[Anonymous]

So I received my FAR score, 74. I am going to retake the exam as quick as possible so it stays fresh in my mind. I am trying to use the Becker Promise for the live class and they are wanting to charge me $200 for it. I have the 2014 book and my software license is good for another 16 months, so this charge is just another way to squeeze money out of students.

I really want to take the live course because in my area the professor is really good, but the $200 price tag has got me considering different options. First off $200 isn’t that much for me, but it does add up. $200 for the test, $200 for the cram session that I do, then $200 for the class.

MY question, has anyone done the self study with Becker (since its free for me)? Thinking of doing that and just doing the cram session. Thoughts would help.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I did the self-study with Becker. For me, it was frustrating at times when there was something you didn't understand in the textbook or especially in the MCQs and it wasn't clearly explained in the lectures/answer solutions.

But I was able to compensate for that by using their academic support.

I haven't done the live course but I heard from some people that it can be good as well since some of the instructors give out their emails and you can ask questions to them directly.

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I did the self-study with Becker. For me, it was frustrating at times when there was something you didn't understand in the textbook or especially in the MCQs and it wasn't clearly explained in the lectures/answer solutions.

But I was able to compensate for that by using their academic support.

I haven't done the live course but I heard from some people that it can be good as well since some of the instructors give out their emails and you can ask questions to them directly.

[WatchTheGAAP]

I did the self study for FAR also.

My strategy with that was I would watch the lectures and take my own notes on paper as I went along, and later review my own notes. Then I would just do all the HW and a ton of MCQ and progress tests.

I was able to review anything I didn't understand without having to go to academic support for help, since I had my notes and textbook, and even old college textbooks.

If you're willing to buckle down and do a cram session, then you have nothing to lose by doing the self study.

B - TBD
A - 87 (5/29/2014)
R - 7/17/2014
F - 85 (4/14/2014)

[WatchTheGAAP]

I did the self study for FAR also.

My strategy with that was I would watch the lectures and take my own notes on paper as I went along, and later review my own notes. Then I would just do all the HW and a ton of MCQ and progress tests.

I was able to review anything I didn't understand without having to go to academic support for help, since I had my notes and textbook, and even old college textbooks.

If you're willing to buckle down and do a cram session, then you have nothing to lose by doing the self study.

B - TBD
A - 87 (5/29/2014)
R - 7/17/2014
F - 85 (4/14/2014)

[Anonymous]

I haven't used Becker, but I've taken every test studying on my own. I have access to lectures, but only really used them for BEC because it was my first test and I was scared not to use them since they were available. I read the entire Kaplan book for AUD, but really focused on answering MCQs/SIMs in the WTB and using all the Ninja materials to keep me focused on the bigger picture. For FAR I only read half of the Wiley book and again focused on answering MCQ/SIMS and taking notes on those and studying from those notes and the Ninja materials. If you have a good study plan you don't really need a teacher to feed the information to you. I know it's nerve racking to think of deviating from the traditional school environment, but you really can do it if you put your mind for it and you'll save yourself a lot of money.

[Anonymous]

I haven't used Becker, but I've taken every test studying on my own. I have access to lectures, but only really used them for BEC because it was my first test and I was scared not to use them since they were available. I read the entire Kaplan book for AUD, but really focused on answering MCQs/SIMs in the WTB and using all the Ninja materials to keep me focused on the bigger picture. For FAR I only read half of the Wiley book and again focused on answering MCQ/SIMS and taking notes on those and studying from those notes and the Ninja materials. If you have a good study plan you don't really need a teacher to feed the information to you. I know it's nerve racking to think of deviating from the traditional school environment, but you really can do it if you put your mind for it and you'll save yourself a lot of money.

[Anonymous]

I like saving money, especially since I am paying for my upcoming wedding.

[Anonymous]

I like saving money, especially since I am paying for my upcoming wedding.

[Anonymous]

Self study is the way to go then. Congrats on the wedding!!

[Anonymous]

Self study is the way to go then. Congrats on the wedding!!

[zieba]

I would imagine that a MAJORITY of students take the self-study option, no?

I did the class when still in college, I hated it. It was late in the PM after a long day, I was either eating a greasy slice of pizza or dozing off. Since then, I've come back and passed all parts with the self-study.

AUD - 75*, 88 done 5/14! (*exp)
BEC - 74 , 77
REG - 65 , 76 (10 point combooo!!)
FAR - 69 , 75

Dr: perseverance
Dr: intelligence
Dr: luck
. Cr: . advisory score

[zieba]

I would imagine that a MAJORITY of students take the self-study option, no?

I did the class when still in college, I hated it. It was late in the PM after a long day, I was either eating a greasy slice of pizza or dozing off. Since then, I've come back and passed all parts with the self-study.

AUD - 75*, 88 done 5/14! (*exp)
BEC - 74 , 77
REG - 65 , 76 (10 point combooo!!)
FAR - 69 , 75

Dr: perseverance
Dr: intelligence
Dr: luck
. Cr: . advisory score

[Java230]

You know, you can just attend the class just to see what it is like, not sure if Becker would approve or disapprove. The schedule is posted online, just attend the class (not the first session though since they take attendance) I did Becker live (3 of 4 sections), and all the sessions I have take, they don't take attendance. In fact, when I was taking FAR in a live class on the weekend, I couldn't attend one of the lecture and my instructor told me to just drop by any weekday class instead. In a few of my classes we only had 2-3 people show up, the instructors would have been thrilled to have more folks.

Licensed WA CPA 2/2015
Government Auditor Since 2007

[Java230]

You know, you can just attend the class just to see what it is like, not sure if Becker would approve or disapprove. The schedule is posted online, just attend the class (not the first session though since they take attendance) I did Becker live (3 of 4 sections), and all the sessions I have take, they don't take attendance. In fact, when I was taking FAR in a live class on the weekend, I couldn't attend one of the lecture and my instructor told me to just drop by any weekday class instead. In a few of my classes we only had 2-3 people show up, the instructors would have been thrilled to have more folks.

Licensed WA CPA 2/2015
Government Auditor Since 2007

[Tux]

That's a tough question.

You came so close the first time, that it seems you understand the material.

I'm doing self study, but I have a couple people who are helping me with topics that I don't understand. I literally couldn't do it without them. So, if there are topics that you need help with, the support of an instructor can be invaluable.

It's also not just about the money. Think about the time involved. If you think having a dedicated instructor to explain things to you would be helpful for topics that you're having trouble with, I say it's MORE than worth the money. This process is hard enough. Don't force yourself to struggle EVEN MORE.

Basically, I know that you can do it with self-study and you can use the academic support for questions. But, I guess I'd lean toward the class since it sounds like you KNOW the instructor is good and you can afford the money.

What do you have more of – time or money?

Although your money is tight because of a wedding, that means your time is short too.

Get these exams over with ASAP, so you can focus on your marriage, which requires even MORE time and attention than the CPA exams in order to keep it healthy.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Author]

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