[Last Chance CPA]

I don’t find the value in writing notes, because it takes too much time. I would rather spend all that time studying the textbook or doing MCQs.

I am using CPAExcel and WTB.

What’s the benefit in writing all those notes, and then reviewing them?

FAR - 76
AUD - 75
BEC - 75
REG - 76

Now I need some experience!!! And some networking...

[Anonymous]

Hell for that matter I don't like studying, I'd rather spend my time doing other things that really matter to me in life.

Do you need to take notes, no. I personally like them however because it's more likely to stick in my head that way. I don't mind notes, but dread rewriting them. So far I'm happy with my scores however. Sure it takes time, but what do you have to lose?

[Anonymous]

Hell for that matter I don't like studying, I'd rather spend my time doing other things that really matter to me in life.

Do you need to take notes, no. I personally like them however because it's more likely to stick in my head that way. I don't mind notes, but dread rewriting them. So far I'm happy with my scores however. Sure it takes time, but what do you have to lose?

[mla1169]

I felt the same way as you. However writing and then REWRITING notes were the difference between my 2nd and 3rd AUD exam. You can see the difference.

Something about the act of physically writing down notes commits the information to your memory more than seeing it on a screen.

I passed the other 3 without notes but in hindsight, I may have been my own worst enemy there.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

I felt the same way as you. However writing and then REWRITING notes were the difference between my 2nd and 3rd AUD exam. You can see the difference.

Something about the act of physically writing down notes commits the information to your memory more than seeing it on a screen.

I passed the other 3 without notes but in hindsight, I may have been my own worst enemy there.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

I did not write down a single note for any of the exams. I studied using CPAExcel, WTB, and ninja notes/audio.

[Anonymous]

I did not write down a single note for any of the exams. I studied using CPAExcel, WTB, and ninja notes/audio.

[evesocal]

Taking notes reinforces the material. When you put it in your own words you tend to focus more, at least I do.

But if you hate it then maybe it's not helping you and you should not waste time doing it.

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[evesocal]

Taking notes reinforces the material. When you put it in your own words you tend to focus more, at least I do.

But if you hate it then maybe it's not helping you and you should not waste time doing it.

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[RandomAlt]

I think everyone is different. If you think it will help you, take/rewrite notes. If you don't think it will, don't do it. Only you know how best you absorb information.

Myself personally, I have always felt handwriting/rewriting my notes re-enforces the information. I was doing that well before Jeff and the NINJA method (and it is fantastic advice Jeff!)

Last Chance CPA, I see you use CPAexcel. I do as well. I'll tell you what I have gravitated towards in my study habits. I print out the MCQs and take all of my notes on them. And even if the same question gets asked, but in a slightly different way, I still write out all important information. Am I in the inventory chapter? You better believe I am writing out the formula BI + Purchases = EI + COGS every time it is useful for the question.

I do the above for two main reasons:

1)As stated above, re-writing info helps reenforce it for me.

2)If I am redoing a question, and I completely forgot how I got an answer, I have step-by-step notes on how I arrived at the answer THAT WORKS FOR ME. Sometimes I don't like the explanations that CPAexcel gives, so I put the process in my own words (This saves time later on, so I'm not wasting time trying to remember the process)

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[RandomAlt]

I think everyone is different. If you think it will help you, take/rewrite notes. If you don't think it will, don't do it. Only you know how best you absorb information.

Myself personally, I have always felt handwriting/rewriting my notes re-enforces the information. I was doing that well before Jeff and the NINJA method (and it is fantastic advice Jeff!)

Last Chance CPA, I see you use CPAexcel. I do as well. I'll tell you what I have gravitated towards in my study habits. I print out the MCQs and take all of my notes on them. And even if the same question gets asked, but in a slightly different way, I still write out all important information. Am I in the inventory chapter? You better believe I am writing out the formula BI + Purchases = EI + COGS every time it is useful for the question.

I do the above for two main reasons:

1)As stated above, re-writing info helps reenforce it for me.

2)If I am redoing a question, and I completely forgot how I got an answer, I have step-by-step notes on how I arrived at the answer THAT WORKS FOR ME. Sometimes I don't like the explanations that CPAexcel gives, so I put the process in my own words (This saves time later on, so I'm not wasting time trying to remember the process)

FAR - [10/07/2013 --> 66] [07/07/2014 --> 86]
BEC - [08/31/2014 --> 86]
AUD - [11/24/2014 --> 88]
REG - [02/14/2015 --> 92]

[jeff]

If your way isn't working…time to switch?

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[jeff]

If your way isn't working…time to switch?

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[Gatorbates]

Writing notes forces your brain to understand what you are writing, in a chronological way. Watching videos is too easy … you listen, and say, “Yeah I understand”, but do you really?

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Gatorbates]

Writing notes forces your brain to understand what you are writing, in a chronological way. Watching videos is too easy … you listen, and say, “Yeah I understand”, but do you really?

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Zaq]

I've gone through phases where I would read an entire page, flip the page, stop, then think to myself, “Wait, what the hell did I just read?” Your brain can see words on and easily decipher them, but just reading (or hearing) does not translate into comprehension.

Note taking helps with the comprehensive aspect of studying.

And as Jeff said, why not?

FAR: 50, 76!
REG: 74... (ouch baby, very ouch), 76!
AUD: 65, 91!?
BEC: 80! Aaaand doneskies!

May 2012 to August 2013. Can't believe it's over.

[Author]

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