[mperez102204]

Hey Everyone. I just recently received my FAR score – 63. This is the first test I have ever taken. I am thinking of retaking at the end of October, so 5 weeks away. I am at a loss. I work full time can allow about 20-25 hours a week to studying.. Best plan of attack??? Do I start from scratch? Or re-write my ninja notes, do MCQ and flash cards? Basically, is this score so low that I have to revamp my study methods or just crash down on areas I believe I am lacking in.

Suggestions?

[Valar Dohaeris]

I'm only familiar with Becker, but I would just do MCQs, re-read the text, and flash cards. I wouldn't re-write or re-watch anything unless you are struggling to understand why a MCQ is right/wrong.

Try to do around 200 MCQs one work days. If you can do a cumulative batch of MCQs, complete problem sets of this type on a DAILY basis. I would try to set the tone and do like 20-30 questions before work. Get your mind thinking more and more about the material. Feel free to focus on one subject area each work night, but I would work problems in all areas every day.

Can you take any PTO? If so, schedule your test on a Sat/Sun, and take a full week of PTO before your exam. After 2-3 weeks of studying while working, I think 7-9 days without work distractions is more than enough time. Otherwise, even a few days of PTO before your exam should be enough to immerse your thoughts solely in FAR material.

BEC - 85
AUD - 81
REG - 84
FAR - 7/24/16

[mperez102204]

I used Wiley CPA as the study material and used ninja audio and notes. I am thinking of taking the test on Tuesday, October 25th. I am going to schedule PTO from October 19th up until the test date. So a little under 6 days of focused studying. I think with this test I took it on the last day possible and it was only 3 days after close. So, usually within those three days I tend to work around 25-30 hours. I don't think that was a smart move.

Thank you for taking a moment to suggest my next step in killing the FAR exam. I am going to start studying by section each night. Do about 2 hours a night and an hour of refresh in the morning. I will focus a lot on the flash cards supplied from Wiley, as well as create my own. But overall, with the score of 63 it is feasible to do it in 5 weeks, while working full time?

I guess I am officially in this test to win it because this failure pissed me off a bit…. lol

[Anonymous]

Print mcqs and review them religiously. At least solve each and every printed mcqs 3-4 times. Put the hardest on top. Mark them and allow your self more time to review them only towards the final week of your review. This got me a back to back to back pass with ReG BEC and FAR.

[mperez102204]

That is a great idea – I seem to get less focused when I take them on the computer, since I work all day on one. I think my eyes are just shot.. Thank you for the advice!

[Anonymous]

When you solve mcqs draw a star, two or three. Three star being hard and one being easy. Dont draw a star at all if its too easy. Try to do chapter by chapter. Dont comingle different chapter into one stack. I usually have a binder clip to hold each chapter mcqs into one place. You will need lots of papers and ink!

[Anonymous]

In my opninion, When solving 20-30 random sets of mcqs using software, you risk of not being able to see the question you want to see more often. At least with the printed mcq, you know to review three stared mcqs. Once you get a hold on this method, you dont need to buy different study materials. Stick with what you got. Towards the end of review you will have so much time on your side.

[hannahFletcher16]

Thanks for the advice. Just curious, how do you combine/prepare the mcps to print for each chapter?

[cpaMD86]

Ninja MCQ were essential for me in this window. I worked on MCQs daily and read every correct and incorrect answer. I also took notes while doing this and reviewed them periodically alongside my Ninja Notes. Remember, you cannot master every single topic..well I guess you can, but it is not necessary, so don't stress yourself out. When you feel like you need a break, TAKE IT! Quality over quantity. Focus on your weak areas, specially those that are said to be essential ‘must knows' for the exam..govt/nfp etc. This is what helped me get through FAR, I know you will adjust and pass this exam. BELIEVE!

FAR: 9/3

[Valar Dohaeris]

CHACPA, I suggested 20-30 MCQ in the morning to get the brain juices flowing. When I said focus on one subject area at night, I meant do the MCQ batches for one chapter. I think Becker has like almost 3,000 MCQ for FAR. I don't know how the human mind can possibly do all of those more than once. My thought is once you complete the chapter MCQ question bank and understand it, spend the rest of your time doing cumulative batches MCQ or progress tests. One of the biggest challenges is retaining the material and trying to get as much material to stick as possible through repetition and exposure to the material.

BEC - 85
AUD - 81
REG - 84
FAR - 7/24/16

[Anonymous]

@Hannahfletcher16- I used becker. When you go through mcqs (homework) first time, you can print them. My advice is to print all mcqs as you go along the chapter while studying.

[hannahFletcher16]

Thank you! so like 1 question per page? Do you print them with the answer below or do you write in on the back?

[ajm317]

This is my first post, but I am a frequent reader on the forum. So I took FAR 9/2 it was my first test. Walked out absolutely crushed. I wasn't doing so well on the MCQ. Even had a duplicate question. The simulation questions I was like “WHAAAAT???” I literally didn't understand what they were even asking me to do. Got my scores today, could not believe my eyes when I saw 77.

So here's how I studied. CPA excel – did all the lessons & videos. Skipped over the Simulation questions. Then I left myself 3 weeks for review. I used the test bank and did every single questions over and over again. Read the explanation whether I got the question right or wrong. Keep doing MCQ questions. Over and Over again. I started looking at the Sims around the last week. I wish I would have done more of them but I guess I didn't need too. I was trying to learn every single thing. Most of the things I looked at weren't even on the test. I was pissed. I would heavily focus on IFRS & Gov't. Very important topics. Keep pounding the multiple choice questions over and over and over again and don't try to learn everything because they're likely not going to ask you most of what you studied. I hope that was a somewhat helpful rant…. Good luck to you

[Anonymous]

One question per page, I do not write or underline anything around the question and answer choices. When you print, it will print questions and answers. So when you are studying, cover the answer part and try to reason anybquestions thrown at ya. If you know a particular question by heart do not waste paper on it. I do underline highlight answer explanations. Trust me once you go through entire mcq twice, your speed will increase and you will find yourself being effective and efficient. Remember you gotta study smart!

[Anonymous]

@Valar- I didn't read your comment. It is just my humble opinion. What worked for me and how I feel about doing 20-30 mcq progress test. Sorry if I offended you in anyway.

[hannahFletcher16]

I am going to try that! THANKS!!

[Author]

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