[Anonymous]

Hello All – I was looking for some advice. I took REG last month and scored a 73. Of course it’s not passing but I think the manner in which I studied worked well for me so I’m looking to see if anyone else spent their study time in a cram session.

To start, I did NOT use a full review course to tackle REG. I used Wiley Focus notes, Jeff’s Ten Point Combo which consisted of the Ninja MCQ’s, but not the book. I also used audio from another source as well. My problem is that I can’t read the textbooks. They’re big, time consuming, darn right intimidating, and how much of the textbook information will you retain? My approach was to nail the core concepts via the focus notes, audio, rewriting the notes, and working an unbelievable amount of MCQ’s. I felt, if I bypassed the books/full course that I could spend a great deal of my time in a Cram session for the entire study period. Essentially I would rely on the MCQ’s as a guide for the areas that are not frequently covered.

I’m using this approach for my next section – BEC that’s scheduled mid-April. Currently with BEC, I purchased a Cram Session. Does anyone else have trouble staying focused on the textbooks? Do you guys have a similar approach? Let me know.

Thanks!

Brian

[Anonymous]

Hi Brian,

It seems like you have a lot of good techniques down and can see where your strengths are. Here's the thing though, your study habits didn't get you over that 75 mark. You were close and a multitude of things could have resulted in that 73 but nothing changes your 73. I say this to drive the point that when any of us don't get that passing score, we need to reevaluate how we are studying. I am hopeful that you'll do just that.

[taxgeek83]

For what it's worth, I had a terrible time with my book (Wiley) outside of the MCQs in there. I mostly used it as a reference – a supplement to my supplemental materials if you will, haha. After AUD, I just crammed MCQs for my last three exams. It worked for BEC & REG but I had to take FAR twice.

I'm not recommending this approach by any means, but it was what worked for me. I'd recommend keeping your book and at least referring to it if you are stuck on a concept. It helped reinforce trouble spots when I was studying.

[Lillian]

I need some suggestions. I'm studying FAR using NINJA. I have taken the exam before and failed. While taking the exam, I didn't think that the questions were difficult but….when I got to the sims with about an hour and 15 minutes left, I literally sat there switching from sim to sim not knowing where to start. I think I did maybe 2 sims and the rest were left blank (which at this juncture, I realize that I should have at least tried to answer some). My question is, now that I am using NINJA materials (the 10 point combo package), I don't know when to start answering the simulations. I've got a little over 30 days left with the software and I am now reading book 2 on the property, plant, and equipment section. Being that I need 75 points to pass as opposed to 17 (I made a 58 on the first attempt), I started at the beginning of the NINJA book and started reading. After each section that I read, I answer the questions pertaining to that section and move on to the next one. Should I be doing the sims for the particular section or save those for last? Any suggestions?

On my way to a CPA

[Author]

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