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Tips for Acing Your Intermediate Accounting Exams
Getting a good grade isn't just about putting in hours — it's about understanding the why behind the material, not just memorizing numbers. Brianna Gibbons, BAP Coordinator of Professional Development, put together a presentation on exactly how to do that.
1. Start Studying Now
The most common piece of advice is also the easiest to ignore: start early. Aim to begin at least a week out, build a study plan for the week ahead, read the chapter, go to office hours, and practice problems. The real key? Work through problems two or three times, then stop and ask yourself why the answer is what it is.
2. Build a Real Study Schedule
Don't just say "I'll study this week" — plan it out. Ask yourself what you'll review, when you'll focus, what your goal for each session is, who you can study with, and where you focus best. A Time Management Grid or Study Schedule (both available through Academic Support) can help you map this out day by day, including how many hours per week you actually need.
3. Master the Art of Practicing
Practicing isn't a one-and-done deal. First, work through the material to refresh yourself. Then go through it again and really ask yourself why each step works. If you have time, do it a third time to lock it in. The goal isn't memorization — it's getting comfortable enough with the material that you understand the how and why, not just the numbers.
4. Set Boundaries With Your Phone
Distractions are the enemy of a good study session. Apps like Flipd, Forest, and Off the Grid block distractions outright, while Todoist and Trello help you time-block and prioritize tasks. If you want structure, try the Pomodoro Technique to break your studying into focused chunks with built-in breaks.
5. Review the Material
The night or two before the exam isn't the time to cram new material — it's the time to reinforce what you already know. Rewatch lecture videos for any notes or key points you might have missed the first time, look back over your own notes and the slides, and reread the chapter if you have time.
6. Take Care of Yourself before an Exam
Visualization matters — picture yourself walking into the exam and doing well, and build a positive affirmation you can repeat to yourself. Beyond that, aim for eight hours of quality sleep and limit your phone use beforehand. Eat food that fuels your brain, cut back on caffeine and sugar, and give your mind a break by moving your body.
7. Have a Strategy During the Exam
Arrive early, get comfortable, and have your supplies ready — including a watch or clock that isn't your phone. Once you're allowed to start, jot down any formulas or memory cues you don't want to forget. Preview the whole exam first so you know what kinds of questions to expect and how points are distributed. Answer the easy questions first, guess and circle anything you're stuck on to revisit later, keep an eye on the clock, and always leave time to check your math and proofread.
8. Reflect After Every Exam
Whether you did great or not, look back at your results. Were there trends in what you missed? Did you rush, second-guess a correct answer, or misread a question? Go over anything you didn't understand with your instructor, GTA, tutor, or SI Leader, and work out the correct answers to what you missed. Then look forward — use instructor feedback to plan what you'll do differently next time.
9. Use Auburn's Free Resources
You don't have to figure this out alone. Academic Coaching pairs you with a graduate-level coach for a free 60-minute intake session followed by three to five 30-minute coaching sessions, covering everything from time management to test-taking strategies. Self-refer through Advise Assist, and check out the On-Demand Resources and Accountability Groups for even more support.
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