Am I wasting my time?

Hello,

I'm currently feeling distraught over this and I need advice. Bought Becker study material for the BEC in September, started studying for the BEC. I was told to apply for the CPA at least 60 days before I graduate (I'm graduating December 15th). So I applied for the first time on October 26th (should've applied earlier but I work and go to school full time and it truly slipped my mind), only to find out that:

1. The NTS process is a long one( I didn't know this was a thing)

2. For my jurisdiction it says if you want to take the BEC before the deadline you must apply for NTS BEFORE October 1st...

So not only am I kicking myself, I am genuinely so upset this information doesn't seem to be readily available. I emailed NASBA to see if theres anyway to expedite my NTS but I doubt it. Feeling like I really goofed up here and wasted $500 on study material for an exam I might not even get to take and disappears next year.

All this to say, am I wasting my time continuing to study for the BEC? Please be honest (but not too honest- I am on the brink of a mental breakdown LOL) Thanks for any advice.