I still contend that Intermediate Accounting for MPAs (Not ACC 329) is the hardest class in the business school, but Advanced Accounting is no “walk in the park.”  This past week was the first exam, or as Professor Deitrick likes to call it, “the first scrimmage.”  Professor Deitrick is a phenomenal accounting teacher considering he was a math major and he uses a repetition based technique that drives his core points into memory rather effectively. He did a great job preparing us, especially with the use of a course packet with detailed examples and practice problems.

My technique was a little different than Natalie’s (see previous post) but my circumstances were different. Coming off an ITAC exam, TX/OU ticket draw, and continuous homework in all of my classes, it was difficult to start preparing a week in advance.  I had kept up on all of my reading (each chapter twice), all the practice problems, and I never missed a class so I was able to minimize the need for playing catch-up.

The three days before the exam I really began to study hard-core for it, with problem after problem of practice.  Is it weird to say that I find business combination accounting to be REALLY COOL?!?!?!

Getting into the exam at 7 p.m., I felt pretty good about my understanding of the material.  As the test progressed, I wasn’t finding myself stuck on any part too long, but I did find one problem; I was running out of time! The test was to be over at 9 p.m., it was 8:32 and I still had three problems remaining.  (Clarification: Each problem is one or two pages long.)  I quickened my pace and was able to finish the exam as he called time and didn’t leave anything blank.  Now, I have no doubt I missed a few points because I was in such a hurry, but I felt pretty good about it overall.

I have this feeling of frustration though; that I know the material and can prove it, I just didn’t have adequate time to put my knowledge on paper.  Many professors will argue that it is just life and you will have tight deadlines in the real world but if we are going to compare an exam to real world, I am pretty sure a boss would prefer that a project be done right the first time, instead of rushed and botched.  I understand both sides of the argument but based on the actual reasons for testing (to see what we truly have learned), the argument for being rushed is a little weak in my opinion.  I have no doubt all student have felt frustrated like this from time to time, so I will accept it as such and move on.

Overall, the test difficulty did not merit the amount of worry I had beforehand.  Professor Deitrick asked fair questions and gave us superior classroom preparation, leaving little room for me to be too upset.  Wish me luck, grades back on Wednesday!  🙂