[Anonymous]

I’m coming off 2 recent failures (FAR – 68) and (AUD-72). I’ve been using Becker self study, but I talked to someone last night who’s a recent CPA and has a full time audit job (so I know she was working her butt off while studying) and she highly suggested the live classes and to not waste my time with self study.

Does anyone have any experience with both? recommendations? strong feelings towards one or the other?

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[MarquetteMadman]

I've passed more using live than the self study. The live keeps you on pace and instructors go beyond what's in the videos. I had one instructor email an additional 100 m/c questions for both my BEC and FAR tests. Ironically, they've been my best two scores. I've seen it work against people too. Falling behind early and it might as well be a death sentence. Stay up to pace, do the homework so you can ask questions at the next class. I'd suggest the live if you have the time. If you hate it, stop going and continue with the self study, but you might lose out on the Becker promise if you do.

FAR: 78
AUD: 71, Aug 27
REG: 77
BEC: 80

[Jam05]

Becker Live Classes all you do is sit there for almost 4 damn hours and highlight the book, also its like twice a week…and they expect you to do all the HW prior to the next class, pretty much they rush you. It didnt work for me, I personally couldn't do it, plus after an hour you tend to zone out and I found myself just highlighting and not even retaining the information. It was a total waste of time for me..but hey everyone is different it might work for you

[GO Hawks]

I think It totally depends on the lecturer you get. I did a mix of both through Becker FastPass. My BEC instructor was really good and gave some alternative methods to solve process costing and variance which I really appreciated. However, I felt my auditing teacher literally read out of the book the entire time so I stopped going and just did the self- study.

The self-study is supposed to be the ideal Becker lecture and the instructors will base theirs off the video lecture to try and make it as close to a uniform product as possible, so honestly I don't think it will be the difference between a pass and a fail. Unless you get a live professor that goes ‘above and beyond' for you. There is just too much information.. it will come down to YOU in the end either way.

BEC 88 5/25/2013
FAR 96 7/01/2013
AUD 99 7/08/2013
REG 93 8/01/2013

Straight Becker'in it

[evesocal]

I've done both. My mind really wandered with the self-study. I was fortunate to have excellent teachers with the live classes. My teacher for BEC, REG and part of FAR was the same guy and he was a gem, explaining things in a way that really helped.

My firm paid for the Becker self study and I got the Becker promise with it, but I did not feel prepared to take exams. So I paid for the live classes myself (and used the Promise) and took each exam after a class and passed them all the first time. Not with flying colors but I passed. I don't think I could've passed without the live classes.

B: 75
R: 80
A: 77
F: 81
Ethics: 84, 92 and done!
Licensed in California

[mrogovitz]

I liked the live classes A LOT! I would listen to Gearty and Olinto prior to the class and then listen to the live course teacher and it was a good way to learn by repetition. Unfortunately for BEC and the tax portion of REG, my teachers were terrible so it can be luck of the draw. You usually get good little tid-bits at least every once in a while from the teacher on how to approach certain topics/questions as well as how to organize the material for study purposes.

My teachers never put pressure on the students to finish the homework. But they would say that the course is more effective if you can keep up with the homework. They understood that people work and don't have all the time in the world to always keep up with the homework (but I did make sure to listen to Peter and Tim before going to class every time).

AUD: Attempt 1: 60; Attempt 2: 78
BEC: Attempt 1: 75 (lost credit); Attempt 2: 80
FAR: Attempt 1: 74; Attempt 2: 74; Attempt 3: 78
REG: Attempt 1: 76 (lost credit); Attempt 2: 68; Attempt 3: 80

Finished 11/01/2013!!!

[Anonymous]

I preferred the live classes since it allowed me to socialize with others working on the exam as well (I only work with one CPA who got his license ages ago). It also forced me onto an aggressive schedule. I did it while working, but that is certainly not for everyone.

[GO Hawks]

@Dale makes a good point. I liked chatting/venting with the other candidates, it felt like an AA meeting complete with shitty coffee and sometimes donuts. But the teacher was lame so I had to bail. now I vent on A71 🙂

BEC 88 5/25/2013
FAR 96 7/01/2013
AUD 99 7/08/2013
REG 93 8/01/2013

Straight Becker'in it

[flowerchild]

I originally planned to take the Live classes, until I realized it didn't fit in my schedule. Now I'm going to take the Online classes because I can't sit in a class for 4 hours period. Can anyone recommend tips for the Online classes?

California Candidate
REG: October 26, 2013
FAR: 2014
BEC: 2014
AUD: 2014

[JC0107]

i took becker live classes in new york. I am not very disciplined to study on my own, so it helped a lot that I was in the environment to study each chapter in one sitting.

I had great instructors for all four courses. It might feel like the class is going fast and instructors rushing through the materials, but to my surprise, I do retain a lot more information afterwards.

To pass audit, I went all 5 classes (chapter 6 was self-study) and studied three full days right before the exam. I got 71 in first attempt back in April and passed with 76 in July.

After I got my first score, I signed up for the final review class (8hours, full day session) just because the materials have changed since July 1. Given that I don't work at a CPA firm and it's been almost 8 years since i graduated college, I would say the little pep talks from instructors and commitment to each live class helped a lot.

[silekta]

Self study and live courses have their advantages and disadvantages. I went through the 6 months live program in NY. It worked just fine for me. Obviously before deciding which option to choose you should consider what works the best for you.

So here is my case: when I signed up for Becker program, I right away picked the live classes ( started in January and finished in June). I prefer face to face interaction and you have an instructor right there to ask any questions. Besides it made me feel a little better to be around folks who were taking the exam as well. You could form a study group or share you thoughts about homework assignments or material being covered.

Also I found it very difficult to study at home. I always find 10,000 other things to do (watch a movie, Facebook, you name it). It also was very difficult for me to watch the whole lecture online in one shot but when I was in class you can't help yourself but listen. Besides the live courses helped me to stay on top of my game and I was always trying to keep up with the schedule and complete at least half of my homework before next class.

Don't forget live courses also a fantastic networking opportunity. Whether you already working or about to start working it is a great way to meet people. I met many folks who are currently working for the Big4 and some were about to start their full time positions.

However, there were a number of students who switched to self study because it just worked better for them. They could look at the lecture at any time comparing to 6pm -10pm (twice a week evening class) or a weekend course. Besides you save some money and time by not have to commute to class.

Again, pick the program that works the best for you.

[Author]

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