[NotAgain]

Hi everyone–

If anyone has tips to prepare for the written part of the BEC exam, I’d love to know what they are! I am unfortunately NOT a talented BS artist, so if I don’t know the topic, the chances of me writing a good response drastically decrease. I also am not the fastest writer (nor have I ever been). For these reasons I’ve been spending basically all of my time working MCQs. That being said any tips would be great!

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

I can't BS either. The only thing I did to prepare was to look at the examples in my Kaplan materials to see what kinds of topics they tested on. Basically, anything you study for the MCQ is fair game for a WC question. If you know the material and are good at the MCQ and can write a cohesive couple of paragraphs you shouldn't have any problems. They are not easy to study for unless you want to attempt to write out some, but I think it's more benefical to know the material and do well on the MCQ than to worry too much about the WC.

[Anonymous]

I can't BS either. The only thing I did to prepare was to look at the examples in my Kaplan materials to see what kinds of topics they tested on. Basically, anything you study for the MCQ is fair game for a WC question. If you know the material and are good at the MCQ and can write a cohesive couple of paragraphs you shouldn't have any problems. They are not easy to study for unless you want to attempt to write out some, but I think it's more benefical to know the material and do well on the MCQ than to worry too much about the WC.

[M.O.D.]

Practice writing the essays for both content and speed/organization. Even if it is just 10 essays for 10 topics it is better than nothing.

Secondly, having to explain a topic from memory is better than any MCQ. You'd be writing your own “Ninja” notes, thus practicing essays and reinforcing the topic.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[M.O.D.]

Practice writing the essays for both content and speed/organization. Even if it is just 10 essays for 10 topics it is better than nothing.

Secondly, having to explain a topic from memory is better than any MCQ. You'd be writing your own “Ninja” notes, thus practicing essays and reinforcing the topic.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[F15hy]

If you have a harder time writing, I would really emphasize watching how you spend your time on your MCQs. Becker suggested leaving 45 min for the WC on BEC, which in not opinion is crazy. I'm a pretty good writer/BSer. I scores stronger on the WC every time I took BEC, except the first time. I left myself an hour and a half, which breaks down to about 30 min per essay. I probably didn't need quite that much time, but I always submitted with less than 2 min left. Just make sure you don't spend all your time working the MCQs. The only thing I did to study for the written part was watch the Becker lecture on it, they went over a couple good examples.

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[F15hy]

If you have a harder time writing, I would really emphasize watching how you spend your time on your MCQs. Becker suggested leaving 45 min for the WC on BEC, which in not opinion is crazy. I'm a pretty good writer/BSer. I scores stronger on the WC every time I took BEC, except the first time. I left myself an hour and a half, which breaks down to about 30 min per essay. I probably didn't need quite that much time, but I always submitted with less than 2 min left. Just make sure you don't spend all your time working the MCQs. The only thing I did to study for the written part was watch the Becker lecture on it, they went over a couple good examples.

CA Candidate

B-79 (4th Attempt, finally killed you Nov 2013)
A-81 (3rd Attempt, Feb 2014) AND I AM DONE!!!!!
R-80 (1st Attempt, Feb 2013)
F-77 (2nd attempt, Jan 2014)

Becker, Becker Final Review, NINJA 10-Point Combo
($M.O.B$)

CA Ethics-92%

[Micky]

I felt the same before I took BEC and was worried about the WC. But to me, I decided to give up studying for The WC altogether and just practiced the MCQs because I know that it is impossible to cover and memorize the topic that may be asked. I opted not to do any memorization on this exam as i felt it was not practical due to the massive amount of information. I just kept practicing and made sure I know the topic.

That said, in my opinion it is not worth memorizing anything, just make sure you know how to write a memo and know how to apply yourself for the MCQs. A good beginning, middle and end is all you need. It doesn't matter whether it is right or wrong, just make sure you stay on topic.

REG-89 (08/26/13)
FAR-91 (10/28/13)
BEC-87 (11/25/13)
AUD-96 (01/06/14)
Ethics-92 (12/08/13)
CPA Licensed

[Micky]

I felt the same before I took BEC and was worried about the WC. But to me, I decided to give up studying for The WC altogether and just practiced the MCQs because I know that it is impossible to cover and memorize the topic that may be asked. I opted not to do any memorization on this exam as i felt it was not practical due to the massive amount of information. I just kept practicing and made sure I know the topic.

That said, in my opinion it is not worth memorizing anything, just make sure you know how to write a memo and know how to apply yourself for the MCQs. A good beginning, middle and end is all you need. It doesn't matter whether it is right or wrong, just make sure you stay on topic.

REG-89 (08/26/13)
FAR-91 (10/28/13)
BEC-87 (11/25/13)
AUD-96 (01/06/14)
Ethics-92 (12/08/13)
CPA Licensed

[Author]

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