[pnielsen1982]

I just finished the application process and got all of my paperwork sent in today. I’m planing on using CPA Excel to study and I am taking AUD first (I will be finishing my Auditing class at the begining of August and feel like is my weakest area, so I want to get it out of the way).

Given the above information, I have a couple questions for you guys.

1 – What parts of CPA Excel did you find the most beneficial? What was the least beneficial? For my learning style, having the practice problems is going to be the biggest part. As such, I don’t know if the videos and slides are going to benefit me at all and I don’t think I’d use the flashcards. I’ve heard that a lot of the information in the Textbooks/eBooks is already included in the Core Study Materials – is that correct? Would anyone suggest just getting the Core Study Materials?

2 – The deal on CPA Excel right now is that you can get three sections for the price of four. With my student discount, I can get the Core Study Materials for all four sections for $732. The offer expires today, so I was hoping to get some feedback on whether that’s a good deal or not. Since I won’t be studying for at least a month, I have some time to wait to see if a better deal comes around… any thoughts on this?

Thanks in advance for your help. I appreciate it.

CA licensed CPA

AUD - 08/31/13 - 84
BEC - 11/26/13 - 84
FAR - 08/10/14 - 85
REG - 11/30/14 - 72, 02/20/15 - 87

What have I gotten myself into?

[jeff]

Try this code on top of the student discount too – not sure if it will work like that.

CPAexcel:

Promo: $100 off Complete Gold Medal Course ($300 off Total when combined with $200 off option)

Coupon Code: JUNE-A71

Link: https://www.cpaexcel.com/products/video-gold-medal-course

Jeff Elliott, CPA (KS) | Another71 | NINJA CPA | NINJA CMA | NINJA CPE

[Anonymous]

I've been using CPAexcel for the last month preparing for REG. Everything that is in the videos/slides/flashcards is included in the Textbooks/eBooks (these two are exactly the same, just the eBook is online, obviously). I haven't used the slides or flashcards a single time. The videos can be useful if you're unclear about a certain topic, and because the lecturer tends to emphasize the material from the text that is most important to the exam. For example, the personal tax credits lesson in the eBook has like 20-some credits, the lecturer hits the 4 to 5 that are most commonly tested. For the most part, though, I only use the videos if I'm really having trouble understanding something from the text.

Again, I've only used it for REG so far and haven't taken any actual exams yet, but I've been scoring in the mid 80s to 90s on Wiley TB exams using solely CPAexcel study materials. I've been pleased with it so far, and I feel well prepared for my exam in 2 weeks.

[pnielsen1982]

co10101, thank you for your response. I really appreciate it.

I have a clarifying question for you, if you don't mind. In the Core Study Materials, it says you get “electronic study text” – is the information in the electronic study text the same information that's in the Textbooks/eBooks? Or is it different? I've heard conflicting info and I don't want to pay for the same information in a different format if I don't have to.

CA licensed CPA

AUD - 08/31/13 - 84
BEC - 11/26/13 - 84
FAR - 08/10/14 - 85
REG - 11/30/14 - 72, 02/20/15 - 87

What have I gotten myself into?

[Anonymous]

I have both the hardcopy textbooks and the electronic study text, and yes, they are exactly the same information. The study text is just the textbook in electronic form.

HOWEVER, keep in mind that the electronic study text is updated by CPAexcel from year to year (for example, updates in tax code amounts), and hardcopy texts would not include these updates.

If you're looking to save money, don't bother with the hardcopy textbooks because the electronic study text is the exact same thing. I rarely use the hardcopies anyway.

[zooyuka]

There is a lot I like about CPAexcel, but I found it difficult to practice questions. I had no problem doing the question while going through the lessons, but I found it difficult to review with the way it is set up. The only way you can review multiple topics is in Exam Mode. When you are in exam mode you do not get immediate feedback on your responses. The smallest group of questions you can do in Exam Mode is 10. It is very frustrating to have to wait 10 questions to figure out if you got a question right. Also, you waste time getting familiar with a question again. I would waste time making notes so I could see my train of thought when I was able to check the question. Another frustrating thing. If you do a group of 10 questions and say you really want to review question #5, when you check the group of questions #5 will not be #5! You have to search within the group to find the question. The time limit on the SIMS make me want to scream! You can't do a SIM without the clock running! Some SIMS take longer than 8 mins even if you know how to correctly do them! I like to spend time when I practice a SIM. If it one I am stumped on I would like to take an “open book” approach to solving it instead of immediately looking at the answer. I am more likely to learn if I am giving the opportunity to fight through it myself. The SIMS on CPAexcel are VERY good I think. To counter the time limit I go into the TBS Exam mode and choose several SIMS. It will give you 70 mins I think to solve them. I will only concentrate on a few so I can learn properly and revist the ones I skip later. I bought the Wiley Test Bank a week ago and it is well worth it. I am kind of partial to the CPAexcel SIMS though because I find them more difficult and many seem to focus on journal entries which I have a problem with keeping straight.

CPAexcel Gold Medal Full:

Promo: $150 off

Coupon Code: A71-SAVE150

Click for Details: https://www.cpaexcel.com/products/video-gold-medal-course

CPAexcel Gold Medal Single:

Promo: $100 off (max discount = $100 per order)

Coupon Code: A71-SECTION

Click for Details: https://www.cpaexcel.com/products/video-gold-medal-course

BEC 71,77
REG 65,85
FAR 7/1/13
AUD 8/24/13

[Author]

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