[J]

Hey guys,

So I’m gonna take FAR on Monday and I have no idea how its gonna go. I got through all the material in one month and then slacked off the month after enjoying my summer before starting full time in October. My initial goal was to get all 4 sections done before starting work so that I could try to find some sort of work life balance, but unfortunately, my procrastination took hold and has caught up with me. Here is where I’m at right now: I have passed AUD and REG, with AUD expiring October 2020 and Reg Jan 2021. So I’m honestly in a good spot. I didnt want to waste a testing window and Im gonna yolo it on Monday to see if I pass on the off chance. What is weird though is that I do pretty well on the MCQs averaging 75ish on the first time and it going up from there. My weakest points are on leases, pensions, and some of the tax stuff. Im pretty good at NFP and Gov, but yea. I scored a 50 on my first and only mock on Becker and looking at the comparisons online, i seem to be in an ok spot. I guess my question is how quantitative heavy is FAR, I honestly like the qualitative questions more and do better on those. Also on the chance I don’t pass, what should I do? Should I keep studying for FAR and do a retake early october or should I start the grind on BEC and get that out of the way? My NTS has BEC on it and it expires this December. Sorry, but I just need positivity rn.

[andrewmarii]

Since you finished the book a month ago, do you remember everything you learned? If you do, then you definitely have a shot but only you know what shape you are in with the material. It's ok if you find leases and some of the tax stuff difficult, they're difficult topics- just do the best you can especially with the main points. a

If it doesn't work out, stick with FAR until you pass don't start BEC, because facing FAR again you won't know as much information and all of this time has been wasted. Your in a good position with your timeframe, so whats the point in rushing to take an easier test when you already have an understanding of the toughest one?

By the way, gov is heavily tested on FAR in the mcqs. So make sure you know it.

[TheeAccountant]

Take the AICPA practice test that's on their website today or tomorrow. I would spend your remaining time brushing up on leases and pensions, that's the AICPA's favorite topics if you ask me. I think FAR leans toward heavy quantitative questions. If you're good at JEs and can manage your time during the exam, and you might pass. I'd actually go ahead and get FAR out of the way before busy season, because you likely won't be studying at all during that time. BEC is much easier for most people, and so saving it for last (or during the first part of busy season before the insane hours kick in) isn't a bad idea. Personally, I found BEC content to be like nails on a blackboard, but that's just me.

[say]

You have a shot. If you covered the entire book. I would do practice exams over and over. From there you can see what areas you might need to glance at. Its muscle memory. You might think you forgot but as soon as you review it again it clicks faster than it did the first time. Don't focus too much on doing the sims. Just do as many mcq as you can now.

[Nbmorty]

Can you provide me with the official link to the the blueprint aicpa exam please?

Thanks in advance

[J]

@andrewmarii


@theeAccountant
@Say

So I took FAR today. Gotta say that I felt it was a fair exam. My MCQs were reasonable but I didn’t feel that it got harder the 2nd testlet. My Sims honestly didn’t feel that bad and were pretty straightforward. There were a couple that I just sat there looking at 15 attachments with my head spinning. I guess what Im gonna try and do now is start BEC, but only the part that overlaps with FAR. I will also be mainly doing a practice FAR exam every two days to keep my feet in it. I’ll find out Sept 19 (theoretically) if I passed. I felt it could go either way, I either barely made the cut or I will need to brush off the dust on the ole FAR book. I agree with @theeAccountant, I’ve heard Big 4 busy season is no joke, so as long as I can get that puppy done before January will be great. If I pass that will be absolutely great, but I’m gonna be cautious and keep reviewing for FAR.

@Nbmorty
I think its https://www.aicpa.org/content/dam/aicpa/becomeacpa/cpaexam/examinationcontent/downloadabledocuments/cpa-exam-blueprint-far-section-july-2019.pdf

[TheeAccountant]

LOL busy season in public accounting is no joke whether you’re at the big four or a tiny local firm. 70 hour weeks are considered moderate. Congrats on getting on with one of the big ones btw. That’s a super competitive gig.

[Ajar]

Hi @J
first off-congrats on sitting through FAR! I sat for it yesterday too and feel the same way about my MCQs…I couldn't “feel” them getting harder but (maybe?) I knew the concepts. But yeah, the SIMS- definitely make or break ESPECIALLY for the DRS ones.

Here's what I'm doing while I wait for 9/19 (which can't come soon enough!)
Day Shift: On my second monitor at work, I'm starting the lecture videos for my review course (Roger) back from chapter 1. I feel like at this point, I don't really need to fully pay attention to him but the audio will keep me going. May throw in some Ninja Audio in there too.

Night Shift
Ninja MCQs (random) and Roger MCQs (only for the sections I felt weak in during the exam)

I'm with you on feeling it could go either way! Good Luck to both of us!

[J]

I'm curious as to how many people actually pass the entire/most of the exam before starting FT. I graduated this past spring and idk if its just my class or whatever, but like everyone was in an all fired rush to complete the exam ASAP. About 40% of my class is either one away or completely done. But when I look back at my internship and other friends, it seems like a lot of people have not completed the exam let alone started when they are doing FT. I honestly have the worst studying habits and if I had a spirit animal it would be a sloth. Therefore, I am frantically trying to pass these exams so that I can go home and watch netflix instead of crying into my becker books.

@theeaccountant
Thanks! But yea,I know several associates who had started studying when they started working FT and they literally were telling me whatever I did to start in grad school and try to finish before FT since busy season was an absolute nightmare. One girl said they were in the office till 3am for several weeks and just rented a hotel room across the street since her apartment was like an hour away and she had to be back at 8am for a conference call. Can't wait lol

@Ajar
that sounds like a good plan. I'm trying to see what overlap exists between BEC and FAR and start doing that in the mean time. How good is Ninja? I'm gonna do about 100 FAR MCQs every other days and 10 simulations in between. The more and more I think about it the more and more I am hoping i passed. I'm honestly so done with this exam lol. Props on doing it while working. I felt that if I had a week or two of more review, I would definitely feel a whole lot better. But good luck!

[snipergang]

Yeah studying and working FT is difficult. I do corp tax in industry which is a little more laid back than when I was in public accounting with busy season. Definitely could not study during busy season, but in the off season (summer) there was a lot of time to study.

Most people in my classes in undergrad had not even started the exams. A lot started in grad school, but I believe only a few had passed all 4 parts before graduating. Accounting didn't come naturally to me, so I think the work experience really helped me in taking the exams – but everyone is different.

[LD-407]

I worked full-time while studying for FAR and that exam was especially difficult, I'm glad I got it out of the way first. It took me 3 times to pass. After I switched from my main CPA review course to UWorld Roger CPA (solo FAR) I was able to pass on my third attempt. All three times that I sat, the exam was completely different from the last time and I never felt great when I left the Prometric center. Good luck to all who are taking it, it's tough but it feels amazing once you get it behind you!

[shaya.wikler]

I would highly recommend using Roger. I used it and loved it. I am now thank G-D all done! Good luck!

[Author]

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