[jennibfox]

I am awaiting my first score for FAR. My biggest fear is that it will take me multiple tries on each exam. Any tips from people that have passed on the first try? Any tips from the people it has taken more than one try? (Like what mistakes you made during your studies). Any advice or suggestions is much appreciated!

FAR - JULY 2014 - PASSED
BEC - MAY 2015 - PASSED
REG - AUG 2015 - PASSED
AUD - AUG 31 2015

[Anonymous]

My advice is simple: if it works then stick with it and if doesn't then change it.

I was forced to study before I knew my previous scores so I had to trust in my method.

Also test taking strategy is just as important as your knowledge of the material.

[Gatorbates]

It varies … all depends on which concepts you grasp easily.

I passed AUD the first time. I passed REG the first time (AND the second time – lost credit for the first one)

Took BEC and FAR both 3x. Studying for these last two for 3x, there was no way the info WOULDN'T stick. I had been over it so much, I could recite it in my sleep.

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

It's finally freaking over.

[Mamabear]

My mistake on my AUD fail was that I scheduled it only 2 weeks after BEC. I studied for both simultaneously for several months, but only focused on BEC for 4 weeks leading up to my BEC test. That left me only 2 weeks to review AUD before that test and I was really burnt out at that point. I didn't understand the process and it was a dumb decision on my part.

For BEC I read the entire Kaplan book and did all the Kaplan T/F and MCQ questions. I reviewed the WC examples, but I didn't practice doing any myself.

For my AUD pass, I read the entire book, worked all the WTB MCQ and SIMS, listened to the Ninja Audio every chance I got and went through the flashcards nearly every day at lunch, and I rewrote my ntoes once.

For my FAR pass, I read half of the Wiley book, worked all the WTB MCQ and SIMS at least once, worked the ones I got wrong two or more times, listened to the Ninja Audio every chance I got, was very active in the Q2 Study group thread, and I went through the Ninja Notes and Becker Outline Notes continuously.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[jennibfox]

Thanks. I think my first mistake was I just ran out of time. I didn't touch all of the MCQ in Becker and I saved the Sims to last and got overwhelmed by them. I feel like the questions were straightforward on the test which gives me hope that if I focus more on actually practicing the MCQ and SIMS I would have no problem next time. Also reviewing IFRS more!

FAR - JULY 2014 - PASSED
BEC - MAY 2015 - PASSED
REG - AUG 2015 - PASSED
AUD - AUG 31 2015

[smeech8000]

Wow bae-bae, I can't even tell you how impressive your scores are given you passed all four sections in just over three months…

I had to take my time since I was working full-time (in public) and have two small children. bb is right on though about strategy; in all my exams except BEC I was finishing sims until the clock struck 0:00. Time management is key considering you won't know ALL the material forward and back.

If your FAR strategy works out then by all means continue to use it. I found a lot of value in hammering MCQ's but also exploring why I missed the ones I did and to make sure you understand it conceptually. A lot of people have difficulty carrying over/applying the MCQ knowledge to the sims, especially for FAR's journal entry sims, but it is all the same stuff.

Good luck with your wait! FAR is by far the most content-intensive section so the prep for the remaining three sections may be less time consuming.

B 92
A 99
R 90
F 92

Becker Self-Study

OH CPA since 2/18/14

[Author]

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