sa mga classmates ko. yung downside lang nakakaubos siya ng oras, minsan di ko natatapos yung planned topics ko kasi pag may tinatanong sila, di ako tumitigil hanggat di ko nasasagot hahaha. Mahilig din ako magsulat ng mga notes. Magsusummarize ako (kunwari) ng topics.

When the time is right.
And gumagala pa din ako 'pag feel kong nasosobrahan na ko sa aral. (Ma)nood ng sine (ganun) pero syempre di madalas hahaha. Nung malapit na exam, nagsimba ako sa tatlong simbahan. Sa Our Lady of Manaoag, St. Jude tsaka (sa) St. Claire- yung nag-ooffer ng eggs hahaha basta super effective."

--0--
From: Ray Jay A. Dizon
UST Graduate
October 2017 CPALE 4th Placer

The art of mastery
Mahalaga kasi nung review na may schedule ka ng mga subjects or topics na aaralin for the week. Ako kasi para di ako malito, binebase ko yung topics na inaaral ko sa tinuturo sa review school. So kung business combi(nation) na topic sa AFAR, dapat yun na rin topic ko. Nakaka-stress kasi minsan na nagmimix yung inaaral mo. Second is lagi magbasa. Hindi ko kasi hilig yung sagot lang agad ng reviewers. Kahit paulit ulit, binabasa ko pa rin yung discussion ng topic for mastery. Yun naman din kasi yung kelangan mo for the boards lalo na pag di familiar yung tanong.


Right mix of discipline, leisure, and.. love
Inote yung mga mahihirap at worthy balikan na mga handouts. Dapat maging neat sa mga handouts para di na dagdag sa stress pag nawawala sila. (although burara ako, gf ko talaga yung tiga-tago ng handouts namin).


Aral everyday. Haha. Yun talaga ginawa ko, pero hindi whole day. Laging may pahinga pag gabi na, (around) 8pm ganun pahinga na. Nood movie or series after. Discipline kasi talaga yung kelangan. Dapat may oras ka talaga ng aral. (Lastly,) get yourself your own study place and study buddy/ies. Mas nakakaganang mag-aral pag comfortable ka sa lugar and sa tao na kasama mo"

--0--

From: Isabelle A. Callejo

Magna Cum Laude

PUP-College of Accountancy and Finance 2017 Batch Salutatorian

Be WISE.
"Unang advice ko siguro sa pagrereview eh maging wise sa kukuning materials. Wag lahat kasi sayang lang pera at papel since imposible talagang mabasa lahat. Pili ka lang ng sa tingin mo kailangan mo.

Sa pagjajudge siguro ng kailangan mo, siguro tanong ka sa mga nakapag-review na if ano ang specialization na subject ng bawat review center. Tapos dapat siguro bago yung review, if may gusto ka pang basahing book, basahin mo na. Kasi pagdating ng review, hindi ka na masyado magkaka-time sa libro since materials na yung nirereview mo. 

Another advice pala, yung mga topic na hindi masyado natatouch sa atin sa PUP or medyo lito ka pa, unahin mo na rin aralin yun. Unpredictable kasi yung Boards eh. hahaha. minsan ang lumalabas yung mga never nata-touch o hindi masyado nadidiscuss na topic so hindi naman siguro sayang if aaralin mo na rin sila.

Start from the Basics 
Tapos pangatlong advice siguro, wag lang din tayo mag-aaral para sa Boards. Maganda na intindihin talaga yung lessons at maintindihan mo yung basics para kahit maging komplikado, kakayanin mo pa rin. Tsaka kasi lahat naman yan, magagamit sa work. Hahahah. so hindi masasayang!" 

--0--
and saving the best for the last:

From: Alfonso Solomon Ramos Magno

UST Graduate

October 2017 CPALE 1st placer

"...Not the usual Accountancy Student..."
"To be honest, di ako gaano nagbibigay ng tips pagdating sa board exams, tingin ko kasi mayayabangan mga tao sakin kasi I'm not the usual accountancy student na araw-araw nasa library, or coffee shop kapag nag aaral. Unorthodox, sabi nga.

I hate reading, moreso, solving lots of problems. But I'll try my best to share what I can.

"It is the fear that kills dreams, not failure..."
Una, you have to believe that you'll pass. Though I think eto yung pinakamahirap kasi feel natin wala tayong alam, or walang na-retain sa mga naaral natin, tiwala lang. Para saan pa ang apat o limang taong pag aaral? I think the reason why some people fail to pass the Boards is not because they didn't study or persevere enough, but because they already lost the battle within himself even though it hasn't been started- that is what going to happen if you let the fear conquer you. Sabi nga, "it is the fear that kills dreams, not failure."

Pangalawa, though this sounds dumb, you have to believe that the exams will be easy. Pang-boost lang ng confidence:, di naman masama maniwala. Pero I remember, laging sinasabi sa 'kin ng mga profs at upper batchmen ko, madali lang naman daw ang mga tanong, mas mahirap pa ang review.

Third, don't panic kung may mga di ka pa naaaral, just pray na di siya lumabas hahaha. It might seem funny, but back then, I only reviewed accounting for SME's hours before the boards. May lumabas? Yes. But because I kept my composure on, and remain calmed, that's (the time) I succeeded remembering the things that I should remember.

Fourth, I think it's wise to just relax on the days before the boards. Go to the church, open your social media accounts, bond with friends, or do anything that you enjoy doing. A stressed chicken does not lay good eggs.

Fifth, pray, for yourself and for others. Whenever I talk to God, and wish for something to happen, I always include other people in my prayers. Replacing "I" with "we," or "ako" with "kami":, the true joy in passing the boards is passing it with your friends. There's no better feeling than seeing everyone smile. Instead of saying, "God, sana wala po akong makalimutan," why not say "God, sana po wala kaming makalimutan"?

Sixth, you do not recite prayers, for they do not come from the mind. Whenever you pray, go to a quiet place, somewhere peaceful. Talk to God with your heart. He listens.

"Even the fastest runner will not perform well if he carries so much burden..."

Seventh, kick expectations out of your vocabulary. Pressure from your family, friends, and profs will not do you good. Remove them from your mind, and focus on answering each question. Kung nag ta top ka during your college or review days, never be discouraged if may di ka masagutang question, skip, then return to it later. Even the fastest runner will not perform well if he carries so much burden.

Staying Ahead of the Game
Eight and the last, his is a quote from my speech, “Ibang iba ang natuto sa pumasa lang, ibang iba ang bumagsak na nagsikap sa bumagsak lang." Hindi kailanman ikakababa ng isang taong nagsikap ang di pagpasa sa isang pagsusulit. Di naman parang cover lock sa cellphone ang pagtake ng board exams. You'll not be barred if you did not make it in your first attempts. Laban lang. We all have our own success timelines. Im sure, darating at darating ka rin do'n. Keep the faith!"

If you want to add more tips, never hesitate to share it, okay? I would really love if you would share this one to your friends and let's help them to reach their dream of becoming a CPA through this little tips! Thank you! 

Facebook Group of Notes.: https://web.facebook.com/groups/369765326697508/

For the copy of 10 Scrolls of OG Mandino: https://kathypilcher.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/og-mandino-scrolls.pdf