[Ramana]

Ok so I admit I’m crazy and have gone in and tried the first chapter of 3 review courses – Roger, Gleim and Wiley. I even listened to one lecture that corresponded to the same topic on MDS. Here is what I noticed which was surprising to me:

The topic was on the conceptual framework, GAAP, FASB and related bodies.

1. Amazingly, Roger did a really good job of going over the key points. The chapter was inclusive of other topics such as FV and how it is measured, difference between IFRS and GAAP rules etc. It was my first time ever reading about the topic but it still gave me a good overview.

2. Wiley – the instructor mentions that CPA exam likes to test on the organizations and their role in std setting – mainly FASAC, FAF, FASB. It mentioned FAF as the parent body. Neither Gleim nor Rogers talked much about FAF or FASAC.
Wiley also explained their interrelationship – not mentioned in the other two. Overall Wiley did a good job but not as good as Rogers. However Roger didn’t talk much about FASAC or FAF.

3. Gleim I found explained very little. I like their outline format a lot and the notes hierarchy makes sense to me, but it wasn’t nearly enough for someone new to the topic. If I had read Gleim first vs. Rogers, I would have got a very poor overview.

What should I do given that I am brand spanking new to accounting. I was really leaning toward Wiley lectures (UNA course) + Gleim test bank but if Gleim doesnt cover what is important, but Roger does, who should i go with? I learn best from test banks which Roger lacks, so this is all the more confusing to me. Please help!

P.S. I learned the basics of accounting (such as accrual) from accounting coach and am fairly confident that I can learn if I get a good test bank to practice questions from.

 

 

[Ramana]

The above post is about the textbook not the video lecture

[mosaic]

I have used Gleim for three exams to date (FAR 93, AUD 85, BEC tba) and can at least attest that it does prepare you to take and pass the exams. However, it is a brutal method in which the outline and MCQs/SIMs mesh into a learning experience. What I mean is, the notes are not complete. Some things you will only see during MCQs/SIMs. I hate that myself, but by the time you've done the work and have referred back to the notes as needed, it sorts itself out.

I'm currently doing Roger's cram for REG and I think he's awesome if you need a smooth introduction to topics, and the guidance that a skilled teacher can provide.

I don't have much experience with Wiley's written supplements, since I only buy the test banks, but the chapters they sent me on COSO and revenue recognition seemed hilariously complete. So many words!

Honestly, I think the test banks have been most beneficial to me. In that regard, Gleim wins — more questions, tougher questions. But Wiley has spectacular practice exams (in my opinion). For study materials, I've probably learned more from watching professor Farhat's videos on Youtube.

Not sure if my 2 cents helped, but I appreciate your situation. Good luck!

[Ramana]

Hi mosaic,
I'm so grateful for your response. At least now I feel like I am not talking to myself and driving myself closer to insanity. LOL.
So you don't think that the testbank would be overkill for someone who is newer to accounting. I will be new to accounting to more when I take the review because I would have the college courses under my belt by then hopefully.

Thanks again, your post really helped me

[mosaic]

If you're brand spanking new, Wiley or Becker may have better written materials for you. If you learn better with a solid teacher, then I'd throw Roger in there. I like Gleim, but I wouldn't say it is newcomer-friendly. Their videos will put you to sleep, for sure. But their test bank and sims are helpfully tough. I've scored 5 points higher on actual exams both times compared to my final practice exam.

[Ramana]

How are the explanations for TB questions on Gleim? The objective behind FAR is to understand the JE's and if this is adequately taken care of, I don't see why Gleim won't bring me to the goal.

Great scores BTW. Does your work involve financial accounting? I am blinded by the 93 in FAR. Best of luck to you on REG!

[KJ]

@ OP, I have heard really good things about Gleim. I have not tried it but I am ready to start studying for FAR and will use Ninja.

@ mosaic, Did you use Gleim as a full review course or just for MCQ/SIMS? Your AUD and esp. FAR scores are really good. What has been your strategy? I agree with Prof. Farhat's videos that I also came across on YouTube. He explains it so well and it sticks.

FAR - August 2016
AUD - September 2016
REG - October 2016
BEC - November 2016

Remember: "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein

[Anonymous]

I used gleim to pass both CMA tests first try and am awaiting my far score from testing last month. I felt excellently prepared for each test. As @mosaic mentioned, the text isn't comprehensive. The vast majority of learning occurs while practicing problems. The problems are difficult and the explanations are very good. If you don't mind learning by hammering a bunch of mcqs and absorbing the explanations, then I highly recommend gleim. I don't even bother watching the lectures.

[Tim]

@mosaic Yeah, I love when Gleim's MCQ's throw a term at you that doesn't show up anywhere in their outline. I do love Gleim, though, and if anything it overprepares you.

[mosaic]

@Ramana – The Gleim MCQ and sim explanations are marvelous. I always feel I learned something when reviewing my responses.

@KJ – I used the full Gleim review course. It works for me because I like to cycle from the notes to the questions back to the notes, in a cycle. Gleim is all about the cycle. I highly recommend their FAR, AUD, and BEC packages. REG has been less helpful for me. Not sure if it's the subject, their material, or what, but I sprung for Roger's cram and have about a month to get myself in shape. I'm averaging about 72% in Gleim assessments, which is too close for my taste. Usually, I'm at 80-ish when I sit for an exam.

[Ramana]

@mosaic – You're going to do well. Good luck!

[tmacpa]

The YAEGER textbooks were written using the AICPA Exam Blueprints.

Basically, each blueprint is a “subchapter” with the content for that blueprint following it. This is a great tool IMO, since the blueprints literally make up the exam.

[Anonymous]

Roger really had me fooled as far as it's claim to be the best one. I looked at Becker, Gleim, and Roger and chose Roger.

Different people will tell you different things. One swears by Gleim, one swears by Roger, one swears by Wiley. You have to pick the one that's right for you. In my case, I should've bought Gliem's Access-Until-you-Pass. I'd be a lot less screwed right now if I had.

[Ramana]

Great discussion we've got going on in here!

@tmacpa34
This is exactly what I'm trying to communicate. Why do 1000's of MCQ's on topics that have low-zero weightage, it just doesn't seem to be a very effective use of time. I'm back to square one now.

How is Yaeger's test bank?

@crazyleon: I hear yea about Yeager but I think they are back in the picture now?

[Tim]

@crazyleon Wow, that's the kind of shady shit that will make me never do business with a company.

[Ramana]

So how's the accrual section in Gleim? Does the testbank cover it well? I hear it's quite important from exam perspective

[Author]

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