How to Integrate Your CFE Day 1 Marked Response (The Right Way to Improve)
Once you receive your marked CFE Day 1 response — whether from a coach, a marker, or a practice tool — the real work begins. Day 1 is not about technical depth; it’s about strategic thinking, structure, and integration. If you don’t know how to properly integrate your feedback, you’ll repeat the same mistakes in your next attempt.
This guide walks you through a simple, effective method to integrate your Day 1 marked response so you improve quickly and confidently.
1. Start by Reviewing Your Overall Assessment
Before diving into individual AOs, look at the overall comments.
Markers usually highlight:
Whether you understood the company’s strategic direction
Whether you addressed the big‑picture issues
Whether your recommendations were feasible
Whether your structure was clear
Whether you managed your time effectively
This gives you a high‑level view of what went well and what needs improvement.
2. Identify Which AOs You Missed or Scored “Marginal” On
Day 1 uses:
Yes
Marginal / Partial
No
Your goal is to understand:
Why you received a “Marginal”
Why you received a “No”
Whether you missed depth, structure, or integration
Create a simple list:
Strategic Issue 1 → Marginal
Strategic Issue 2 → No
Operating Issue → Yes
Communication → Marginal
This becomes your improvement roadmap.
3. Compare Your Response to the Sample Response
Now compare your writing to the sample response.
Look for:
Missing case facts
Missing depth
Missing pros/cons
Missing quantitative analysis
Missing alignment with big‑picture issues
Weak or missing conclusions
Day 1 is all about depth + integration.
If your analysis is shallow or disconnected from the company’s constraints, you’ll score Marginal or No.
4. Re‑Write the Weak AOs Using the Correct Structure
For every AO you missed, rewrite it using this structure:
1. Identify the Issue Clearly
Show the marker you understand the problem.
2. Provide Quantitative Analysis (if applicable)
Use the correct tool and support your conclusion.
3. Provide Qualitative Analysis
Discuss:
Pros and cons
Impact on stakeholders
Alignment with strategy
Risks and constraints
4. Integrate Big‑Picture Issues
This is where most students lose marks.
5. Conclude Clearly
State your recommendation and justify it.
Rewriting weak AOs is the fastest way to improve.
5. Update Your Day 1 Technical Notes
Your notes should include:
Common big‑picture issues
How to integrate constraints
How to structure strategic issues
How to structure operating issues
How to write strong conclusions
Examples of strong qualitative depth
Your notes become your personal Day 1 playbook.
6. Practice With a New Day 1 Case
Once you’ve integrated your feedback:
Write a new Day 1 case
Apply your improved structure
Focus on depth and integration
Compare again to the sample response
Improvement comes from repetition + proper integration.
7. Track Your Progress Across Attempts
Create a simple tracking sheet:
Attempt > Strategic Issues > Operating Issues > BP Integration > Time Management > Overall
Example - Attempt 1 > Weak > OK > Weak > Poor > Marginal Attempt
This helps you see patterns and stay accountable.
Why Integration Matters So Much on Day 1
Day 1 is not about technical accounting.
It’s about:
Strategic thinking
Depth
Integration
Feasibility
Alignment with constraints
If you don’t integrate your feedback properly, you’ll repeat the same mistakes — even if you practice more cases.
If you need help in your CPA Canada Coaching, please feel free to reach out:
RavGun CPA Academy
https://www.ravguncpaacademy.com/
+1 437 833 9540
