[Meeekks]

Hi guys. This forum seemed like a friendly bunch, so I decided to register and look for some wisdom here.

So I have the CPAexcel with the Wiley books and test banks and I wanted to take the FAR exam on 4/1. I was planning to start by reading through the book while doing the practice problems and simulations in CPAexcel. Then I would finish off with just doing test bank questions, simulations and practice exams. However the book is over 1,000 pages long. That might take a good chunk of time to read through, which might be better spent on doing the 1,900 MC practice problems, 1,500 MCQs in the test bank and simulations. Is it a good idea to just abandon reading the book and just grind problems?

I’ve read through lots of topics here and browsed lots of sites. Just about all of them suggest to read/watch and make notes and just spam problems. So I’m really reluctant about doing that but I just feel like there won’t be enough time for all of that.

Suggestions anyone? Thanks!

[Skynet]

You may want to reconsider that 4/1 date. FAR has a lot of material to cover. There are no real shortcuts if you are asking.

I'm studying for both AUD and FAR and FAR is no Cakewalk.

[LKD CPA]

I used CPAExcel and WTB for FAR also. I agree with SkyNet, a 4/1 exam date may be too ambitious, especially if you have other priorities (working, family, etc.). You will really need to figure out what works for you. For me, I would skim the book, watch the video, do the MCQs in CPAExcel and then move on. Being sure that at least one day a week was used as a review day of the material I had covered. When I made it through both books and all the videos, I then tore through the MCQs and SIMS. Every night before bed I would also go through the book, section by section, and mark important notes or rephrase main ideas in the margins. I also used the book and the MCQs to make my own flashcards. For my first attempt at FAR I had about 5 weeks of study time and failed. For my second attempt I realized I had gotten really good at memorizing the MCQs instead of fully comprehending the topics. Heed my advice, don't rush into it just because you have a perceived timeline.

FAR: 74, 83
REG: 76
BEC: 77
AUD: 89

[Zuly]

If you're studying full time then maybe a month will suffice but you'll have to really put in the time. However, if you work full time or have a family, etc. I agree with the others and reschedule for further out in April. I think the consensus is 6-8 weeks for FAR, longer for others. FAR has a lot of material to cover and the biggest problem is retaining all that information. Best advice is to constantly review previous sections learned. Also, take your time to learn the concepts and not just memorize MCQs. If you feel like you've seen the same MCQs over and over then get the NINJA test bank…totally worth it!

FAR - (11/01/14) 71 (02/07/15) 79
AUD - (04/30/15) 86
BEC - (07/21/15) 73 (10/01/15) 75
REG - (11/30/15) 55 (05/19/16) 74

[Author]

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