[zieba]

Alright good people of A71, I need a viable study plan for the next few months. I find myself in a position where hard fought passed sections are beginning to expire. I believe my tendency to study for long periods of time before sitting, thus allowing myself only one shot at passing something while still making schedule, is coming back to haunt me.

I keep reading these posts “I put in 90-140 hours to pass this section” or “I studied 8 weeks, was sure I’d fail, but oopsie I got a 97”. I study 8-11:30 nightly, 12-6 weekends, each weekend day. That’s 30 per week – give or take – it sure takes me more than 4, or even 8 weeks, to pass a section. It got to the point where I was finishing sentences while reading my Ninja Notes.

I understand some are more intelligent than others, but wow. I believe I am at around 200 hours for FAR.

SCHEDULING:

I need to pass FAR and re-take the now expired AUD section before the end of June (at which point BEC expires, and the nightmare continues…). Through June may seem like a lot of time but because of the once-per-window rule, I have only two shots at FAR and am left with a do or die situation with AUD in June. *snaps fingers* six months gone like that.

This seems like the most logical progression at the moment, but is it? Do you see any flaws in this plan given time constraints I am up against?

FAR – 2/13

FAR – 4/1 (if necessary)

AUD – 6/30 (if once per window, might as well push it until the last day)

It seems counter intuitive to take a huge chunk of time to restudy for FAR – because it seems like exactly the type of behavior that got me to where I am – but because of the once-per-window rule there don’t seem to be many ways to slice this.

Would anyone push the retake up and advise something like this?

FAR – 2/1 (for better or worse, only 1 month for restudy)

AUD – 3/31

FAR – 6/30

Would you play it entirely differently for some reason?

MATERIALS:

In the past I’ve used Becker and Ninja Notes. This wasn’t my fifth pass at financial, it was actually my first legitimate sitting, so its too early to lay blame on the materials and not the operator (eye roll). Should I reset my Becker homework results, pick up with the book and start redoing their MCQ’s while reading/writing Ninja Notes?

Jeff, I sidetracked into WTB for 2 weeks during my FAR prep… I found the questions to be so involved and computationally heavy that it took an entire evening just to get through a block of them. I do like the instant feedback of the material. I liked it so much that in Becker I would replicate this by starting a test, doing one question and then ending it. That way I could review it, which causes becker to flash the correct answer as soon as you answer each question.

I can’t imagine sitting my kitchen night after night and getting another 71 in late February. Combo lite? I’m bleeding money on review materials… what are your thoughts on the viability of the combo without that WTB bank?

I commute 30-45 minutes each way. Suffice to say I can listen to an hour of audio per day.

Also, much is made over yearly updates to materials. If I continue to study using 2012 Becker materials as my main course, and use 2014 update from Combo Lite… will I get the gist of changes?

AUD - 75*, 88 done 5/14! (*exp)
BEC - 74 , 77
REG - 65 , 76 (10 point combooo!!)
FAR - 69 , 75

Dr: perseverance
Dr: intelligence
Dr: luck
. Cr: . advisory score

[PJJW90810]

This was my study regime using Becker Self-Study. I started my journey in July 2013 in hopes of avoiding the additional education credits required starting 2014.

FAR: 6 weeks

AUD: 3 weeks

REG: 5 weeks

BEC: 6 weeks

I am a mother of 3 kids all under the age of 4 while working part time. I was pregnant the entire time sitting for the CPA and gave birth in between REG and BEC. Here is how I studied.

I listened to lecture of one subchapter then I would read that subchapter. After reading I would do MCQs. Depending on how long each subchapter was I would knock out at least one a day of a study cycle (lecture, read, then MCQs) if the subchapter a were short I would do 2 maybe 3. For my final review, I would re-read the whole book, but instead of doing MCQs after each subchapter I would read the whole chapter and then do the MCQs in the progress test section of Becker. Finally, after completing my review I would do Becker's 2 final tests. Then if I had spare time I would just go over randoms MCQs.

I felt that re-reading the whole book during my final review really is what helped me pass the CPA because sometimes during studying some concepts were cloudy but I would just move on for the sake of just finishing the book. Then when I re-read te book that was when those concepts became much clearer to me and I understood them. I wasn't just memorizing.

I hold this helps and good luck to you!!

FAR: 77 (08/07/13)
AUD: 78 (08/29/13)
REG: 76 (11/07/13)
BEC: 79 (12/06/13)
Ethics: 98%

Application sent 12/31/13

Used Becker Self-Study

[PJJW90810]

This was my study regime using Becker Self-Study. I started my journey in July 2013 in hopes of avoiding the additional education credits required starting 2014.

FAR: 6 weeks

AUD: 3 weeks

REG: 5 weeks

BEC: 6 weeks

I am a mother of 3 kids all under the age of 4 while working part time. I was pregnant the entire time sitting for the CPA and gave birth in between REG and BEC. Here is how I studied.

I listened to lecture of one subchapter then I would read that subchapter. After reading I would do MCQs. Depending on how long each subchapter was I would knock out at least one a day of a study cycle (lecture, read, then MCQs) if the subchapter a were short I would do 2 maybe 3. For my final review, I would re-read the whole book, but instead of doing MCQs after each subchapter I would read the whole chapter and then do the MCQs in the progress test section of Becker. Finally, after completing my review I would do Becker's 2 final tests. Then if I had spare time I would just go over randoms MCQs.

I felt that re-reading the whole book during my final review really is what helped me pass the CPA because sometimes during studying some concepts were cloudy but I would just move on for the sake of just finishing the book. Then when I re-read te book that was when those concepts became much clearer to me and I understood them. I wasn't just memorizing.

I hold this helps and good luck to you!!

FAR: 77 (08/07/13)
AUD: 78 (08/29/13)
REG: 76 (11/07/13)
BEC: 79 (12/06/13)
Ethics: 98%

Application sent 12/31/13

Used Becker Self-Study

[zieba]

You passed FAR and then AUD within weeks of each other? Very impressive even without your familial obligations, and certainly in the category of “better” results on this site. I study for 2-3 months take a section (barely pass, or just miss it), retake in another window and that's six months right there.

I am hell bent on passing both FAR and AUD (both retakes though I'll probably approach audit anew) before June. I'm just terrified of putting in the same kind of honest hard work, and getting the same result.

Let me ask you this: When you did the HWK for the first time – after watching lectures – were you getting above min proficiency on those HWK runs? Often times I'll start at around 50% and make my way up to 75%-80% through understanding and not memorization.

AUD - 75*, 88 done 5/14! (*exp)
BEC - 74 , 77
REG - 65 , 76 (10 point combooo!!)
FAR - 69 , 75

Dr: perseverance
Dr: intelligence
Dr: luck
. Cr: . advisory score

[zieba]

You passed FAR and then AUD within weeks of each other? Very impressive even without your familial obligations, and certainly in the category of “better” results on this site. I study for 2-3 months take a section (barely pass, or just miss it), retake in another window and that's six months right there.

I am hell bent on passing both FAR and AUD (both retakes though I'll probably approach audit anew) before June. I'm just terrified of putting in the same kind of honest hard work, and getting the same result.

Let me ask you this: When you did the HWK for the first time – after watching lectures – were you getting above min proficiency on those HWK runs? Often times I'll start at around 50% and make my way up to 75%-80% through understanding and not memorization.

AUD - 75*, 88 done 5/14! (*exp)
BEC - 74 , 77
REG - 65 , 76 (10 point combooo!!)
FAR - 69 , 75

Dr: perseverance
Dr: intelligence
Dr: luck
. Cr: . advisory score

[PJJW90810]

For the HWK, some subchapters I was initially getting 60% while others in the low 80%. Then would redo MCQs till I got 100% before moving on to the next subchapter. Sorry forgot to mention that. I kinda had an ‘OCD' thing about wanting all the progress reports to be all 100% LOL!!

Like everyone says, key is not to memorize but understand. However, if your like me it's hard not to key in the right answer from memory because you just want to move on. One of my vices while studying.

Again, my review was when I really started to understand concepts a lot because there's something about re-reading the book that just stuck with me. Plus, doing the progress tests which was for the most part all new MCQs helped a lot also.

I probably could of used more time to study for AUD but three weeks was what I was working with and tried to make the best of it. Fortunately, the Becker review only had 6 chapters so I pretty munched knocked out 3 chapters a week and used one week for review. I had to study at night from about 10-2/3am daily except weekends (family time) and some days where you couldn't just do it. Lol. I chose to take FAR and AUD first cause many said they were the hardest and so I gave myself a chance that if I didn't pass I could take them in the last window.

FAR: 77 (08/07/13)
AUD: 78 (08/29/13)
REG: 76 (11/07/13)
BEC: 79 (12/06/13)
Ethics: 98%

Application sent 12/31/13

Used Becker Self-Study

[PJJW90810]

For the HWK, some subchapters I was initially getting 60% while others in the low 80%. Then would redo MCQs till I got 100% before moving on to the next subchapter. Sorry forgot to mention that. I kinda had an ‘OCD' thing about wanting all the progress reports to be all 100% LOL!!

Like everyone says, key is not to memorize but understand. However, if your like me it's hard not to key in the right answer from memory because you just want to move on. One of my vices while studying.

Again, my review was when I really started to understand concepts a lot because there's something about re-reading the book that just stuck with me. Plus, doing the progress tests which was for the most part all new MCQs helped a lot also.

I probably could of used more time to study for AUD but three weeks was what I was working with and tried to make the best of it. Fortunately, the Becker review only had 6 chapters so I pretty munched knocked out 3 chapters a week and used one week for review. I had to study at night from about 10-2/3am daily except weekends (family time) and some days where you couldn't just do it. Lol. I chose to take FAR and AUD first cause many said they were the hardest and so I gave myself a chance that if I didn't pass I could take them in the last window.

FAR: 77 (08/07/13)
AUD: 78 (08/29/13)
REG: 76 (11/07/13)
BEC: 79 (12/06/13)
Ethics: 98%

Application sent 12/31/13

Used Becker Self-Study

[vanadium3]

@PJJW90810 I like your scores!

To OP, FAR is all about how many topics you can tackle. So I say focus on your weak points to save some time.

CPA

[vanadium3]

@PJJW90810 I like your scores!

To OP, FAR is all about how many topics you can tackle. So I say focus on your weak points to save some time.

CPA

[zieba]

PJJ,

You mean to tell me you were getting 100%'s in progress exams and you only posted a 77 in the actual exam? If this is the case then I am surely screwed. 🙂

You redid the HWK until you were 100% finished, or you restarted question blocks until you were getting 100% on 40-50 questions? I suspect it's the former, in which case, I didn't leave any unanswered either.

I called NASBA NYS today, I moved recently and also have aggressive spam filtering on my email box, and I'm afraid I missed the notice with the matrix on the back informing you where you went wrong. I still don't have a cause of death diagnosis but I'm working on getting this.

Going into this FAR exam I was weak on:

– bonds (threw in the towel)

– leases (aside from the basic decision tree for cap/oper)

– I also got confused – one of those come-undone-in-testing-center things – about treatment of costs in developmental stage and expense/capitalization of others.

Starting restudy tonight. Vana/PJJ/et al, do you think I should use every available day and push the retake until 2/28, or is 2/13 fine? Point of diminishing returns comes to mind after a certain number of weeks.

AUD - 75*, 88 done 5/14! (*exp)
BEC - 74 , 77
REG - 65 , 76 (10 point combooo!!)
FAR - 69 , 75

Dr: perseverance
Dr: intelligence
Dr: luck
. Cr: . advisory score

[zieba]

PJJ,

You mean to tell me you were getting 100%'s in progress exams and you only posted a 77 in the actual exam? If this is the case then I am surely screwed. 🙂

You redid the HWK until you were 100% finished, or you restarted question blocks until you were getting 100% on 40-50 questions? I suspect it's the former, in which case, I didn't leave any unanswered either.

I called NASBA NYS today, I moved recently and also have aggressive spam filtering on my email box, and I'm afraid I missed the notice with the matrix on the back informing you where you went wrong. I still don't have a cause of death diagnosis but I'm working on getting this.

Going into this FAR exam I was weak on:

– bonds (threw in the towel)

– leases (aside from the basic decision tree for cap/oper)

– I also got confused – one of those come-undone-in-testing-center things – about treatment of costs in developmental stage and expense/capitalization of others.

Starting restudy tonight. Vana/PJJ/et al, do you think I should use every available day and push the retake until 2/28, or is 2/13 fine? Point of diminishing returns comes to mind after a certain number of weeks.

AUD - 75*, 88 done 5/14! (*exp)
BEC - 74 , 77
REG - 65 , 76 (10 point combooo!!)
FAR - 69 , 75

Dr: perseverance
Dr: intelligence
Dr: luck
. Cr: . advisory score

[vanadium3]

someone got my nickname correct 🙂

I would push to study more (it's always better to “over” study and pass than save couple weeks and fail. Unless you really have to gamble due to timing issues), but make sure you take breaks to avoid burn out. I think if you can get 85% on WTB, you'd be in pretty good shape for MC. give or take sims..

I suggest do FAR until you pass and not fit AUD in between. FAR took longest time to study in most cases due to the amount of topics. Since you got 1 shot at AUD anyway, why not pass FAR. I mean you have to pass FAR either way.

Worst case would be passed FAR, retake BEC/AUD (which both overlaps with FAR), and hopefully not REG.

CPA

[vanadium3]

someone got my nickname correct 🙂

I would push to study more (it's always better to “over” study and pass than save couple weeks and fail. Unless you really have to gamble due to timing issues), but make sure you take breaks to avoid burn out. I think if you can get 85% on WTB, you'd be in pretty good shape for MC. give or take sims..

I suggest do FAR until you pass and not fit AUD in between. FAR took longest time to study in most cases due to the amount of topics. Since you got 1 shot at AUD anyway, why not pass FAR. I mean you have to pass FAR either way.

Worst case would be passed FAR, retake BEC/AUD (which both overlaps with FAR), and hopefully not REG.

CPA

[PJJW90810]

@vana feeling is mutual. Hey a pass is a pass right??!? Lol

@zeiba most definitely not 100% on the progress tests. I was taking about the homework after each subchapter. For the progress tests, I would score around 70% – 85% and I would do blocks of 60 questions.

The areas you mentioned for FAR are probably the most daunting for everyone too including myself so don't feel defeated. Just when doing a final review pay extra attention to those areas.

I think you should target 2/13 but if by about 1.5 weeks before exam date you do not feel ready or haven't started your final review reschedule it.

FAR: 77 (08/07/13)
AUD: 78 (08/29/13)
REG: 76 (11/07/13)
BEC: 79 (12/06/13)
Ethics: 98%

Application sent 12/31/13

Used Becker Self-Study

[PJJW90810]

@vana feeling is mutual. Hey a pass is a pass right??!? Lol

@zeiba most definitely not 100% on the progress tests. I was taking about the homework after each subchapter. For the progress tests, I would score around 70% – 85% and I would do blocks of 60 questions.

The areas you mentioned for FAR are probably the most daunting for everyone too including myself so don't feel defeated. Just when doing a final review pay extra attention to those areas.

I think you should target 2/13 but if by about 1.5 weeks before exam date you do not feel ready or haven't started your final review reschedule it.

FAR: 77 (08/07/13)
AUD: 78 (08/29/13)
REG: 76 (11/07/13)
BEC: 79 (12/06/13)
Ethics: 98%

Application sent 12/31/13

Used Becker Self-Study

[gladrial]

zieba if your scores expire at the end of June that is a no test month. You have to be done by 5/31 or lose your scores. Assuming you have been prepping for FAR. I would do

1/31 FAR

2/28 AUD. You already passed Audit once yes the new clarity standards are different but its not an absolute killer.

4/1 Retake AUD if necessary

5/31 Retake FAR if necessary

Reg 76
Bus 82
Aud 70, 86
Far 68 ,79 ten point combo FTW
April Fools day CPA licence WA

[Author]

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