I used the Essentials for Audit, and am fairly satisfied. In fact, I'm waiting on my AUD score after taking it 8/25, and am feeling pretty confident after using *ONLY* CPA Review for Free MCQs and the Essentials content. Call me cheap, it's true.
I can't tell you how it compares to other more expensive review course materials, but I can say that it helped me and was worth the $15. After going through my 10th round of the 500+ MCQs, I wasn't learning anymore from them and needed a supplement. The Essentials fit right in.
It's basically a highly summarized textbook for each of the major topics, ranging from 15 – 50 slides per topic. Plus the best part (I thought), was the exposure to some practice Task-based simulations. I'm sure the more expensive courses out there have better (or at least more) practice TBSs, but for me it worked well.
And it was only $15, so I could still feed my family that month. That's a good thing…
Now for people who already have spent the money on other courses… will Essentials “add anything” above and beyond what you've already purchased? My guess is that it will add very little. It's a summary + some practice TBSs, which I'm sure the more expensive courses also provide that.
Hope that helps. If I get my score back next week and I scored like a 40 or something, I'll let you know so you can NOT purchase it. Heheheh.
AUD - 79
BEC - 88
REG - 87
FAR - 86 - Woot, all done!
Ethics - 100
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