[Hspa222]

SO, here’s my saga.

Took AUD 4 times. 2nd and 3rd time I got close to passing (70-74) and 4th time I got slammed with a 55. I’m highly frustrated. I have been using Becker and been studying along with work (Big 4 – consulting). I try to study for 2 hours every day and probably 4-6 hours on weekend days.

My new plan of attack is as follows:

(1) Take BEC before if changes (Late Oct 2016)
(2) Take REG (Late Nov/Dec 2016)
(3) Retry AUD (January?)
(4) Take FAR (Oh geeze…before April 2016)

My Becker expires in October. Any advise on what I should use to pass? Considering Ninja and Wiley right now. Also advise on whether if I should take AUD again after BEC or take REG.

ANY advise will be appreciated! Thank you!!!

AUD- Retake APRIL 2016
FAR- 1st attempt MAY 2016

[Accountant183748]

So everyone is different, but for the review course I would suggest NINJA. I bought WILEY when I first started my CPA journal and studied for FAR, AUD, BEC and failed both. When I used the NINJA method for FAR, AUD, REG and BEC I passed them all (NOTE: I studied for FAR and AUD using the WILEY method and failed and then immediately after receiving my score I started studying for these using the NINJA method and passed. For REG I only used the NINJA method and passed on the first try. For BEC I used WILEY and failed, moved on to other exams then used the NINJA method 5 months later and passed. I don't know if this information makes a difference). I didn't like WILEY too much or going through each section then doing MCQs, then moving on to the next section, etc. I preferred the NINJA method where I read everything/watched lectures first then practiced MCQs. That is the way I learn, but we have to find a method that works best for us as we all differently.

Why do you think your score decreased so much for your fourth attempt at AUD? Were you not studying as much? I think you need a break from AUD!

In your plan of attack I don't think you are giving REG enough time – it looks like you will only get about 4-5 weeks and I don't think that's enough for REG. Have you already started studying for BEC.

Maybe something like this (I'm assuming 20 hours a week based 2 hrs Mon-Fri and 5 each Sat and Sun):
1. BEC – Early/Mid Oct (if you start studying now that's about 5-6 weeks – 100-120 hrs)
2. AUD – Early Dec (depending on when you take BEC would be about 6-7 weeks – 120-140 hrs)
3. REG – Mid/Late Jan ( 6 – 7 weeks – 120-140 hrs)
4a. Depending on you other passes/fails see if you can squeeze another exam in Q1

or

4b. FAR Late March – could be about 6 weeks depending on when you take REG( about 120hrs), which might not be enough time but worth a shot if you want to pass before the changes. You could also study more hours a week and it might be enough time. But the reason I suggest a retake is because FAR is changing the least so it might be better to retake AUD or BEC if you need to and take FAR as the new version.

Hope this helps!

[SuckItUp]

It's time to be honest with yourself. How much do you REALLY study? And when you do, is it QUALITY time? Do you have your phone next to you and you grab it whenever someone texts you, etc?

Are you young and single? Are you old and married with kids (no biggie I am!)? I'm just trying to figure out what DISTRACTIONS are in your life.

I have Becker as well and I'm pretty confident that everything they provide is enough to pass with. It's up to the STUDENT to use the material wisely.

If I had to guess, you HAVE the intelligence to pass, most do. It's the AMOUNT OF TIME you are committing to this test and what you are doing with that time.

If you want, share how you studied for Audit. It's hard to give advice with such little details.

[gibppp]

I highly recommend Roger CPA Review. After failing AUD using Wiley the first time and tried Becker prior to my second try, I was fatigue with all the materials and boring lectures. Then, I found Roger CPA Review and it was so much better. Roger has a unique teaching delivery method that will keep you engaged, entertained, and actually not falling asleep. With limited time to study, you need to maximize the time and Roger's software is wonderfully on topic and covers each lesson with the memorization tips, mnemonics, and visual aids. For example in AUD, Roger will frequently pull up a booklet and ask you “whose statements are these?” (Ans: Management). During the exam on questions with confusing choices, remembering some of Roger's hand gestures was actually helpful for me in finding the best answer.

Another major different is Roger talks about the simulation part much more than other review courses. Wiley provides plenty of TBS but never had a lecture on them. Roger has a lecture on each lesson and teaches you what to expect and what the questions look for. I believe this alone helped to finally pass AUD.

Try him on Youtube. If you decide to purchase, tell them you had used other review course and they will give you discount as well!

Good luck!

[Hspa222]

@SuckItUp You're right. I do have problems focusing and putting in enough time for the exam. I just recently got out of a long relationship. So, young and freshly single with baggage. But, I want to make this my priority.

My studying strategy for audit contained mainly of:

Went through the lectures once, read the book- made my own notes from the book, reviewed with flashcards, and practiced with mcqs. I believe my weakest link for AUD are the sims. They are mainly from FAR and I'm not quite sure which section of FAR I need to dig into for further success.

With Becker expiring, I'm looking at other options- Or I can even re-buy Becker. But, now I want to invest my money for the right software.

AUD- Retake APRIL 2016
FAR- 1st attempt MAY 2016

[Hspa222]

@Vannessa_Is Thank you for the elaborate study plan. I think I want to stick with what you have carved out for me. I have already started studying for BEC. So, fingers crossed!!!

AUD- Retake APRIL 2016
FAR- 1st attempt MAY 2016

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