[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

I was just reviewing my last score report for FAR as it occurred to me I have been rated weaker each time on this section. I think I am pretty good with knowing J/E’s due to work experience as an operations accountant for the past 10 yrs.

Anyone have any sound advice on study strategies I can implement to turn this area around. Im inclined to believe that SIMS are why I have not passed this section of the exam.

[Marlya]

Have you tried researching the AL for the question topic? I tend to panic at the SIMS even if I know the topic of the question, something about all the empty spaces freaks me out (especially when they are fill in the blank and don't have drop down menus). My second attempt at FAR, I had 2 hours for the SIMS and for each one I did a quick search in AL to refresh my memory of the topic. I found a couple of answers in the AL, it was just enough information to build my confidence and calm me down a little. 2 SIMS were on IFRS, and nothing could be found, but I'm hopeful that on the other 5 I did well enough to get me to 75…. we shall see how I did on my rematch with FAR on 2/4/15.

BEC - 66, 77 (3/14* expired), 82 (11/15)
AUD - 58 (4/14), 76 (8/14)
REG - 75 (6/14)
FAR - 72 (11/14), 67 (1/15), 68 (5/15), 68 (7/15), 80!!!! (11/15)

Licensed Florida CPA. God is Good!!

[Leach2587]

You can try and use the approach I did. This last time studying for FAR I did not do half as many multiple choice (Because I think I understood the questions from a multiple choice perspective) and focused on reading the material making sure that I could work the simulations. Also, I have becker, and before filling in my simulation answers I always work everything out on a sheet of paper and write it out so I can have a clear understanding of where all my stuff is coming from. I think it helped me, but I will find out next week. And using the guidance (ASCs) are always good.

[Wanna_B_TXCPA2014]

@Marlya I've got my fingers crossed you did enough to slay the FAR Beast!!!!. Thank you and Leach2587 for your input. I will figure how to work both of your suggestions in my over all strategy.

[Kimboroni]

I think the other crucial piece is time management on test day. You have to be pretty efficient about doing the MCQs so that you have adequate time for the sims. Be willing to let a few MCQs go and just pick an answer so you can move on, in favor of all those points you can pick up by using that time for sims instead. The sims are 40% of your score, so leaving about 40% of the time for sims served me pretty well.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[10keyLeah]

Are you sure it is SIMS in general and not one or two topics where you may be “weaker”? Are you leaving yourself enough time for SIMS? Knowing the material well enough (what THEY want you to know, not what you know from work) and time management are two crucial factors IMHO.

Ninja Combo, Yaeger, Wiley -- Licensed CPA, May 2015

[Author]

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