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Expert Insights & News

Insights & News

Expert roundups, analysis, CPA industry news, and opinions from professionals across accounting, finance, and business.

Expert Insights

ResearchOriginal data · n = 380

What CPA Candidates Want in a Review Course

We analyzed 380 LIFTS assessments. 60% of candidates want only the materials, 58% learn by doing, and demand for live classes and coaching is small.

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AnalysisJun 14, 2026· 6 min read

Is Becoming a CPA Still Worth It in 2026?

A balanced, sourced look at whether the CPA still pays off in 2026: the accountant shortage that changes the math, what current candidates are actually worried about, the strongest arguments for and against, and what the data shows on the two biggest fears (AI and taxes).

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AnalysisMay 27, 2026· 8 min read

What Is the Cheapest CPA Review Course in 2026?

Meridian CPA Review (free during beta) is the cheapest CPA review course in 2026, with NINJA at $67 per month the cheapest established option and Surgent at $799-$1,699 the third tier. Atlas CPA Index discloses its ownership of Meridian and walks through the honest trade-offs across the four real budget choices, with the math on total cost of completion.

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AnalysisMay 27, 2026· 7 min read

How Much Does the CPA Exam Cost in 2026? (Beyond the Review Course)

Total cost of the CPA exam in 2026 broken down by line item: NASBA examination fees, state application and registration fees, retake fees, initial licensing fees, and the cost of the review course itself. State variation, realistic total budgets at three quality levels, and the categories most candidates forget to budget for.

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AnalysisMay 27, 2026· 6 min read

UWorld CPA Cost: 2026 Pricing Breakdown

UWorld CPA Review pricing for 2026 with all three packages (Premier, Elite-Unlimited, Elite-Unlimited+), the ongoing $1,500-$1,600 promotional discount, what is included at each tier, and how UWorld compares to Becker on price-per-feature.

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AnalysisMay 27, 2026· 7 min read

Can You Finish CPA Review in 6 Months?

Realistic six-month CPA exam timeline math: hours per week, hours per section, what makes the fast track work, and where most six-month plans actually fail. Atlas CPA Index walks through who can pull it off, who should not try, and how to structure the schedule if you decide to.

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AnalysisMay 26, 2026· 7 min read

Is Becker CPA Review Worth It in 2026?

A third-party look at when Becker CPA Review actually justifies its $2,499 to $4,999 price tag and when a cheaper provider gets you to the same place. Pricing, the Becker Bump, the Pass Guarantee, and the specific candidates who should and should not pay the premium.

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AnalysisMay 26, 2026· 6 min read

Becker CPA Cost: 2026 Pricing Breakdown

Full Becker CPA pricing for 2026 with per-tier features, cost per exam section, the August 2026 promotional discount of $1,346 off Pro and Pro+ ($1,350 off Concierge) running through mid-September, financing options, hidden costs the course price does not cover, and how Becker compares to UWorld, Surgent, Gleim, and NINJA on price.

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OpinionMay 26, 2026· 9 min read

An Honest Review of Every Major CPA Review Course in 2026

Honest editorial reviews of the five major CPA review courses in 2026: Becker, UWorld, Surgent, Gleim, and NINJA. Real strengths, real weaknesses, and which candidate each course is actually right for. Meridian CPA Review, owned by the same entity as Atlas CPA Index, is excluded from this comparison with explicit disclosure.

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Expert RoundupApr 13, 2026· 6 min read

What's Actually on Your Desk Right Now: 3 Business Leaders on April 2026 (Apr 2026)

Three founders and financial leaders share the specific challenges and opportunities they are focused on right now in April 2026, from Shadow AI governance debt to the K-shaped consumer squeeze in home services.

3 experts featured
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Expert RoundupMar 21, 2026· 6 min read

8 Strategies for Passing a Professional Certification Exam While Working Full-Time (Mar 2026)

We asked eight professionals who passed certification exams while working full-time to share their single best strategy. Their answers converged on one theme: stop waiting for motivation and build a system that works without it.

8 experts featured
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Expert RoundupMar 18, 2026· 5 min read

8 Professionals on the Most Expensive Mistakes They Made Early in Their Careers (Mar 2026)

Eight professionals share specific, dollar-amount career mistakes spanning compliance failures, pricing errors, cash flow miscalculations, and financial decisions made without enough information.

8 experts featured
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Expert RoundupMar 18, 2026· 3 min read

3 Accountants on What Surprised Them Most About the Profession (Mar 2026)

Three accounting professionals share specific moments that changed how they approach the work, from balanced books that told the wrong story to hidden cryptocurrency and clients who disappeared for weeks.

3 experts featured
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Expert RoundupMar 12, 2026· 7 min read

How Professional Certification Actually Impacts Your Career

We asked professionals across six industries how their certifications affected their careers. Their answers ranged from "it doubled my client trust overnight" to "I built a $10M business without one."

6 experts featured
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Expert RoundupMar 12, 2026· 6 min read

Study Strategies That Actually Work, According to Professionals Who Passed

We asked professionals who passed high-stakes exams to share the one study habit that made the biggest difference. Their answers converged on a common theme: stop re-reading your notes and start doing something that feels harder.

4 experts featured
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CPA Industry News

NewsSep 3, 2026· 6 min read

Illinois Opens Two New CPA Pathways on January 1, 2027 (HB 2459)

Illinois adds a 120-credit plus two-year route and a master's plus one-year route to CPA licensure, keeps the 150-hour path, and addresses mobility for out-of-state CPAs. The implementing rules were still under state review as of July 2026.

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NewsSep 3, 2026· 5 min read

Indiana's Three CPA Licensure Routes Start January 1, 2027 (HEA 1143)

Indiana lets candidates license with a bachelor's degree and two years of experience starting January 1, 2027. The Board of Accountancy approved the experience rule that implements it in March 2026.

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NewsSep 2, 2026· 6 min read

AICPA Publishes Post-July 2027 CPA Exam Schedule: Core Score Releases Drop to Four a Year

The AICPA has published the CPA Exam administration and score release schedule that takes effect when the exam moves to a new technology delivery platform in July 2027. Core score releases fall from sixteen a year to four, and a Core section sat at the start of the first new window targets a score 99 days later.

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NewsAug 17, 2026· 6 min read

FinCEN Permanently Ends BOI Reporting for US Companies and US Persons

A FinCEN final rule effective August 14, 2026 removes beneficial ownership reporting for US companies and US persons under the Corporate Transparency Act, and extends the exemption to company applicants. Only foreign reporting companies still file.

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NewsAug 17, 2026· 6 min read

Grant Thornton to Buy CBIZ for $5 Billion, Creating the Fifth-Largest US Firm

Grant Thornton Advisors agreed on July 29, 2026 to acquire CBIZ in an all-cash deal valued at $5 billion. The combined firm would have nearly $7.5 billion in revenue and more than 34,500 people.

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NewsAug 17, 2026· 4 min read

IRS Raised the Business Mileage Rate to 76 Cents Mid-Year

Announcement 2026-11 raised the business standard mileage rate from 72.5 to 76 cents per mile for travel on or after July 1, 2026. Mid-year changes are rare, and 2026 mileage logs now need to be split at June 30.

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NewsAug 17, 2026· 3 min read

AICPA Issues SAS No. 150 on External Confirmations

The Auditing Standards Board rewrote the confirmation rules in July 2026, adding a requirement to confirm cash held by third parties. SAS No. 150 is effective for periods ending on or after December 15, 2028.

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NewsAug 17, 2026· 3 min read

AICPA Ethics Committee Finalizes New Independence Rules for Tax Services

PEEC revised the Tax Services interpretation of the Code of Professional Conduct, adding express coverage of tax advisory and planning work for attest clients. Effective January 15, 2027, with early implementation permitted.

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NewsAug 17, 2026· 3 min read

PCAOB Opens Comment on Its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, Deadline September 4

The PCAOB put a draft five-year strategic plan out for public comment in July 2026, the first under Chair Demetrios Logothetis. It sets three priorities and six goals, and comments close September 4, 2026.

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NewsAug 17, 2026· 9 min read

AI at Accounting Firms in 2026: Adoption, Staff, and Hiring

Adoption estimates range from 18 percent to 98 percent depending on what gets counted. Here is what the credible surveys show about how far AI has spread through accounting firms, what it is doing to people already on staff, and how it is changing who gets hired.

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NewsJul 20, 2026· 5 min read

DC Council Unanimously Passes 120-Credit CPA Pathway Bill (B26-0494)

The DC Council passed a bill on July 14, 2026 creating a bachelor's plus two-year-experience path to CPA licensure and adopting individual-based mobility. Mayor Bowser signed it August 10, 2026 as D.C. Act 26-412. It is not law yet: a 30-day congressional review remains.

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NewsJul 15, 2026· 6 min read

OBBBA Is Ending the Federal Clean-Energy Tax Credits: The 2025-2026 Cutoff Calendar (Jul 2026)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act terminates nine federal clean-energy tax credits on a rolling schedule between September 2025 and mid-2026. Here are the exact cutoff dates and what REG and TCP candidates should know.

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NewsJul 15, 2026· 7 min read

The 2026 Tax Figures REG and TCP Candidates Need to Memorize (Jul 2026)

The 2026 standard deduction, tax brackets, AMT exemptions, QBI thresholds, and SALT cap all changed, some by routine indexing and some by OBBBA. Here are the exact numbers testable on REG and TCP from July 1, 2026.

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NewsJul 15, 2026· 8 min read

OBBBA Made Three Business Tax Breaks Permanent: Bonus Depreciation, R&D Expensing, and QBI (Jul 2026)

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act permanently restored 100% bonus depreciation, brought back immediate expensing of domestic R&D under new Section 174A, and locked in the 20% QBI deduction. Here is what REG and TCP candidates need to know. Updated August 2026 with the permanent Section 45S paid leave credit.

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NewsJul 15, 2026· 7 min read

Beyond Tips and Overtime: The Other New OBBBA Deductions for 2026 (Jul 2026)

OBBBA created a senior bonus deduction, a car-loan interest deduction, a bigger employer child care credit, and Trump Accounts. Here are the exact figures and phaseouts REG and TCP candidates should know. Updated August 2026 with proposed regulations on the Trump Account employer limit.

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NewsJul 15, 2026· 8 min read

How OBBBA's "No Tax on Tips" and "No Tax on Overtime" Deductions Actually Work (Jul 2026)

The tips and overtime deductions are narrower than the headlines suggest. Caps, phaseouts, the occupation list, and a mechanical detail about AGI that REG and TCP candidates need to get right. Updated August 2026 with the revised IRS overtime FAQs.

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NewsJul 15, 2026· 6 min read

New York Adopts a 120-Credit CPA Pathway, Effective November 21, 2026

Governor Hochul signed a law adding a 120-credit plus two-year experience route to CPA licensure in New York, and moving the state to individual-based mobility. It takes effect November 21, 2026.

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NewsJul 15, 2026· 7 min read

Texas and California Both Rewrote CPA Licensing: SB 262 vs AB 1175 (Jul 2026)

The two largest CPA markets both replaced the strict 150-credit rule with a 120-credit plus two-year experience path. The dates and details differ, and California phases in over three years.

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NewsJul 15, 2026· 7 min read

Does a CPA Need to Be Licensed in Every State? Mobility, Explained

In most cases no. A CPA holds one home-state license and practices elsewhere under a practice privilege. The 2025 Uniform Accountancy Act moved that privilege from a state-by-state test to an individual one, which is what keeps mobility working as states adopt 120-credit pathways.

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NewsJul 3, 2026· 6 min read

Six States' 120-Credit CPA Pathways Take Effect July 1, 2026

Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, South Dakota, and Utah all set July 1, 2026 as the effective date for their 120-credit CPA pathways. The bills were signed across 13 months, from Utah in March 2025 to Iowa in May 2026, but all six went live the same day.

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NewsJun 7, 2026· 4 min read

Louisiana Enacts 120-Credit CPA Pathway (HB 548): What Candidates Need to Know

Governor Jeff Landry signed HB 548 into law on June 3, 2026, creating three pathways to CPA licensure and removing the 150-credit-hour requirement as the only route. The law also adds mobility practice privileges for out-of-state CPAs.

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NewsJun 7, 2026· 4 min read

Missouri's 120-Credit CPA Pathway Is Now in Effect (SB 1233)

Governor Mike Kehoe signed SB 1233 on July 13, 2026, and the law took effect August 28, 2026. Missouri candidates can now license with a bachelor's degree and two years of experience instead of 150 credit hours.

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NewsJun 7, 2026· 4 min read

Vermont H.588 Adds a 120-Credit CPA Pathway, Signed and Effective Immediately

Vermont H.588 passed the House and Senate on May 19, 2026 and was signed by Governor Phil Scott on June 8, 2026, effective immediately. The law lets candidates earn a CPA license with a bachelor's degree and two years of experience instead of the 150-hour requirement.

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NewsMay 19, 2026· 4 min read

West Virginia 120-Credit CPA Pathway Goes Live May 24 (HB 4088)

Governor Patrick Morrisey signed HB 4088 on March 2, 2026, creating three pathways to CPA licensure that replace the sole 150-hour requirement. The law took effect May 24, 2026.

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NewsMay 19, 2026· 5 min read

Four More States Add CPA Pathways Between March and May 2026

South Dakota, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Oklahoma each signed 120-credit CPA pathway legislation between February 25 and May 5, 2026. The four signings push the national count to 39 states.

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NewsMay 13, 2026· 5 min read

Colorado Enacts 120-Credit CPA Pathway (SB 26-076): Three New Routes Effective January 2027

Governor Jared Polis signed SB 26-076 into law on May 4, 2026, creating three alternative pathways to CPA licensure effective January 1, 2027. The existing 150-credit pathway remains available.

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NewsMay 13, 2026· 8 min read

What's Testable on REG and TCP Under OBBBA Starting July 2026?

OBBBA tax provisions become testable on REG and TCP starting July 1, 2026. Here's the specific content each section will cover, the provider material status, and a study strategy for July through September sitters.

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NewsApr 28, 2026· 4 min read

Four States Add 120-Credit CPA Pathways in 19-Day April 2026 Stretch

Kentucky, Arizona, Kansas, and New Hampshire each signed 120-credit CPA pathway legislation between April 3 and April 22, 2026, pushing the national count to roughly 32 states.

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NewsApr 17, 2026· 4 min read

Deloitte Cutting PTO, Parental Leave, and Pension for Internal Staff (Apr 2026)

Beginning January 2027, Deloitte is reducing PTO by 5-10 days, cutting parental leave from 16 to 8 weeks, and ending pension accruals and IVF reimbursement for employees in internal support roles.

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NewsApr 17, 2026· 3 min read

IRS Filing Data Shows Average Refund Up 11% in 2026 — OBBBA Deductions Likely Driving the Increase (Apr 2026)

Through April 3, the average tax refund was $3,462 compared to $3,116 at the same point last year. Total refunds paid: $241.7 billion versus $211.1 billion in 2025.

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NewsApr 17, 2026· 4 min read

One AI Accounting Startup Hit $1.15 Billion. Another Shut Down After 11 Years. (Apr 2026)

Basis raised $100M at a $1.15B valuation while Botkeeper closed its doors after 11 years. What the contrast tells CPA candidates about AI in the profession.

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NewsApr 15, 2026· 4 min read

Maryland Signs 120-Credit CPA Pathway Into Law (HB 643)

Governor Wes Moore signed HB 643 on April 28, 2026, creating a third pathway to CPA licensure that takes effect October 1, 2026.

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NewsApr 8, 2026· 4 min read

Wisconsin and Colorado Sign 120-Credit CPA Pathways Into Law (April-May 2026)

Wisconsin enacted its 120-credit CPA licensure pathway on April 3, 2026, and Colorado followed with SB26-076 signed by Gov. Polis on May 4, 2026.

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NewsMar 25, 2026· 4 min read

Idaho Enacts 120-Credit CPA Pathway (HB 563): What Candidates Need to Know

Governor Brad Little signed HB 563 into law, creating a 120-credit alternative for CPA licensure in Idaho effective July 1, 2026. The existing 150-credit pathway remains available.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 5 min read

2026 CPA Score Release Dates: Complete Calendar

Full 2026 AICPA/NASBA score release schedule for all Core and Discipline sections, with key dates and what to expect after your exam.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 6 min read

120-Credit CPA Pathway: Which States Allow It in 2026?

48 jurisdictions have enacted or proposed an alternative to the 150-credit-hour CPA requirement, and 35 of those pathways are already in effect. Here is the complete landscape as of August 31, 2026.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 4 min read

CPA Review Course Pricing: June 2026 Update

Current pricing for all major CPA review courses as of June 2026, including Becker, UWorld, Surgent, Gleim, and NINJA. Becker's June 2026 promotional schedule included.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 6 min read

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act Hits the CPA Exam July 1: What You Need to Know

Major tax law changes from the OBBBA became testable on REG and TCP on July 1, 2026, and a separate FASB credit-loss change updates FAR the same day. If you are planning those sections, the clock is ticking.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 5 min read

The Accounting Shortage in 2026: What It Means for CPA Candidates

First-time CPA candidates fell 33% from 2016 to 2021, but enrollment is rebounding and the 120-credit pathway is accelerating entry. Here is the current state of the pipeline.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 4 min read

CPA Exam Pass Rates: Full 2025 Results by Section

TCP leads at 77.7%, while FAR and BAR remain the hardest at ~42%. Here are the complete 2025 CPA exam pass rates and what they mean for your study strategy.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 4 min read

2026 CPA Exam Blueprint Updates: What Actually Changed

The AICPA updated the CPA exam blueprints effective January 1, 2026. Here is a section-by-section breakdown of what changed and what it means for your study plan.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 5 min read

CPA Salary & Hiring Outlook: What Candidates Can Expect in 2026

CPA-required roles take 73 days to fill, starting salaries are climbing, and firms are competing harder than ever for talent. Here is the salary and hiring landscape for 2026.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 5 min read

AI in Accounting: What CPA Candidates Need to Know in 2026

AI adoption at accounting firms jumped from 9% to 41% in a single year. Here is what the data says about how AI is reshaping the profession — and why it matters for anyone studying for the CPA exam right now.

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NewsMar 8, 2026· 5 min read

CPA Exam Candidates Hit a Record Low in 2024 — Updated: 2025 Marked the Rebound

NASBA data showed just 27,994 new CPA exam candidates in 2024 — the fewest on record. Per AICPA data released June 2026, 2025 first-time candidates rebounded to their highest level since 2018, and as of August 31, 2026, 44 jurisdictions have enacted 120-credit pathways.

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From the Atlas Study Hub

In-depth strategy guides that pair with our news and expert coverage.

Study Hub · Study Resources · 8 min read

Can I Use ChatGPT to Study for the CPA Exam?

The honest answer: yes, with serious caveats. Here's what AI gets wrong and how to use it without breaking your study plan.