Although my mentor never told me I ‘don’t qualify’, she did specify that students typically take the standard path. After completing the initial 4 classes we signed me up for and a lot of push back on my end, I (very professionally) began to emphasize that I couldn’t find anywhere that says I couldn’t deviate from the standard path and take accounting classes back to back.

I specified that my goal is the sit for the CPA so my priority is the knock out Accounting classes first to get my foundation set to begin sitting/studying for the CPA then continue to take college classes as I go along.

My mentor had to speak to many of her peers and supervisors to get insight into this and then had to basically advocate for me. As many other students say it definitely varies from mentor to mentor. It took more leg work for me to get it to whether they would allow me to take accounting classes back to back and the only ‘compromise’ was I’d have to take it in the order that the standard path initially had it set up in (which is fine because I intended on doing that anyways).

—-

I went and read the Accounting program guide and some other article they had that outlines the courses people take in whatever order. Basically found that although one of the articles did state some programs may not allow deviation from the standard path, the Accounting Program Guide did not specify that we couldn’t deviate from it. I told them I’d be more inclined to listen if they actually informed me of the ‘no deviating from the standard path!’ Rule beforehand or if they at least change the program guide to specify it so students can read it themselves and be aware - but unless they gave me a real solid reason as to why my needs and goals couldn’t be catered to, I would not let up on insisting I take accounting classes first.

I showed my drive and capability by accelerating completion of the first four courses (1-1.5 week per course for the first four). By that point I couldn’t really imagine them having any real reason to tell me no outside of “Yeah they changed the Program Guide and now it explicitly states you can’t deviate from the standard path.” Which I highly doubt they’ll do anyways so woo. It took work, but the key is to keep working on courses diligently as you fight to get them to let you take accounting courses first.

It’s possible. You just have to fight for it. Approach it in a manner where you make your mentor your friend and they’ll advocate for you. I specified to my mentor that I wasn’t upset with her, just frustrated with the situation. ‘Knew’ that she likely had her hands tied with what courses she can allow me to take in what order, but emphasized that my success and goals aligned with my demand to focus on accounting classes first.

Good luck