[Freyer002]

So after taking FAR on the 1st of July I told myself after the test that I failed, but wasn’t going to check my score until AUG 12th after I took AUD. Couldn’t fight the temptation and saw I failed with a 66. The crazy thing is I did stronger in 3 MCQ sections, comparable in 1 and weaker in 1. Overall for the MCQ I did “Stronger”, but for the SIMs, simply “Weaker”. This is my first test and I spent like 40+ hrs a week studying and felt good about the MCQ but the SIMs, I had a breakdown.

I felt like I was legit having a panic attack or something. Kept saying to myself just breathe and relax, read the questions… Has anyone else had a similar situation? I would say that I must know the material if I did “Stronger” overall in the MCQ, just need to figure out how to stay relaxed in the SIMs. Any advice would be great especially because AUD is around the corner and don’t want to freak out again. For the FAR SIMs I left myself 1hr and 15min. Maybe more time too?

Thanks!!!!

FAR 66 (07/01/13), 75! (10/01/13)
AUD 64 (08/12/13), 80! (11/23/13)
BEC 84! (05/22/14)
REG 77! (08/28/14)
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again"

[Freyer002]

@Pathtocpa, thanks I will def listen to Memmys advice. JE will be a big part of my re-studying. As you said it took you a while to knock out FAR and being persistent you got through it. I will certainly keep my head up and work through these exams. My goal is to find a good grasp between tests/studying and having time for myself. Many people say that, but I think if I do that and not put so much pressure on myself I won't freak out when I see SIMs lol. And to both u and @Memmy, thanks for sending advice to people who have yet to pass. Your stories and advice help!

FAR 66 (07/01/13), 75! (10/01/13)
AUD 64 (08/12/13), 80! (11/23/13)
BEC 84! (05/22/14)
REG 77! (08/28/14)
DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Failure is only the opportunity to more intelligently begin again"

[Path To CPA]

The 2nd time I took FAR and scored a 67, I only left myself 54 mn to do the sims. I went through the same panic attack that you've had and spent all time watching the clock ticking intead of focussing on the problems. With that said and based on my personal experience, anything less than 1h30mn will lead to time pressure. Try to avoid that by leaving yourself ample time (greater or equal to 1.5h) for the sims. If you do that you'll be more relaxed and will be able to read the questions carefully to detect hidden tricks that you wouldn't have seen otherwise.

I've read in this site, the posting of some candidates who left themselves 2 hours or more for the sims but i have never been able to move that fast in the MCQs to have such time left. The best I've ever done was 1h45mn but it was a bad choice because I've sacrificed MCQs by blindly guessing on them in order to have enough time for the sims. Don't do the same bc MCQs are still worth 60% of the exam.

My suggestion is the very same provided by Jeff and my other members: work the MCQs to the point where you cannot take it anymore. It is strange how our brain works and I'm sure I ended up memorizing many questions. The good thing about this kind of memorizing is that even if the numbers are changed in the real exam, you still know exactly the step to do the calculation and get the right answer. Do a sample of 20 questions of all chapters conbined. Any section in which you scored less than 75 to 80, go into the specific chapter and work samples o 20 questions until you're scoring above your target grade before moving forward.

When you're really comfortable with MCQs, chose 2 to 3 days and call them “special sims day” and another 2 days for “special notes review”. This is when you should own the JEs and other important concept. It worked for me and I hope I will for you. Good luck!

REG: 68, 75
AUD: 80
BEC: 77
FAR: 24, 67, 69, 72, 80 Thank you Lord!!!!

Finally Done! Perseverance is the key to success

NYS Licensed CPA - 2013

[wannabeCPA123]

Just don't feel intimidated!

I would use the authoritative literature as a LAST OPTION. Rely on your own internal logic, and try to recall any Mnemonics that may apply to the TBS. If all else fails, then go for the AL.

You don't have time to search for all that crap. If you put in the time to study, you will be ready for it. Don't worry.

FAR 78
REG 87
BEC 78
AUD 78
Passed all exams on first try! Good luck to everyone!

[Author]

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