[Ag12thman]

What would you say is the most important study tactic? How important is it to watch all the videos which seem to be very time consuming? I’m using Becker 2013 and the lectures seem to be taking quite a while to go through. Would it be better to just work the problems, review the answers after work them, and then go back and watch videos on only problems or areas that I don’t understand, get wrong repeatedly, etc?

FAR: July 2016

[massarcasm]

I would definitely say that working though problems is the most important aspect of preparing for these exams. If you are short on time, absolutely focus on working problems (especially the multiple choice). However, I watched all of the Becker lectures. For me, watching the lecture while reading and making notes helps to cement the concepts. Additionally, Tim and Peter often give examples which help with recall. And they try to give you a heads up on what will be highly tested versus minimally tested, which can help you tailor your studying.

So, I think it is worth it to watch the lectures if you've got the time.

AUD 11/24/12 (Becker Self-Study) 88
BEC 1/19/13 (Becker Self-Study) 86
REG 4/2/13 (Becker Self-Study) 69
FAR 5/27/13 (Becker Self-Study) 84
REG Rematch 7/10/13 (Becker Self-Study, Wiley Test Bank, & hand-written flash cards) 82!!!!

[wizards8507]

If you had really good accounting professors and/or you graduated very recently, then working problems becomes even more of a priority over watching the lectures. With Wiley Test Bank, they explain every answer and why it's right (or wrong). If you've learned this stuff before and it's fairly fresh in your mind, the explanations in the Test Bank will be enough to make you say “oh yeah, I remember topic XYZ.” If you're learning the stuff for the first time, the lectures are certainly much more critical.

NY CPA

[fuzyfro89]

Work problems!!! I would spend as much time as possible on questions because these will help to see if you can actually apply the concepts you have learned. It really depends on your learning style, but “doing” really helps ensure you can recall how to do problems on exam day as opposed to just reading and memorizing from your notes. Good luck!

[Tncincy]

@Fuzyfro89,

I agree with you…..I've read it in so many places that doing the problems will enhance the lectures and notes. Many have said they did a ton of problems, some have said they only do problems and no videos……..But the keep to passing is doing the problems. I all for doing what works.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[snb]

Watch the lectures, but don't be afraid to skip through the long winded sections. I would sometimes skip 20-30 seconds ahead and just make sure to write the important notes they mention.

Working and UNDERSTANDING the problems is your key to passing the exam.

IL
FAR (2/20/13): 76
AUD (4/8/13): 78
BEC: (5/20/13): 86
REG: (7/10/13): 76
Ethics: Done
Operation "Hurry up and pass this thing before we have our first baby in October" COMPLETED

[Author]

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