[Lola23]

I’m using Gleim. After 6 months studying for FAR I got 55. I study two month for the retake I got 72 in the exam rehearsal in Gleim, but my actual score this time was 54.

The first time I took it I knew I failed because I left the last Sim in blank and guess in others. I knew I failed. It was not surprise to me seeing that 55. But the second time, everything I saw in the exam was not surprise. I felt I knew the material I was very confident this time. Yet, I did not improve anything in the final score. Instead, I drop one point.

Please let me know what can I do or how can I study efficiently for FAR.

[Operation_CPA]

What really got me over the hump for FAR was keeping it high level and then drilling down a bit more into the details. Look at the chapters and pinpoint what is the most important. Just as an example: For Chapter 5 I remember specifically focusing on bonds, and what does that entail? Knowing my bond amortization table. For Chapter 4 I specifically remember inventory. I wrote down all the difference types of ways to account for inventory, etc. This really helps nail down your focus as to what the most important topics are.

While for FAR I did not practice the SIMS as much as I should have, I was prepared to answer any JE related question. I made a list of all the subjects I felt I could be asked in regards to JE's, and made sure I knew how to write out the debits and credits start to finish. Off the top of my head I believe my list included (just to name a few): Bonds, Par value vs. Treasury method, Pensions (SIRAGE), Consolidation (CAR IN BIG), Debt Restructuring, etc.

Also it goes without saying, but hang tough. I failed FAR twice and was wondering if I could do it, but passed on my 3rd attempt. Your day will come!!

Edit: After re-reading your post, another issue may be your timing. It seems like you're allowing too much time to go by in your preparation. What helped me on my 3rd attempt was not allowing too much time to go by in between sections, otherwise you start to forget what you studied. Maybe tighten up your study schedule a bit, this could help!

[M123]

I've never used Gleim so no idea what you're dealing with. For FAR – I was able to get over the hurdle using Ninja Notes and MCQ. The notes gave me the “best of” content for what was important in order to strengthen core content (in the sea of content) and the MCQ reinforced learning with constant gauge of learning curve. It's also important to practice MCQ not because those exact MCQ will be on the exam but to get time in the driver seat.

Do you have any other exams behind you?

You might also call Gleim to ask them about what's working, what's not. Do they have any indicators to show you your progress in actual learning – such as MCQ with continual scoring or mock exams? How did those go?

[Wen]

May I ask how many MCQs or SIMs you practiced before the 2nd try? FAR questions are very tricky, one word difference can change the entire calculation.
Have you tried Ninja MCQ module? At least they work for me for BEC REG and AUD. I recently took FAR so I will let you know if I pulled off or not.

[mtaylo24]

You are not alone. I got murked like that using Gleim my first attempt and Gleim and Ninja my second attempt. My first attempt I was disappointed but my second attempt I was shocked! It's the test not the review program. The only thing you can do is hit the material harder than you did before. Plenty of people have passed with both! Then there are people like me, still here over a year later trying to pass this beast…Keep on grinding and best of luck!

AUD - 1st - 60 (12/12), 61 (2/13), 61 (8/13), 78! (11/15)
REG - 55 (2/16) 69 (5/16) Retake(8/16)
BEC - 71(5/16) Retake (9/16)
FAR - (8/16)

[Lola23]

Yes, I study plenty of MCQ and Sims. I got at least a 72 in the Exam Rehearsal. But actual score, 54. I need to learn how to navigate in the Authoritative Literature. I took REG this Friday, and I didnt find the Research Question. Other Sim was base in searching in the AL, I could not do it properly. I think this goind to have an impact in my score for REG. Where can I learn how to look
quickly in the AL? Mastering this is going to help me with these exams. At least to get a couple of points.

[Anonymous]

@lola23 My .02 is that you are stretching out the study materials – meaning over time you will forget what you learned in the beginning. I took FAR 3x Dec, Mar And passed in May. Each time before I would spend 2 months of studying here and there. For my retake I only had 2-3 weeks. Since I knew the material (failed in the 70's) I knew I could get thru the materials with serious crunch.

I'd recommend taking a month to go thru the materials and then taking the other month to go back thru it as if it was your first time. Try not to memorize the answers. I'd literally explain to myself the answer I choose and why I choose it.

@mytalo – You are an inspiration – you will get it next time

[Missy]

How many hours of quality studying per week? I can tell you 5 hours per week for 8 months won't produce a pass because you've really got to be IMMERSED in the material. 6 weeks of 25-30 hours per week is more productive. Even when you're working full time, even with kids.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Anonymous]

Agreed with @Missy ! I studied for about 5-6 months for my last FAR attempt and got a 62. The main reason for that was because I unwisely postponed the exam for another month, thinking I wasn't ready when in fact, I was ready. But, immersion is the key. Repetition! Compulsion, even! haha Flash cards and audios in the car don't work for everyone but they might work for you, so it is a matter of finding what works. I'm not surprised to hear that you got the scores you did even with serious study. The exam is so hit-or-miss nowadays – you can go on one day and get an easy form of the exam, or go on the next day and get a harder one. It's just that you have to be 200 percent prepared, no matter how easy/hard it is. I got tripped up on a lot of easy stuff that had conveniently slipped out of my mind over the holidays (postponed in December, took it in January.) You'll get there!!

[SuckItUp]

Lola, you need to provide more details on what you are doing EXACTLY.

Are you single? Married? Kids? Full-time job? Etc etc etc…

How many hours of study? More importantly, is it QUALITY time?

Does your smart phone sit on your lap when you study?

Significant other begging for your time??

More details, can't help you if we don't know anything about you.

[me71too]

Hi,
Just my two cents. 8 months sounds too long to retain all the information. I used Gleim too and FAR was my first test to take. What I did was read the chapter, then go to MCQ from the book. Sometimes I would read the answers and explanations without trying to guess. Some chapters were very difficult to understand so I used YouTube Professor Farhat. He is very good explaining difficult topics. Go to Gleim website do the Focus, MCQ and SIMS. I read the chapter again, and wrote summaries.
The two weeks before the test are vital for reviewing. Dedicate as much time as possible. I had a part time job and a family to take off so it is a juggling act.
Good luck and don't give up!

[SaveBandit]

Dear god, 8 months? Of course you failed it. That's too much time to retain anything.

6 – 8 weeks is all you need, but you need to treat it like a part time job. 20 – 25 hours per week and you will pass.

4 for 4

FAR 85
AUD 94
BEC 86
REG 90

[Bree]

@Lola23 – I'm sorry to hear about your scores. Don't give up though! This may be unconventional, but it worked for me so I figured I'd share! Since I have pretty bad ADHD, for me to sit and do multiple choice questions over and over again is just not going to happen. So I purchased a white board! My strategy was after completing the lectures etc. I prioritized the different sections. Starting with the highly tested areas and my struggle areas.

Then I would essentially pick a section and do the following:
1. Read a topic (usually a few paragraphs or so)
2. Re-write a summarized version on the white board
3. Teach it out loud (usually to the cats… minor details) anywhere from 3-5 times
4. If I was still not understanding it I would listen to that portion of the lecture and then find a MCQ or SIM that I could work through on the white board.

I found when I was in the exam, I literally remember thinking back to all of my goofy “teaching” sessions, but It helped me tremendously. I ended up scoring a 79 on FAR, and I probably did less than 200 MCQ. Although I recommend doing more MCQ than that, it still shows how far knowing the concepts can go when you take the time.

p.s. I study with main man Rog 🙂

[Lola23]

Thanks for you replies. Im single and no babys. For short, I literally studied from Monday to Saturday. I could say from 4 to 5 hours. I think the biggest mistake was that most of the time I studied from work (yes, dont tell anybody). I did it this way because I get to tired in the afternoon, you know, to open books. Im a supervisor and I get interrupted constantly. Maybe I thought I was learning but certantly I wasnt. I like you study tips. I think If I focus correctly and I apply you tips, I can beat the test. I pass AUD with no problem. I will loss the credit in January 2018. I need to check with my PR board If I apply for an extension for not loss that credit.

[Author]

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