[salena786]

Hi guys,

I spent about a whole YEAR studying for FAR, 6 hours a day 6 days a week. I know that sound CRAZY, but the reason it took me so much time is because my basic concepts of accounting were very weak. I used Becker. I repeated every practice problem chapters 1-9 except for optional problems 5-6 times. I had repeated my notes uncountable times, and I know the material pretty darn well. I also completed all of Becker simulations 1-2 times, including practice tests. I know I took a ridiculously long time, but I think getting into the process of studying and understanding accounting had a lot to do with the time. I put my 100% into it, and felt confident by the time of the exam.

When I took the exam the multiple choice seemed fair. Then came simulations. I was only able to answer one simulation properly, and maybe the research question. After that I had NO idea how to solve the simulations. Some of them were on topics I learned in Becker but the simulations made them seem so bizarre that I had no idea what to do. Other simulations were on journal entries that I have never studied before.

I got my result today, and as expected I got a 68. I understood the material, reworked everything in Becker numerous times. This was my first exam without a masters degree or any job experience yet. Do you guys think this may just not be the career for me? Or, is it best if I give it another try. If anyone has any tips for simulations please let me know. I know everyone is saying practice journal entries, but how am I supposed to do that when I have no idea what type of question/journal entries they’ll throw in there?

Any advice is appreciated, thanks.

[juuustin]

My question is in reference to studying for a year. It sounds like you paid for Becker yourself. Are you aware that it expires after 18 months? Studying for one exam for 2/3rds of the time allotment seems like a waste of money if anything goes wrong.

MD Candidate: 10/1/14

FAR - 87 (11/23/14)
REG - 87 (1/30/15)
BEC - 89 (4/19/15)
AUD - 98 (5/30/15)

Ethics - 100

Experience - In Progress!

[jcan9703]

Hi Salena,

Don't give up just yet. My advice to you is to create a 10-week study plan and take the test immediately after. You will never master the material. That is 100% impossible if you ask me. Short term memory plays a huge part in your success or failure.

For reg 8 weeks tops, audit and bec 6 weeks tops.

I like get through all the material, watch lecture, read, take notes, work all the problems. Then I do every mcq again a second time, but i do it all within the week before the exam. For FAR, I spent my last two days before the exam working Beckers Final Review and it paid off.

Don't give up, you got this

AUD - 89 07/02/14 (Becker practice exam: 74, 83)
REG - 92 08/18/14 (Becker practice exam: 75, 84)
BEC - 83 10/03/14 (Becker practice exam: 83, 70)
FAR - 91 11/24/14 (Becker practice exams: 64, 77)
*also utilized Becker Final Review after seeing practice scores for FAR*

[jcan9703]

Also for FAR in particular, know the journal entries. I typed out all the ones i thought i may have problems with in an excel spreadsheet.

AUD - 89 07/02/14 (Becker practice exam: 74, 83)
REG - 92 08/18/14 (Becker practice exam: 75, 84)
BEC - 83 10/03/14 (Becker practice exam: 83, 70)
FAR - 91 11/24/14 (Becker practice exams: 64, 77)
*also utilized Becker Final Review after seeing practice scores for FAR*

[Anonymous]

68 and you want to give up? Get a 10-week study plan that leaves room for you to knock out a few thousand NINJA MCQ at the end as a review. Trust me. It works.

[Author]

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