[jw_83]

I was just wondering if canidates using the Gleim review system are supplementing with anything else. Also, in general do you recommend Gleim? Thanks.

REG - 64, 72, 81!
FAR - 77
AUD - 79
BEC - 72, 79! And Done!

[mmcgrad1]

I bought Gleim in addition to NIU CPA review. To be honest, Gleim questions were much more difficult than the exam questions and I didn't even use it for any sections of the exam after REG.

I much prefer NIU CPA review. There is a lot of material but it's broken down into smaller books for topics which I like a lot. The lectures are great and they had everything I needed to know for the exam without overwhelming me.

NIU CPA Review Correspondence is awesome!

I passed all four sections on the first attempt

[Anonymous]

I have used gleim for both bec and reg. I used the system with simulations, books, ect. I also used ninja notes for reg. I mostly went with them because it was complete and the cost was middle of the road. If you are good at self study, little to no visual aids it works well. There are no videos, just a power point slide show with audio.

Upsides there are ton of questions and you can take tests in study, or test mode. The software also allows you to pick sub chapters so you can focus on your weak areas. Chapter outlines good at highlighting core concepts. There is a free trial on the website for each section.

Down side, the text can be extremely dull along with the videos. You can only do a simulation 3 times (although you can change answers in review mode and they get saved, allowing you to come back later) BTW the personal counselors are just sales people, expect nothing more from them.

Last bit of advice from what I have noticed. The review is in 20 sections. Pay attention to the AICPA outline in the front of the book. It shows the chapters and percentages related to the test. Sometimes 2 chapters are worth 15% of the test. Sometimes 2 chapters will only make up 5%. Spend you time focused on the ones that count the most.

[KEMcpa]

I used Gleim books and MCQ software only. Not glamorous but worked for me.

Licensed Texas CPA!

[overapplied]

I have been using Gleim (just the books and mcq) on the recommendation of my cost/ais instructor. I find it to be pretty thorough though I am supplementing with accounting textbooks and have used the Wiley book and CPA Review for Free. I'm one of those people who can just sit down and study/focus on a topic. I think you need self-motivation for the system.

My brother-in-law who has finished off his CPA … 10 years ago (I think) said I was studying too hard. Of course, I just keep thinking you already finished, you turkey.

AUD - 75 - 07/06/2012
FAR - 72, 74, 82 - 05/30/2013
BEC - 84 - 01/16/2013
REG - 60ish, 84 - 08/16/2013

CISA - Passed

[mike_terror]

I am also using Gleim, but only for their software to practice MCQs in FAR. I haven't taken my test yet, but I will be at the end of August *crosses fingers*. I really enjoy Gleim's study mode where I can practice the mcqs and get immediate feedback on whether my answer was wrong or correct. It also tells you why your answer is wrong or why the answer is correct.

@mmcgrad1 , I'm also using the NIU correspondence review and studying for my first test which is FAR. I truly hope you are right about how the exam questions are easier than the Gliem questions. So far I'm getting about 50% – 60% on each of the 20 test sections when practicing in study mode. Have you passed all your test exams using the NIU correspondence review or did you show up? Boy, I wish this forum had a PM function so I can ask you more questions.

[jeff]

PM functionality was disabled due to exam disclosure and spam issues.

[Sandra]

I HATE Gleim with an unholy passion. Used them for the CMA not the CPA, but the general layout and presentation of information is the same.

To be fair I have to say that their test prep software is far superior to Wiley. It really pains me to say that, but I didn't have the constant mistakes, typos etc in the Gleim software that seemed to be “normal” for Wiley.

Gleim material as a whole is VERY in depth and the questions in general are harder than what you will see on the test. I did do their free practice test for FAR and REG so got to see at least some of their questions. Its a two edge sword. If you really know all the material in Gleim (and manage to really understand it) you will probably pass the actual test by wide margin.

Its probably ok for AUD and maybe REG. I think for cost accounting and FAR it will be hard for people to really grasp the concepts because there are no real lectures. Their audio-visual presentations make me want to get in my car and drive into a wall. The books I have seen are error free but not great at explaining concepts.

Lastly- their service SUCKS. They are super nice and great until you buy something. When I reordered books (which I was entitled to per the “contract”) it turned into a huge arguement. I finally got them to send it but it shouldn't have been an issue. I have students in my CMA class that had failed their test and as such were entitled to a “reset” of their course. They didn't even want their money back- just the quizzes, etc to be reset. The only one that managed to get Gleim to do that for them without paying $$$ is a lawyer and I'm sure threatened all sorts of horrid things.

The price is good but if you think you need more than a book thrown at you with no service after the sale pick someone else. I paid 500 bucks more for Roger CPA, but I got everything I needed and the few times I've had a question or needed to contact them they always help me out.

[jeff]

I work with Wiley pretty closely … if anyone spots an error or typo in their software – they get a free app…just e-mail me.

[Sandra]

ha. Where is my free app? LOL

[jeff]

E-mail me one that you found recently … pickins will be slim 🙂

[HeyPawl]

I use Gleim and I have not supplemented it with anyother products. I've taken AUD and I'm studying for FAR, and so far I would recommend it.

There are some valid points from the posters above. First, the Gleim MCQ were harder than the actual exam (at least for Audit). Also, the audiovisual WILL drive you crazy. Lastly, the study mode is the biggest asset (pun) because I can automatically see my mistakes.

AUD - 82 (July)
FAR - 85 (Aug)
BEC - 82 (Oct)
REG - 75 (Nov)
DONE

[Author]

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