[MatthewS]

Hello,

I was just wondering what you all would think if I were to send a score review in for BEC. I took it in April just before FAR expired and scored a 73. The time before that (old format) I received a 74. I sent in a score review for that because I just couldn’t believe one point stood in my way of officially becoming a CPA. Now I am in a situation where I lost FAR and potentially going to lose Audit in November, if I don’t finish these two. I have been studying for three years and I will be honest, I’m way too tired for this. I scored comparable on the MC, stronger in WC and of course weaker on the TBS. What do you all think?

[tskits75]

Did you get any sort of response from the review for the 74? Sadly if that one didn't work, the chances for the 73 seems prettly slim.

AUD - 92
BEC - 79
REG - August
FAR - TBD

[MatthewS]

Thanks for the response! I did receive a letter for the 74 stating it was graded accurately. I figured with the exam change and the waiting period maybe there was something that could be to my benefit. Another negative about it is they have raised the price for the score review from $150 to $240.

[Missy]

your best bet is to try for an extension to your far credit, might be a tough sell since you would have lost far even if the scores were released timely but if you had any extenuating circumstances like illness or losing an immediate family member you'd stand a better chance than the score review.

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

[Trele6]

I'm not sure why they even off the score review as an option. From their site they say a grade has NEVER been changed from a score review. Don't waste your money.

First go at the CPA! Only using Becker
Reg / Nov 2015 - 87
Far / Apr 2016 - 79
Bec / May 2016 - 80
Aud / Aug 2016

[arsenal227]

Bottom line – don't waste your money on a score review.

I was in a similar situation. REG was my last section and I failed with a 74 under the old format. I took it again, this time under the new format, and passed.

Don't waste your money/time by requesting a score release. Just go ahead and study and pass your next time around. Good luck!

[fblessed777]

@Mathew S,
You scored strong WC. Can you share me your experience? Am struggling with this part.
Thanks,

[shawn in VA]

Matt-

I got 2-74's in BEC. I did not ask for review. In the end it cost more money and the result is no change as someone indicated.

I just sucked it up and studied hard and hoping for a pass on SEPT 19.

There is not much you can do to change the past results. AICPA is a business and like any other business the goal is to maximize profit, hence if they fail more ppl they collect more fees to take exam again.

[shawn in VA]

btw you “passed” but the AICPA gave you a 74 b/c they can only allow around 50% of people to pass in a window. You just happened to take the exam with a lot of smart people. It is this BS about maintaining “prestige” of the certificate.

I believe if you put the effort in you deserve to pass. That was how college was and this CPA process should be no different

[Anthony]

@Trele6 To make money of course! How can you say no to $240 just to match the question set and to the solution set?

I wouldn't say that it is impossible to get your score change from a review because the AICPA has stated that there is less than 1% change you'll get it change. At least there is a chance, like winning the lottery.

[Radez]

Is there any evidence that there is a quota on CPA exam passing scores? I've seen that allegation a lot, but haven't seen any literature indicating that's how exams are actually graded.

With respect to the score review, based on the FAQ they have on their website, the purpose of a score review is to independently verify that the correct answer key was used in grading your exam. To my mind, if you got a 74, chances are fairly strong that the correct answer key was used. I would think a better candidate for a score review would be a situation where you scored something like a 25. That would be evidence that there might be a mis-match between correct responses and the answer key used to grade the exam.

[MatthewS]

Ok I guess I will forget it then. Thank you everyone for your input. God bless

[MatthewS]

@fblessed777 I honestly kept it straight and simple and was told by many people not to get lost in the detail. For instance, if they give you a situation where you have to decide between two options. Usually give a pro and a con for each situation and make that decision in your conclusion. Be sure to know who you are speaking to partner, CEO, staff, etc… to justify your tone. Hope that helped.

[fblessed777]

@Matthew, Thanks a lot! Will do it that way.

[Author]

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