Is it common to struggle with intermediate Accounting concepts? I received a 92% in my introductory financial Accounting course last semester, but I’m finding this intermediate class to be incredibly challenging. Despite being very engaged—actively participating, building a good rapport with my professor, and completing all the practice problems—I feel like I’m not retaining any of the material. It’s reminiscent of trying to decipher a dense Foucault philosophy text.
Now I’m a bit anxious about the final exam since it covers the whole course and I’m only allowed one reference sheet.
Does anyone have any effective study strategies or tips to help me grasp the material better?
One response
It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when transitioning from introductory to intermediate Accounting. This next level often involves more complex concepts and requires a deeper understanding of the material. Here are some tips that might help you with your studies:
Break it Down: Intermediate Accounting can be dense, so break the material into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding one concept at a time before moving on to the next.
Use Multiple Resources: Sometimes, the textbook might not click with you. Try supplementing your study materials with different Accounting textbooks, online tutorials, or video lectures. Websites like YouTube, Coursera, or even accounting forums can provide different perspectives on the same topics.
Practice Problems: Since you’re already doing practice questions, keep it up! Work through them regularly. Try to understand the underlying principles behind each problem, not just the answers.
Form a Study Group: Collaborating with classmates can provide new insights and explanations that might resonate better with you. Teaching each other is also a great way to reinforce your understanding.
Utilize Office Hours: Keep leveraging your relationship with your professor. If you’re struggling with specific concepts, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or additional resources.
Create a Study Guide: As you prepare your reference sheet for the final, make an outline of the key concepts, formulas, and their applications. Writing things down can help with retention.
Practice Retrieval: Try to recall information without looking at your notes. This can help strengthen your memory. Practice flashcards or quizzes based on the material can be beneficial.
Stay Positive: It sounds like you have a strong foundation in financial accounting, so remind yourself that you’re not starting from scratch. Progressing in accounting often requires patience—don’t be too hard on yourself as you navigate through it.
Remember, many students face challenges in intermediate courses, and you’re not alone in feeling this way. Stay persistent and adjust your study strategies as needed, and you’ll improve over time! Good luck with your studies!