[cpawax]

I am on the F3 section of Becker and have been using it for a few weeks. So, far I do not feel confident in the material I am learning. I watch the lectures, read the book, make flash cards, then do MCQs and the simulations; however, I am consistently scoring maximum in the 60s on the MCQs. I am considering purchasing the Ten Point Combo to supplement Becker or I might try to apply the NINJA strategy to Becker, but before I do I have a few questions. I realize that everyone learns differently, but I’ll take any advice I can get.

To any one who has used just Becker did you study using the traditional method or the NINJA way? Results?

If I purchased the Ten Point Combo should I apply the NINJA way to Becker or use that traditional and use the NINJA way with the Ten Point Combo materials?

Thoughts?

Thank you.

[Gatorbates]

The day before your exam, you should know what are your weakest areas. Lightly review all of those areas. That's what I did the morning of my exam, and I believe it is what helped me pass. There were 4-5 questions on my exam that I looked over during my light review. I didn't want to overload my brain right before the test.

And to answer the original question from a year ago, yes, Becker is enough. More than enough. I used Becker for AUD and FAR. I used a $40 Bisk book, a spiral notebook, my butt and the library for REG and BEC (not recommended, but it worked).

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Guti]

jasonrobbins,

I have also seen those posts from people saying that they have done 2000mcs and they have read each chapter 4 times, and at the same time they have done all these in 6 weeks’ time working full time. If that were true, how can you do all these in 6 weeks? And if they can actually do it in less than two months, how come they are still working on passing the exam after 15 months?

I’m trying to read each chapter at least once again, I have forgotten a lot of stuff from Ch1 to Ch4.

How are going to do your final review?

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[Guti]

jasonrobbins,

I have also seen those posts from people saying that they have done 2000mcs and they have read each chapter 4 times, and at the same time they have done all these in 6 weeks’ time working full time. If that were true, how can you do all these in 6 weeks? And if they can actually do it in less than two months, how come they are still working on passing the exam after 15 months?

I’m trying to read each chapter at least once again, I have forgotten a lot of stuff from Ch1 to Ch4.

How are going to do your final review?

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[impska]

Jasonrobbins: It just depends on learning style. For example, I react the same way you do to the idea of repeatedly copying my notes. But some people learn that way. I internalize things really well by reading – so if I failed a test, I would read the book a second time.

As for MCQs – I like progress tests on Becker. 100 questions each. I do them all the first time when I'm watching the lectures and reading. And then I just set the progress tests and focus on my weaknesses. But there's a limit. After I've seen a question twice, I've memorized the answers – so I can't see the value of doing them 3+ times.

I think people who don't get the value from reading the book the first time are probably best off focusing on taking notes in their own words and reading those instead.

Here's the thing: Memorization is hard and it takes time. It really isn't the most efficient way to study. But for some people, that's all that works.

That's not how I pass tests. I learn concepts and I memorize only a very limited number of key items/lists.

Whatever you have done for your first three exams, you should put your faith in that. You have a strategy that works for you, already.

REG - 94
BEC - 92
FAR - 92
AUD - 99

[impska]

Jasonrobbins: It just depends on learning style. For example, I react the same way you do to the idea of repeatedly copying my notes. But some people learn that way. I internalize things really well by reading – so if I failed a test, I would read the book a second time.

As for MCQs – I like progress tests on Becker. 100 questions each. I do them all the first time when I'm watching the lectures and reading. And then I just set the progress tests and focus on my weaknesses. But there's a limit. After I've seen a question twice, I've memorized the answers – so I can't see the value of doing them 3+ times.

I think people who don't get the value from reading the book the first time are probably best off focusing on taking notes in their own words and reading those instead.

Here's the thing: Memorization is hard and it takes time. It really isn't the most efficient way to study. But for some people, that's all that works.

That's not how I pass tests. I learn concepts and I memorize only a very limited number of key items/lists.

Whatever you have done for your first three exams, you should put your faith in that. You have a strategy that works for you, already.

REG - 94
BEC - 92
FAR - 92
AUD - 99

[jasonrobbins]

@ impska

I totally get that some people learn differently but some things should just be discouraged.

Frankly, because Keely passed by reading the book 6 to 7 times doesn't mean that was the best method for her either. Could she have read it 2x carefully and taken notes and still passed? Probably! In fact, it just goes to show you how ineffective reading the book is if you only get a 78 from reading the book “cover to cover” 6 to 7 times

All I'm saying is that I get frustrated coming onto this site and read these absurd posts about what people do. It's not helpful for people like me who just want an honest opinion about what the exam is like and the best way to prepare. When I read posts like Keely's, it just makes me upset because that's clearly not beneficial and no one says anything about it to discourage others from doing it.

To some degree, I feel like people exaggerate about how much they study and it just spams the rest of the forum and makes it tough to get to the good advice. For instance, if I would remember how many times I read a 1000 page cpa book. I wouldn't estimate it by saying 6 to 7 times. That just makes me not believe anything that person has to say about what they did.

AUD- 97 1x
REG- 81 1x
BEC- 79 1x
FAR- 88 1x

DONE!

10/1/12 to 2/28/14

[jasonrobbins]

@ impska

I totally get that some people learn differently but some things should just be discouraged.

Frankly, because Keely passed by reading the book 6 to 7 times doesn't mean that was the best method for her either. Could she have read it 2x carefully and taken notes and still passed? Probably! In fact, it just goes to show you how ineffective reading the book is if you only get a 78 from reading the book “cover to cover” 6 to 7 times

All I'm saying is that I get frustrated coming onto this site and read these absurd posts about what people do. It's not helpful for people like me who just want an honest opinion about what the exam is like and the best way to prepare. When I read posts like Keely's, it just makes me upset because that's clearly not beneficial and no one says anything about it to discourage others from doing it.

To some degree, I feel like people exaggerate about how much they study and it just spams the rest of the forum and makes it tough to get to the good advice. For instance, if I would remember how many times I read a 1000 page cpa book. I wouldn't estimate it by saying 6 to 7 times. That just makes me not believe anything that person has to say about what they did.

AUD- 97 1x
REG- 81 1x
BEC- 79 1x
FAR- 88 1x

DONE!

10/1/12 to 2/28/14

[Tncincy]

I agree with Jasonrobbins, because I really don't have time to read that big book 6 or 7 times through. I just want to pass the test. Not that I doubt that she did these procedures but it is an open forum and that's how she passed. So, I guess we have to keep reading until we find a system that is reasonable and conducive to our situation. I even appreciate her answering the post, because some get on to blast about how dumb and unfit for the exam you are because you struggle or have to reschedule and no one says anything about that.

But hey, take in the good and ignore the absurd.

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

[Tncincy]

I agree with Jasonrobbins, because I really don't have time to read that big book 6 or 7 times through. I just want to pass the test. Not that I doubt that she did these procedures but it is an open forum and that's how she passed. So, I guess we have to keep reading until we find a system that is reasonable and conducive to our situation. I even appreciate her answering the post, because some get on to blast about how dumb and unfit for the exam you are because you struggle or have to reschedule and no one says anything about that.

But hey, take in the good and ignore the absurd.

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

[Anonymous]

Thank you guys for saying everything I wanted to say. I was just thinking as I was reading Keely's post “Daaaamn , I'm doing something really wrong.” Then I thought, “Who are you kidding?? There is no way on God's green earth I willever read a book 6 or 7 times with two kids, the sports they are in and a husband…. Let'e be realistic!” I will just have to realize how I learn and stick to what I am comfortable with and what gets the best results for me!

[Anonymous]

Thank you guys for saying everything I wanted to say. I was just thinking as I was reading Keely's post “Daaaamn , I'm doing something really wrong.” Then I thought, “Who are you kidding?? There is no way on God's green earth I willever read a book 6 or 7 times with two kids, the sports they are in and a husband…. Let'e be realistic!” I will just have to realize how I learn and stick to what I am comfortable with and what gets the best results for me!

[Author]

Replies