[Anonymous]

I now have fail REG twice. As per my scores below, I can’t get out of the low 60s!! On any attempt! I really want to just give up, but I’m scared if I do I will just try again in another couple years and waste more money.

I have Wiley CPAExcel I watched videos, MC, and some SIMs the first time, Ninja notes, rewrote…. 61 ( over 9 weeks)

2nd time MC, Sims and read over notes…. stressed a lot more, probably studied less and … 63 (6 weeks)

I have a hard time staying focused. I will get on a roll one week, and the next come up with a million different things to do than study. I think my problem is quality study time. I don’t know what helps me learn the best.

I’m thinking about taking BEC end of august since I cant take REG again until the next window..October.

I need a study schedule that helps me learn and retain the information… and for BEC I have about 3 1/2 weeks to do it.

Is this possible?

And what is the best way to absorb the material?

Thanks,

Meagan

[Anonymous]

I also have CPA Excel. I have only taken AUD and luckily passed on my first attempt. Here was the study plan I used:

1) The MOST important study method so far on my journey has been consistency. The foundation of this marathon from hell is discipline. You have to study every day even if you don't want to. Once you let the excuses start winning the mental battle you will begin to slip.

2) For AUD, I read every single word of every single page of the study materials. I didn't really take notes or highlight the book as I felt the stop-go stop-go interrupted my concentration. I used sticky tabs to flag pages that I knew I would need to review again, such as ratio formulas.

3) Once done reading the text I quickly reread the slides for the lesson. I then took any supplemental questions available.

4) I then took the exam questions for the lesson in exam mode…not study mode. Any answers I got incorrect I carefully read why I got it wrong to make sure I understood. I then retook the questions I missed in exam mode until completion. When needed, I listened to the lecture to help solidify a lesson I didn't fully comprehend.

5) Wash, Rinse, Repeat with the next lesson.

Build a supplemental test bank into your daily routine starting at about half-way completion of the lessons. Only select the sections in the supplemental test bank you have completed in the material. This serves as a constant refresher of past lessons throughout the remainder of your study time. I used the Wiley test bank provided with the CPA Excel package I purchased.

Allot two or three weeks after completion of study materials to take simulated exams and retake AS MANY multiple choice questions as you can tolerate each day. I was taking about 200 questions a day during this period. If you got the summary study notebooks in your CPAExcel package, read through this multiple times during your review period. Review any pages of the study text you may have flagged along the way.

All in all, I studied about 2.5 hours a day 5-6 days a week for 10 weeks when preparing for AUD. I am currently studying for FAR and am using a very similar strategy as I employed for AUD. GOOD LUCK to you!

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your incite. I really appreciate the depth and detail you listed.

[Missy]

Unless you are currently unemployed and can study full time, 3.5 weeks is not enough time for you. Actually even if you are unemployed.

I have seen it over and over again, people with multiple stops & starts who think they can speed through a section. Give yourself a fair chance and make a realistic schedule.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

In my opinion, try NINJA MCQ since it will be a change up, different format, etc. (Don't renew Wiley if you used it the whole time.)

[Future Ninja]

@ Meagan – I agree with BellevueCPA2B. Use Ninja MCQ this time. Look at my score, I got four 74's in a row. It doesnt make a difference from your 60's. A failure score is a failure. Best of Luck!

AUD - 79 (expired) retaking July 28,2016
FAR - 76 expiring July 31, 2016
BEC - 85
REG - 74,74,74,74,59,70,

[Author]

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