[Anonymous]

So in the past I made an attempt to sit for the CPA and gave up right after I got two 74’s (BEC) and a 69 (AUD). First attempt was in 2008 and second in 2011. I used Becker both times and I don’t have a problem with the material but I think I wasn’t too serious or I wasn’t efficient in my studying. Coming out of the AUD exam I thought I aced the MCQ’s but struggled with the sims. With BEC I thought I’d end up with a 60 and ended up with a 74. Weird. Anyways, I think it’s time I get back to what I never completed. I’ve just started studying for FAR coz I read that it’s best to get done with the hardest but I need some advice. I am still using Becker (company pays for this only).

I am changing my technique little bit this time. I am not listening to lectures or highlighting the whole book. I am starting with the MCQ’s and since I am seeing the material for the very first time, my scores aren’t too impressive (40’s-50’s). I then review each question, read the answer and see why I got it right or wrong and in the process I take notes. I redo all the homework’s and get a much better score second time around. However, I am thinking of supplementing additional questions/material. Planning on the NINJA audios/notes or the Wiley Test Bank. What are your thoughts?

I am planning to take the exam first week of April. I know it’s 3 months away but it’s been 6 yrs since I got done with college and am not even in accounting or financial audit field so I figured i’d need more time.

[zieba]

15% off Wiley TB via A71 with the code “hiya”.

I just bought the 10 point combo. I like the notes a lot! WTB also good. I'm not much of a flashcard on iphone kinda guy.

Chances are you've spent a ton. I say get it. If you don't like it you can always chat with Jeff and probably get a drama free refund.

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]

15% off Wiley TB via A71 with the code “hiya”.

I just bought the 10 point combo. I like the notes a lot! WTB also good. I'm not much of a flashcard on iphone kinda guy.

Chances are you've spent a ton. I say get it. If you don't like it you can always chat with Jeff and probably get a drama free refund.

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

[jeff]

Here are the demos to check out: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-study-plan/

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

[jeff]

Here are the demos to check out: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-study-plan/

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

[Anonymous]

If you are 6 years out of college, I would suggest still reading their book (not necessarily bothering with highlighting etc., just reading straight through, more like it was a novel [though admittedly the most boring novel ever written… 😛 ] ). The MCQ explanations will teach and test some things, but I think that a read through the book would help you to get the higher-level complete picture, before pounding out the details in MCQs.

However, overall, it sounds like you have a fairly solid plan. I loved WTB (though I didn't use Becker questions), so would definitely say it'd be a good choice. NINJA materials can be sampled at the link Jeff provided, then you can figure out how well they work for you. If you have a commute, NINJA Audio can be great so that you can study while you drive. If you like to have a condensed notes-style version of the material, but especially if you aren't good at taking your own notes, the Notes can provide you with that sort of resource. Personally I'm not a notes person, so I didn't use the Notes much, but for the brief time that my mp3 player was working, I enjoyed being able to use the audio on my commute. 🙂

[Anonymous]

If you are 6 years out of college, I would suggest still reading their book (not necessarily bothering with highlighting etc., just reading straight through, more like it was a novel [though admittedly the most boring novel ever written… 😛 ] ). The MCQ explanations will teach and test some things, but I think that a read through the book would help you to get the higher-level complete picture, before pounding out the details in MCQs.

However, overall, it sounds like you have a fairly solid plan. I loved WTB (though I didn't use Becker questions), so would definitely say it'd be a good choice. NINJA materials can be sampled at the link Jeff provided, then you can figure out how well they work for you. If you have a commute, NINJA Audio can be great so that you can study while you drive. If you like to have a condensed notes-style version of the material, but especially if you aren't good at taking your own notes, the Notes can provide you with that sort of resource. Personally I'm not a notes person, so I didn't use the Notes much, but for the brief time that my mp3 player was working, I enjoyed being able to use the audio on my commute. 🙂

[Anonymous]

Jeff – Thanks for the study plan. I tried the audio on FAR and I liked it, especially where you emphasize on key points.

Lilla – The most boring novel indeed! So you suggest reading each and every page of the chapter/book? How long did it take and did you read to retain or just casual reading?

[Anonymous]

Jeff – Thanks for the study plan. I tried the audio on FAR and I liked it, especially where you emphasize on key points.

Lilla – The most boring novel indeed! So you suggest reading each and every page of the chapter/book? How long did it take and did you read to retain or just casual reading?

[Shel_178]

First of all…congratulations on coming back to conquer the CPA exam! That's very commendable that you didn't give up. As far as studying strategy I think Becker does a pretty good job of explaining the material in most sections (not as good in FAR IMHO), but supplementing with other materials can be really helpful. I used Becker and WTB…I would watch the lecture, do all the mcq's (and redo until I had a 100%), then do a progress test before starting the next section. I usually tried to save the WTB for the last two weeks which I set aside for pure review. The only section I took notes in was FAR because of the volume of the material…I found it an easy way to recall a section that I was maybe starting to forget. I did also end up skipping the video lectures for AUD since I figured the material was more conceptual so I didn't need it explained to me, but everyone's learning style is different. Good luck to you…remember it's worth it in the end!!!

REG - 86
FAR - 80
BEC - 79
AUD - 92...I'm done woohoo!

Licensed CPA since Feb. 2014

[Shel_178]

First of all…congratulations on coming back to conquer the CPA exam! That's very commendable that you didn't give up. As far as studying strategy I think Becker does a pretty good job of explaining the material in most sections (not as good in FAR IMHO), but supplementing with other materials can be really helpful. I used Becker and WTB…I would watch the lecture, do all the mcq's (and redo until I had a 100%), then do a progress test before starting the next section. I usually tried to save the WTB for the last two weeks which I set aside for pure review. The only section I took notes in was FAR because of the volume of the material…I found it an easy way to recall a section that I was maybe starting to forget. I did also end up skipping the video lectures for AUD since I figured the material was more conceptual so I didn't need it explained to me, but everyone's learning style is different. Good luck to you…remember it's worth it in the end!!!

REG - 86
FAR - 80
BEC - 79
AUD - 92...I'm done woohoo!

Licensed CPA since Feb. 2014

[Author]

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