[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum so this is my first official post! I started my CPA exam journey in July, when I sat for the first exam ever – AUD. I walked out feeling okay, pretty neutral actually. Wasn’t sure exactly how to feel since it was my first experience with it. I didn’t think I did terrible, the multiple choice sure increased in difficulty. But, I didn’t feel too confident with the simulations. I knew a couple, but the rest just blew my mind, and my confidence. I had no idea what some of them even meant!!

Anyways, I just received my score – a 64. Blah. I was really upset and disappointed – I felt like I spent more than enough time preparing for it. I used Becker – watched all the lectures, reviewed the book at least 3 times, read through all my notes, did all the multiple choice, did all the simulations, and did the practice tests. Figured I spent nearly 175 hours studying.

BUT, clearly that didn’t work and I need to figure out a different strategy. I’m not sure where to start or what to tweak about my study plan. Can anyone offer me any advice? Thank you sooooo much!!!

[peetree]

How were you scoring on your practice tests? What did you struggle on?

FAR 02/21/13 - 95
REG 07/02/13 - 87
AUD 08/02/13 - 94
BEC 08/30/13 - 85
Ethics Exam - 90

Illinois candidate awaiting his license

Used Becker Self Study | Ninja Audio | Becker Flash Cards | Ninja Notes | Wiley Test Bank

[Anonymous]

I was scoring between 80-86% on my “end of chapter” practice tests. On the comprehensive practice tests, I was scoring in th 70s.

I think I definitely struggled with audit risk – and determining what increases, decreases, needs to be tested, etc… I also really do not understand statistical sampling at all (didn't really see it on the exam though).

[peetree]

Were you okay with the see-saw approach that becker used? I would suggest getting the Wiley test bank to help test your brain after all the similar becker questions. It is important to test yourself with new material so you understand the concepts behind the answer. Sometimes, we trick ourselves into knowing it when in reality, we're just memorizing the question and answer.

FAR 02/21/13 - 95
REG 07/02/13 - 87
AUD 08/02/13 - 94
BEC 08/30/13 - 85
Ethics Exam - 90

Illinois candidate awaiting his license

Used Becker Self Study | Ninja Audio | Becker Flash Cards | Ninja Notes | Wiley Test Bank

[Ntw6817]

I'm not sure but I think you'll receive a letter in the mail outlining the areas you were strong and weak in after you fail a portion. (Can someone verify this?)

I'm in the same boat as you. I did well on the Becker material and thought I was in good shape but I ending up failing it. For the retake, I plan on reviewing through the Becker material again but I'll probably add Ninja Audio since I've been hearing really good things about it.

[so1913]

Definitely switch over to WTB after you feel you “mastered” all of Becker questions. Sometimes you've just “memorized” the answers and it gives you a false sense of understanding. Plus having another explanation may be what you need to help you understand what you aren't grasping with Becker explanations.

Keep pushing!

AUD - 90 Pass
REG - 70,61,81 Pass DONE DONE DOOOOONNEEE!!!!!!!!
BEC - 79 - Pass
FAR - 70,82 - Pass

[Anonymous]

@peetree and @so1913 – Thanks for the Wiley Test bank suggestion. I think I am definitely going to get it. And who knows, maybe I was just memorizing questions that I saw on Becker so when I would see them again, I just “visually” remembered them. On the ones I got wrong, I tried to always understand WHY I got them wrong and always read the explanations. I was thinking about viewing the lectures over again, but I'm not sure if this may be a waste of time or not??

@Ntw6817 – I'm thinking about adding Ninja audio too – figured it would be a great extra study tool (especially when I am commuting). I am so depressed because I figured I'd be okay because I followed Becker's program and reviewed things over and over again. Blah…

[Anonymous]

So it says that my weaker performance was on the simulations. I knew it!!! HELP!! How the heck do I study for these?! I feel like Becker's clearly did not prepare me enough. Anyone have any tips??

[Anonymous]

@alicia – the sims are basically just bigger MCQs. Use the Wiley TB and drill more questions, and also use their sims there to help you prepare. Something else that has helped me as well, is writing down 1-2 sentences when I get a question wrong, or even if I got a question right, but know that I guessed on it. Writing things down, taking notes, helps you remember the info better. Some people think it doesn't help, but I swear by writing things down to remember it better.

[Ntw6817]

@alicia where did you look to see that your weaker performance was on the SIMS?

[Priscilla]

Hi,

I'm in same boat as you. failed AUD and have to wait until October to re take. Studying now for REG.

AUD - Done
REG - Done
BEC - Done
FAR - August 2015

[Author]

Replies