[Freyer002]

Hey everyone,

Im new to the site and to studying for the CPA exam. I actually just graduated with my BBA in accounting a week ago and have 6 months before I start with my firm to study for all of the exams. I only work part time as a bookkeeper now like 2 days a week so I would say the time is there it’s just that im doing awful on all the Becker homework problems. Im getting 30%-60% on most of the longer ones with 30+ questions and Im only in FAR 3…. I can’t go back and do every homework problem over again and review the lectures or I won’t take end up taking FAR until 4 months from now and Im trying to do all 4 exams in 6 months. Anyone else have these kinds of issues/feelings when the first started studying? I know I haven’t been studying for very long, but I feel like im going crazy already and this may be somewhat typical.. Im open for any advice to help get me through this because I do want to be a CPA, just afraid its not going to happen…

FAR 66 (07/01/13), 75! (10/01/13)
AUD 64 (08/12/13), 80! (11/23/13)
BEC 84! (05/22/14)
REG 77! (08/28/14)
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again"

[phyrus100]

Forget about the percentages on the Becker MCQ. I passed all 4 CPA exams on the 1st attempt and I dont think I ever broke 70% on any of those MCQs the first time through. The key for me was to understand the explanations for the answers; not only the correct answers, but why the other answers were wrong.

Many of those Becker questions throw you a curve ball, or relate to exceptions to general rules. The CPA exam will throw some tough and complicated questions at you, but they are not the majority of the test.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like you may be stressing too much about it (which is normal!)…take a step back, make sure you understand the concepts, and move on to the next section. Write and re-write notes and do MCQ's and you'll be fine!

[Anonymous]

The first modules of FAR are the worst. Read some past FAR feeds and you'll see many people complaining of the same problems. I know my first go around with F2 was brutal. With FAR it takes a first round through everything for it to come together. Just keep plugging away… You can't give up now! Also, ambitious for taking FAR first…

[mla1169]

Its very overwhelming and intimidating at first. You're exactly where you SHOULD be only 3 or so weeks into it. You'll find your groove soon enough and be full steam ahead!

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Freyer002]

Thanks Everyone! I am probably just a little overwhelmed with all of the materials and kind of knew that FAR was going to be rough. Just need to try and keep my head up and get through the materials. Im thinking if I can get through everything, especially the MCQ and then review like crazy for the last week or so I'll be g2g. Let's see what happens!

FAR 66 (07/01/13), 75! (10/01/13)
AUD 64 (08/12/13), 80! (11/23/13)
BEC 84! (05/22/14)
REG 77! (08/28/14)
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again"

[Anonymous]

The only way to fail is to quit! Just keep at it.

[vanadium3]

The sure way to do it may take a long time (say 2 + years), and you might feel like giving up. Just take a break and keep grinding.

CPA

[Anonymous]

Like others have said – the first time through the material never seems to make a whole lot of sense to me. After 4 tests I finally realized this and came to the conclusion that the NINJA model of watching all the lectures and taking notes before working any MC is the most efficient way to tackle these exams. Once you've watched the lectures and taken the notes the MC questions will start to bring the material full circle.

[TPratt]

Freyer, also please keep in mind that through this whole process you are learning how the examiners write their questions and what to look for. It took until I took my second exam to finally “get it” and after that I became more comfortable with how they test. Just like taking that first exam with a new professor in college…everyone felt better once they knew the professor's testing style…same thing here.

Always read all parts of the questions, and look for special information in the questions. For example, if you are given a question on calculating bond interest, look for dates and interest rates.

Good luck to you!!

REG - 87
BEC - 81
AUD - 80
FAR - 81 AND DONE!!

[Author]

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