[Tono23]

Fellow Candidates:

I am reaching out to the forum because I would like your feedback in regard to the title. That said, I am currently studying for AUD and FAR utilizing the Becker 2014 course. Reading the text takes TOO much of my time, and it gets rather confusing so should I soley focus on watching the lecture, reviewing the note cards (if time permits) and MCQs?

Thank you all in advance!

[jrosen92770]

So far I have passed 2 exams, BEC and REG, using that same approach.

BEC - 5/26/2013 75
REG - 8/31/2013 82
AUD - 11/24/2013 74, 2/9/2014 92
FAR - 5/25/2014 85

NY CPA

[jrosen92770]

So far I have passed 2 exams, BEC and REG, using that same approach.

BEC - 5/26/2013 75
REG - 8/31/2013 82
AUD - 11/24/2013 74, 2/9/2014 92
FAR - 5/25/2014 85

NY CPA

[tough_kitty]

Well, looks like it works for some people but in my opinion, not reading the textbooks at all is like if you didn't really study….

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[tough_kitty]

Well, looks like it works for some people but in my opinion, not reading the textbooks at all is like if you didn't really study….

FAR: 81 (May 2013)
BEC: 81 (July 2013)
REG: 83 (August 2013)
AUD: 82 (November 2013)
California CPA since 1/30/14

[Whopper Warrior]

I did not read or really watch the lectures. that being said I did all the mc questions at least 2 times, not to mention countless comprehensive progress tests. If i struggled in an area (less then 75 %) I would read that one section, sometimes.

ALL 4 parts passed summer 13
Ethics October 13
Experience (waiting)

Becker Only

[Whopper Warrior]

I did not read or really watch the lectures. that being said I did all the mc questions at least 2 times, not to mention countless comprehensive progress tests. If i struggled in an area (less then 75 %) I would read that one section, sometimes.

ALL 4 parts passed summer 13
Ethics October 13
Experience (waiting)

Becker Only

[lesoleil]

My suggestion is do MCQs and read the texts specifically related to the MCQs if you think reading the whole textbook is too time-consuming.

Wiley testbank can direct you to the specific textbook paragraphs when you do the MCQs. That's pretty helpful for me.

[lesoleil]

My suggestion is do MCQs and read the texts specifically related to the MCQs if you think reading the whole textbook is too time-consuming.

Wiley testbank can direct you to the specific textbook paragraphs when you do the MCQs. That's pretty helpful for me.

[I'm, Ron Burgundy?]

Would your rather have $1,000,000 or a penny doubled every day for 30 days? Basically, if you put in the extra time you will see results.

It all really depends on your learning style. I tried a lot of different methods until I found what really worked for me. It may seem like a lot of reading, which it is. However, you can break it up so it's not so overwhelming. Personally, I read the text for one chapter within the section and try to let it sink in a little and then do the lectures and take a lot of hand-written notes. After which I do the MCQ's for that section and take more notes. After that I move to the next chapter in the section. After completing all chapters/sections I re-type my notes in a more organized manner and reinforce/revisit concepts learned in earlier chapters.

I used to also feel that this is way too time consuming altogether. However, I think you have to ask yourself the following: “Do I want to pass these things and get on with my life or do I want to study over and over and drag this thing out?” It took me nearly two years to pass my 1st exam because I had the attitude that it was too time consuming. But it wasn't until I buckled down and bit the bullet of having to dedicate more time that I started finally realizing the results. Now, I just want to get it over with and move on with my life.

In the end, MCQ's are going to help you more than anything. Do thousands of them until you are getting them right, not by memorizing the questions, but through your own ability to retain the knowledge and concepts.

"If you're going through hell, keep going"
- Winston Churchill

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed."
- Michael Jordan

BEC: (54), (72), 80 (losing credit on 02/02/15 - nervous)
AUD: 78
REG: (74), 91
FAR: (71)

[I'm, Ron Burgundy?]

Would your rather have $1,000,000 or a penny doubled every day for 30 days? Basically, if you put in the extra time you will see results.

It all really depends on your learning style. I tried a lot of different methods until I found what really worked for me. It may seem like a lot of reading, which it is. However, you can break it up so it's not so overwhelming. Personally, I read the text for one chapter within the section and try to let it sink in a little and then do the lectures and take a lot of hand-written notes. After which I do the MCQ's for that section and take more notes. After that I move to the next chapter in the section. After completing all chapters/sections I re-type my notes in a more organized manner and reinforce/revisit concepts learned in earlier chapters.

I used to also feel that this is way too time consuming altogether. However, I think you have to ask yourself the following: “Do I want to pass these things and get on with my life or do I want to study over and over and drag this thing out?” It took me nearly two years to pass my 1st exam because I had the attitude that it was too time consuming. But it wasn't until I buckled down and bit the bullet of having to dedicate more time that I started finally realizing the results. Now, I just want to get it over with and move on with my life.

In the end, MCQ's are going to help you more than anything. Do thousands of them until you are getting them right, not by memorizing the questions, but through your own ability to retain the knowledge and concepts.

"If you're going through hell, keep going"
- Winston Churchill

"I've missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I've lost over 300 games. 26 times I've been trusted to take the game winning shot, and missed. I've failed, over and over and over again in my life. And that is why, I succeed."
- Michael Jordan

BEC: (54), (72), 80 (losing credit on 02/02/15 - nervous)
AUD: 78
REG: (74), 91
FAR: (71)

[KDunc]

This is a very good question I struggled with because I feel like I do not soak in information while I read as compared with doing multiple choice. Also, I learned that I was a tactile learner in that I learn by doing things not reading about them. My first two test FAR and AUD, I at least skimmed over reading ever page and then did the questions. I got a 91 on FAR and an 89 on AUD so I thought I could scale it back and not read the book for REG since my scores had been high and I didn't really feel like I was learning by skimming over the book. Also, I would argue that REG material is the most boring material to read of the four. It was a very close call. I got a 75 on REG with doing mainly multiple choice and sims. So for my last test I went back to skimming since apparently it helps some.

FAR:91 2/28/13
AUD:89 5/29/13
REG:75 8/30/13
BEC:? 11/21/13 Waiting
(Yaeger, Wiley, CPA Review for Free)

[KDunc]

This is a very good question I struggled with because I feel like I do not soak in information while I read as compared with doing multiple choice. Also, I learned that I was a tactile learner in that I learn by doing things not reading about them. My first two test FAR and AUD, I at least skimmed over reading ever page and then did the questions. I got a 91 on FAR and an 89 on AUD so I thought I could scale it back and not read the book for REG since my scores had been high and I didn't really feel like I was learning by skimming over the book. Also, I would argue that REG material is the most boring material to read of the four. It was a very close call. I got a 75 on REG with doing mainly multiple choice and sims. So for my last test I went back to skimming since apparently it helps some.

FAR:91 2/28/13
AUD:89 5/29/13
REG:75 8/30/13
BEC:? 11/21/13 Waiting
(Yaeger, Wiley, CPA Review for Free)

[lhay]

I'd say do whatever works for you. I am also using Becker but after drying out 4 highlighters and still not knowing anything I decided to go back and actually read every. single. word. and it does take a lot of time but now I try to do that and take notes first and then watch the lecture and see if what Becker though was important is that same as the note I took.

FAR - 73
AUD - 89
REG - 8/31/15
BEC - 74

[lhay]

I'd say do whatever works for you. I am also using Becker but after drying out 4 highlighters and still not knowing anything I decided to go back and actually read every. single. word. and it does take a lot of time but now I try to do that and take notes first and then watch the lecture and see if what Becker though was important is that same as the note I took.

FAR - 73
AUD - 89
REG - 8/31/15
BEC - 74

[ymmit]

I think it is a fact that if you truly understand over 90% of the becker multiple choice available it will be easy to pass. Why not just drill multiple choice until you know them all. Only read the book if you truly cannot understand something solely by the explanations in the multiple choice. I think that is an efficient way to study. I had sooo many questions on my test that were simple because I had practiced a very similar multiple choice so many times it was second nature.

Licensed CPA!

[Author]

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