[ray33157]

I tried the regular method of studying and preparing ahead of time but being a single parent and working in public accounting its hard to find time. So I’ve tried what I call the cram and take method. It’s so far has sort of worked out for me. But it looks like I might have to actually put in the time for BEC and well I’m preparing for FAR with 6 full days. How’s it working out for you besides getting distracted and looking at anohter71.com?

A - Passed
R - Passed
B - Passed
F - Passed

[KBinMN]

I tried the cram method the first time around years ago. It definitely didn't work out for me. Some people can do it, I wasn't one of them.

I've taken about 5-6 weeks for BEC and for me that might be pushing it.

[Anonymous]

Although I have not attempted FAR, I think two weeks is ample time to prepare for FAR via the cramming method. I have crammed for other exams that had just as much material as FAR if not more and I was able to pass with under a week of studying.

I also have heard various anecdotal stories from people who used Adderall and was able to pass FAR with a few days of studying.

I am personally budgeting five weeks for FAR. It won't be easy but it should be doable. I allocated three weeks for REG and I was able to pass it. With only two additional chapters, FAR cannot be much worse compared to REG.

[Anonymous]

Although I have not attempted FAR, I think two weeks is ample time to prepare for FAR via the cramming method. I have crammed for other exams that had just as much material as FAR if not more and I was able to pass with under a week of studying.

I also have heard various anecdotal stories from people who used Adderall and was able to pass FAR with a few days of studying.

I am personally budgeting five weeks for FAR. It won't be easy but it should be doable. I allocated three weeks for REG and I was able to pass it. With only two additional chapters, FAR cannot be much worse compared to REG.

[Anonymous]

I just did this for BEC. Studied for three days and took the exam. I'll let you know how it went when scores are released in two weeks.

[Anonymous]

I just did this for BEC. Studied for three days and took the exam. I'll let you know how it went when scores are released in two weeks.

[tifftiff1985]

I am a crammer. I passed REG (77), FAR (78), & BEC (76) all with 4-5 days of studying immediately before the test. I also only used CPAexcel materials with no supplements for those 3 tests. I am only a couple years out of school and the material seems familiar after only a little review.

AUD is killing me though. I used the same strategy as the other 3 and have failed twice (68, 73). I am taking the test again on Wednesday and I am on day 3 of studying and doing pretty well on practice tests. I purchased the Roger cram for the 1st retake and I am using it again, more comprehensively this time and also am using the Ninja notes (reading, not writing). Hopefully third time is a charm. I am also thinking of getting the Ninja MCQ – can anyone recommend that?

REG - 77 PASSED 8/2/13
BEC - 76 PASSED 9/11/13
FAR - 78 PASSED 11/25/13
AUD - 68, 73, 85 PASSED 6/6/14

[tifftiff1985]

I am a crammer. I passed REG (77), FAR (78), & BEC (76) all with 4-5 days of studying immediately before the test. I also only used CPAexcel materials with no supplements for those 3 tests. I am only a couple years out of school and the material seems familiar after only a little review.

AUD is killing me though. I used the same strategy as the other 3 and have failed twice (68, 73). I am taking the test again on Wednesday and I am on day 3 of studying and doing pretty well on practice tests. I purchased the Roger cram for the 1st retake and I am using it again, more comprehensively this time and also am using the Ninja notes (reading, not writing). Hopefully third time is a charm. I am also thinking of getting the Ninja MCQ – can anyone recommend that?

REG - 77 PASSED 8/2/13
BEC - 76 PASSED 9/11/13
FAR - 78 PASSED 11/25/13
AUD - 68, 73, 85 PASSED 6/6/14

[Anonymous]

I am also a crammer, with similar experiences as tifftiff1985.

For audit, I took a Friday off and crammed through the weekend and took the exam late afternoon on Monday. Same goes to BEC but I took an extra day off.

I just passed Reg this window and had about 6 days total to study. Going to take FAR in July and planning on cramming through Independence Day weekend, so hopefully things will go well on this one.

[Anonymous]

I am also a crammer, with similar experiences as tifftiff1985.

For audit, I took a Friday off and crammed through the weekend and took the exam late afternoon on Monday. Same goes to BEC but I took an extra day off.

I just passed Reg this window and had about 6 days total to study. Going to take FAR in July and planning on cramming through Independence Day weekend, so hopefully things will go well on this one.

[Jack_J]

To all who have experience in cramming what is the approach used ,some specifics will help. It just working on MC and watching videos or…..?

[Jack_J]

To all who have experience in cramming what is the approach used ,some specifics will help. It just working on MC and watching videos or…..?

[Anonymous]

I use Becker and I don't waste my time on the videos. I found them not very helpful.

My cram weekend usually consists of 15 hour study days. I do read the entire book and try my best to do all the MCQ homework online. For simulations, I usually just read the answers instead of actually spending the time to do them (a long weekend simply doesn't allow you to dwell on the sims). One thing I feel I spend more time than others on is looking at the explanations for the MCQ answers. I don't do any of the progress tests, nor have I ever attempted any of the practice exams – no time for those neither and I've heard they decrease your confidence more than anything.

I personally do not recommend cramming. I barely passed AUD with a 75 (3 days) and BEC with a 76 (4 days). For REG, since I had a lot more extra time to study (6 days), I received an 85.

I've a typical Big 4 schedule, and I have spent most of my PTO on long vacations, so PTO has been a premium to me and cramming is the only way that allows me to focus on the CPA. Cramming is a risky study approach since I remember not being able to read the last chapter on audit because I simply ran out of time, but I did manage to finish up the homework the morning of the exam (on my bed from exhaustion).

Let me know if you have any other questions!

[Anonymous]

I use Becker and I don't waste my time on the videos. I found them not very helpful.

My cram weekend usually consists of 15 hour study days. I do read the entire book and try my best to do all the MCQ homework online. For simulations, I usually just read the answers instead of actually spending the time to do them (a long weekend simply doesn't allow you to dwell on the sims). One thing I feel I spend more time than others on is looking at the explanations for the MCQ answers. I don't do any of the progress tests, nor have I ever attempted any of the practice exams – no time for those neither and I've heard they decrease your confidence more than anything.

I personally do not recommend cramming. I barely passed AUD with a 75 (3 days) and BEC with a 76 (4 days). For REG, since I had a lot more extra time to study (6 days), I received an 85.

I've a typical Big 4 schedule, and I have spent most of my PTO on long vacations, so PTO has been a premium to me and cramming is the only way that allows me to focus on the CPA. Cramming is a risky study approach since I remember not being able to read the last chapter on audit because I simply ran out of time, but I did manage to finish up the homework the morning of the exam (on my bed from exhaustion).

Let me know if you have any other questions!

[ray33157]

1) Read my Ninja notes

2) I do all the Becker HW MCQs while making sure I understand each problem, if I got any wrong in the module I re-do it to make sure i have a good grasp of the concept. Write down key formula and concepts so that I can scan them before the test.

3) 2nd read of ninja notes

4) If I have time I'll try to re-do the HW a seocnd time, if I don't have time I'll do random questions with the Wiley questons.

5) Look at the sims but not do them.

6) 3rd read of the Ninja Notes.

I can't watch the Becker videos its too time consuming and it some how I get more confused if I try. So I'm better off spending my time with MCQs.

This concept has worked twice with me but I dunno if it'll keep working.

A - Passed
R - Passed
B - Passed
F - Passed

[ray33157]

1) Read my Ninja notes

2) I do all the Becker HW MCQs while making sure I understand each problem, if I got any wrong in the module I re-do it to make sure i have a good grasp of the concept. Write down key formula and concepts so that I can scan them before the test.

3) 2nd read of ninja notes

4) If I have time I'll try to re-do the HW a seocnd time, if I don't have time I'll do random questions with the Wiley questons.

5) Look at the sims but not do them.

6) 3rd read of the Ninja Notes.

I can't watch the Becker videos its too time consuming and it some how I get more confused if I try. So I'm better off spending my time with MCQs.

This concept has worked twice with me but I dunno if it'll keep working.

A - Passed
R - Passed
B - Passed
F - Passed

[Author]

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