Five tips for tackling accounting classes

Here are five tips for taking on your accounting courses, whether they’re the lower-division intros or the dreaded tax class.

1. Skim, don’t inspect.

Accounting textbooks, for the most part, are not meant to be analyzed in every detail. Read the “meat” of the chapter several times through, taking note mostly of key words, phrases, and concepts–oh, and financial statements. You’re going to be seeing those a lot in your “real” job, so get used to ‘em!

2. Three words: repetition, repetition, repetition.

If you can understand every accounting concept the first time you read about it, you might as well quit school and recreate the Big 5 with your own accounting firm. Chances are, you are not going to understand everything the first time through. Reading things over a few times will make everything so much clearer. Learn things to the point where you know them like the back of your hand and you’ll be ready for anything.

3. Stop procrastinating now–no, not later.

This may be a fairly straightforward one, but never underestimate the danger that is the “P” word. Instead of cramming your study sessions into caffeine-laced all-nighters and hair-pulling, 3-hour, pre-test run-throughs, try dividing your work up and doing a little each day. For example, say you have a week before a test. Divide up your individual topics/chapters/etc. equally by day, then do a general run-through the day before. The earlier you plan ahead, the less work you’ll have to do each day.

4. “Don’t fall behind”–really though, DON’T!

We hear our teachers say it every semester at the beginning of class, but when they say it, I’m telling you: they mean business. With accounting, the acquisition of knowledge is sequential. In other words, it’ll be difficult, if not impossible, to learn about concept “B” if you don’t have understanding of concept “A” before it. Be especially mindful of this in accounting and make certain that you understand what you’ve just learned before moving onto the next topic or chapter. The further you fall behind, the harder it’ll be for you.

5. One is the loneliest number.

This should be the easiest part: find a study buddy! Although study groups can get a little chaotic, having one solid study partner can help you in more ways than you realize. Whether you need one-on-one help with a certain concept or need notes when you miss a day from illness, a study partner can be your right-hand person for accounting. Just make sure you return the favor!

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