[S14]

I took FAR a few months ago and failed with a 57. I was wondering if anyone had advice from coming back from a score like that.

I completed Becker 100% through and all the Ninja MC twice. I think by the time I got to the exam, I just panicked and blanked. I woke up at 4 in the morning and was sick to my stomach, and took the test at 8 AM and just sped through it. I don’t know how I would have done if I was calm/had more sleep. When I got to it, I remember feeling like it was much more conceptual than what I had expected it to be. I remember being so prepared for bonds, leases, and pensions and I didn’t get a single question on those topics. In general, I am just not a confident test taker until the 2nd or 3rd exam. I just feel so awful about wasting time and money and I am nervous for the future with all of it.

Has anyone come back from a low score/bad testing experience? What did you do that you felt benefitted you the second time around? Also, does anyone relate to not being the most confident test taker and do you recommend any strategies?

[74phoenix]

I also failed Far with a low score like that my first time. It took me a couple of more times to be honest, because I felt really unmotivated, but it was actually because I truly did not know the information that well and because I psyched myself out during each exam. A few things have helped alleviate my day-of testing stress:

-use the same testing center as other tests you have taken
-have a hearty breakfast (helps if you can have someone make it for you!) or be in a relaxing environment before hand
-during the test break, walk around the testing center if possible and breathe, stretch, go over topics you know in your head. repeat encouraging mantras and remind yourself you will be done in 2 hours!!
-watch your diet days before the tests. for me, i know sugar makes me feel zonked out so i try to avoid it.
-I also speed through questions. have a “cheat sheet” you review before you go into the test. Try to slow down during the test and remember your cheat sheet.

I definitely feel the same way i.e. waste of time and money. But for me, i truly learned more and more each time I tried to sit for it and eventually that knowledge (even though it took a long time) helped me pass. And that money is a sunk cost. I don't think about it anymore – I didn't miss it in the long-term.

Much luck to you! It's a brutal process, but we can get there.

Graduated 05/2016.
NY CPA Candidate.
Public accounting.
FAR COMING UP 07/07/2016 !! GOD HELP ME.

[Hank Scorpio]

If you are a bad test taker like me, it takes one time to get the lay of the land. Get back at it and study hard. You'll get it.

FAR - 10/3/16
BEC - 69 - 10/31/16
AUD - November 2016
REG - December 2016

[CH89]

First exam I ever studied for was FAR, and I failed miserably. My score was a little lower than yours. Be honest with yourself. My failure was due to a lack of MCQs and the time it took to get through the material, I think I spent close to 3 months for FAR. How were you trending on Ninja MCQ? Were you taking notes on those questions? While I did end up switching to studying for REG, even that came with a few road bumps. Took me 3 attempts to pass scoring a 67,73, and a 79. I do not consider myself a good test taker either, but having seen the exam and the nature of it, I am used to it now.

With each failure, I went back and worked on my weaker areas. I supplement with Ninja, and spent time re-writing those notes on areas I was weak in. I made an effort to practice SIMs as well. As I mentioned earlier, be honest with yourself. How was your study routine?

[ds34168]

I suggest practicing more difficult MCQ to boost up your confidence. I recommend using Gleim, their questions are more difficult than the actual exam. I failed with 55 and came back to get a 84.

[krstnam]

I've done two comebacks now. Both I didn't feel properly prepared going into the exam. I think the second round exams can always be a little daunting. For me it was a matter of staying engaged during the process, it was easy to get discouraged. For the second exams, it's helpful to get the metrics. It'll give you an idea of how you did within each content area. I wouldn't rely on it 100%, it's just sort of a starting point – it doesn't mean skip the areas you are comparable or above other candidates, it just shows you which areas to put more effort into.

Sometimes when I'm in the testing center, my mind starts spiraling out of control and before you know it I'm freaking out and anxious or mad. Even if the spiral is only a few minutes, I still get mad at myself thinking those are precious minutes I've lost. When it happens, I acknowledge that I'm spiraling, I close my eyes, take a few deep breaths, clear my mind and tell myself I need to get back to it. It's a mind over matter thing I think.

I bet there are videos on youtube about how to manage stress during exams, maybe there's something helpful there.

Good luck!

[freecloud]

I dont have any good advices for FAR which I just start studying. But I think you will be better not to schedule exam at that early morning. For me, having good sleep is key for the exam. Like I took REG, it was at 1pm and had lunch at home and had a good sleep on the date before my exam. I didnt even study my materials the night before the exam. I think it requests mental break.

[Author]

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