Hello everyone! I just found out that I passed FAR on my first try using Becker and it was my first CPA exam I have ever taken, so I just wanted to share some advice. My first tip is please please do not take shortcuts. This is not an exam for anyone who is lazy or wants to fly through it. If you are using Becker, do everything! First read the chapter and write the lesson in your own words in a way that you will understand the concepts and really understand why we are using certain accounts in the journal entries( for example, why do we credit obligation and debit leased property for the lessee? Because we gained an asset and we owe the lessor money for the asset). After you read, Listen to the lecture and take additional notes. Then write index cards and study them or just review your notes if you dont use index cards and do the MCQS and skills practice without using any notes until you get every single question correct. Even the questions that seem ridiulous or information that you dont think they will test on,still study this because best believe it will be on the exam. Then do all the Sims on your own and try to do it timed so you can practice your speed. Repeat this with every chapter. And dont forget to do progress tests with simulations for every chapter you’ve done once you are ready to start a new chapter.
My 2nd tip would be to not underestimate how much time you will need. I had to reschedule my exam like 2 or 3 times because I started studying while I was finishing up my classes, moving to a new apartment, and working full time but for some reason I thought I could handle everything. I could not lol. I think 2 weeks for each chapter is a good amount of time if you work full time and 1 week per chapter if you work part time.
My 3rd and last tip would be to please take care of yourself during this time! Its so easy to get lost in studying and to stop caring how you look or how your body feels. But you have to keep eating healthy, excercising, and have quiet time/ meditation/ time with whatever religion you believe in daily. All you need is to squeeze in one hour a day for exercise and one hour for self reflection/prayer time. And cook and set aside your meals and snacks for the week on the weekend and the middle of the week if you are like me (i dont eat food in the fridge past 2 or 3 days). Trust me, It will help you to stay sane when you get the same problem wrong 50 million times lol.
My last tip would be to stay motivated. Keep something physical in front of you all the time that reminds you of why you are taking this exam. For me, I like to watch videos on youtube/ the travel channel on tv of places I want to visit once i pass the exams.
I hope my tips helped somebody. Good luck y’all!
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