[LawGuy]

I took FAR at the end of may after about 4 months of studying. I used Roger to review and I was working full time. I also have been out of accounting school for over 5 years. I felt like I gave FAR everything I had, but I don’t think that was enough. I watched all of the videos and felt like I understood all the concepts, but the tricky questions would sometimes get to me. I was doing acceptably well on multiple choice practice questions, but I did not have a lot of time to devote to practicing the longer task based problems. I did not do well on the ones that I did work.

I am going to take BEC on Aug 10th, before I get my FAR scores back. I am essentially just having faith that I passed FAR. If I did not pass FAR, I will probably just give up since this has been taking a toll on me mentally, and it is not essential to my profession (I’m a tax attorney).

After reading this forum, I can see LOTS of very smart people fail this exam that have studied more than me, and that has me worried. I know I can pass all the sections, but I don’t know if I can do it while working full time. If I passed FAR on the first try, I know I can pass all the others if I give it all my effort. But If I failed it, that means I will probably struggle with the other sections and I don’t think I have it in me with my full time job.

The delayed score release is very frustrating, since I am wasting a huge amount of time and energy studying for BEC before I even get my scores. But if I passed, I will potentially be halfway done. I might as well go for it I suppose.

Anyway sorry for the rant. 🙂

[Meg267]

Don't think you're the only one who has had these same thoughts and feelings. I failed BEC twice before passing. Then I turned around and failed REG. I stuck with it and passed again. If you read these forums, you can see that most people don't pass these exams the first time around. The delayed score release sucks, I totally agree, but it's affecting everyone. We're all in the same boat together.

Sit for BEC. Then I'd take a break for a few days until the score release. If you passed FAR, awesome! If not, hit the books and sit for it again.

It's possible to pass these exams while working full time. I work full time and am married and still find a way. I've seen single Mom's on here who are wonder women who pass. I've seen people 40+ older pass. You can pass these exams too! The CPA exam is no joke, but it is possible. Just depends on how bad you want it.

[Anonymous]

I passed all four on the first attempt, and not once did I ever walk away from the exam confident about it.

[Finally_a_CPA]

I second Meg! This is not an easy journey. I also had thoughts of giving up when I failed my first exam which happened to be FAR. I was also studying while working full time (even during busy tax season). I can understand your frustration. I think this was one of the most demoralizing experiences I have ever been through but every time I got a passing score, that would motivate me a bit. I failed two sections but I did not let that deter me.
Back in March, when I passed my fourth and final section, it actually didn't even register with me that I was done. Maybe because I was so busy with work. But now that I look back, all that effort and even those two fails make that CPA License much more valuable.

Also, you mention you feel like you are wasting time studying for BEC. I don't understand why you would be wasting your time. Each section is independent of each other so even if you were to fail FAR, you could take and pass BEC. Not sure if you would be getting the score for both sections on the same day but if you did and you passed at least one section, I think that would motivate you to keep at it.

[ultrarunner]

@LawGuy, I've seen tax consultants having both CPA and JD or either one. I thought a law degree (with LLM) could do more than a CPA. Anyway, since you are a lawyer, I don't see you having a problem passing the exams. It is all about discipline. If someone is smart enough to practice law, then, you could definitely do this. Good luck!

FAR 72,67,79 (Roger+Wiley test bank)11/15
AUD 80 (Roger)10/15
BEC 80 (Roger)4/16
REG 63,78 (Roger+Ninja MCQs)5/16

[alpal617]

Hey, I'm in the same boat. I studied for FAR for 4 and a half months and took it in early May. Still haven't gotten my result back due to the delayed release date for my test window. But I didn't feel confident at all walking out. I thought the MCQ's were very reasonable but the Sims KILLED me! My scores come out in mid August and I'm so nervous. All I know is I don't want to have to take this part again! Good luck to you, wish you the best!

[LawGuy]

Just an update, I passed with an 81. 🙂

This gives me much more confidence for the rest of the exam. I took BEC earlier this month and I felt pretty good about it (famous last words, I know). If I passed BEC, I just have REG and AUD to go. I think if I can pass FAR, I can pass AUD and REG with similar effort.

My advice: Trust your review course. If you have completed a review course, you should pass even if you don't feel prepared. Just make sure you understand all the material and know the reasons why you missed the practice questions you answered incorrectly.

[Author]

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