[Brandon258]

Hi,

I’m brand new to the forums and trying to put together an exam plan for FAR. FAR is much rougher than REG was, so I have decided to go for a different strategy (I used the standard CPAExcel program for REG). I am looking to either supplement or replace the program with Ninja in order to cut down on study hours. The problem is I am used to using a content exam planner with CPAExcel. The Ninja plan says to study for 20 hours a week (take or leave) and to study for x hours or x weeks for the exam. I am not a fan of studying to time and want to focus more on studying to standard/material.

Therefore I’ve made a few assumptions based on doing some research…

1. Reading the Ninja Book (It doesn’t seem efficient to read the 1100 pages of CPAExcel when the Ninja book is half of that, and the videos bore me). How long does it take most people to read the Ninja book/take notes from it? Obviously there are a lot of variables, but a good estimate would be nice for a plan and I can adjust fire as needed.

2. MCQ. I’ve heard one estimate of about 30 questions an hour if you’re taking notes. Does this seem pretty accurate for most people? I have access to the Wiley Test Bank due to them buying CPAExcel, but am looking for the most efficient studying (to prevent burnout). Would the adaptive learning of Ninja MCQ be worth it?

Overall my plan (based on a few assumptions) looks something like this:

Week 1-4 Read about 25 pages of Ninja Book a day (taking notes) and read 10 pages of Ninja notes (try to read 5 times before review). Listen to audio during commute.

Week 5-8 Do about 60 MCQ a day (taking notes), while reading 10 pages of Ninja notes a day and listening to audio during commute.

Week 9. Spend one week rewriting Ninja Notes (and MCQ notes if there is time).

Week 10. Work on weak spot MCQ (reason for considering Ninja MCQ) and possibly doing the Blitz videos 1-2 days before (not sure if the blitz videos are worth it or not).

Does this seem like a pretty accurate timeline for 20 hours a week (not including the audio commute)? Any advice on using just CPAExcel content VS using Ninja products instead(mostly in terms of efficiency)?

Any help is appreciated!

[Cjsr]

I'm just starting to study this too, and this plan sounds good to me. I hope someone who has been through this will respond.

BEC. 83. 9 Jan 2016
REG. 83. 30 Jan 2016
AUD. 92. 27 May 2016

Becker FastPass with in-class videos

[Tncincy]

Is this 20 hrs including weekends? I think a few power weekends included would be a greater benefit. The plan sounds great, the problem I think most of us have is sticking to the plan. Not sure if 10 weeks is too long. Jump in Ninjas.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Meg267]

I’m using Wiley as well for study materials. I don’t use the planner program with Wiley because it’s based off average time spent on lessons and I don’t think that’s accurate as to where I personally am. So I break mine down by the number of sections/lessons. I make sure that I have 2 sections done each working day (as I work full time). I make sure that I do 4 sections on Saturday and another 4 on Sunday. This puts me at about 8 weeks of studying or so. Then I factored in another 2 weeks for straight reviewing, including pounding out Ninja MCQ. I don’t think the Wiley MCQ explain answers well enough, especially if they are wrong. I feel like Ninja does a better job of that. I do like the Ninja notes as well, so during those 2 weeks of review, I’ll re-type the Ninja notes a few times as well.

Have you taken REG? Do you feel that the Wiley material prepared you enough for it? I’m currently working through the REG material.

[Brandon258]

I did use CPAExcel for Reg and I feel like I was well prepared(first time go, even with a hangover…don't ask). If you follow the program you will be fine, but I don't feel like it's the most efficient studying method. Apparently the Wiley print book is good too(and cheap). I have an office acquaintance that scored over 90 on FAR, BEC, and AUD using just that and the MCQs in the book(no electronic tools).

[Author]

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