[Anonymous]

Hello everyone,

First time posting on here although I have be lurking around here for while now 🙂 All I can say is you guys are just so positive. Please I need your advice. I started studying for FAR in May, I went through every chapter in the Becker book, some chapters ie (deferred taxes, revenue recognition etc) I wasn’t too comfortable with but I moved on anyways. I studied long hours for this exam …for sure more than 200hrs (NO LIES) . I took the exam in July. During the exam, I spent a lot of time of the MCs because I was soo nervous so I probably triple checked everything (probably a mistake on my part), so I had limited time for the sims. I ran out of time. Long story short I failed.. was devastated.. still sad about it but I am moving on. In July I started studying for Aud (before I found out my FAR score) but when I found out my FAR score this shot my confidence level below zero and I have been stalling on Aud because I am scared of failure again. I haven’t taken aud yet. I just decided to go back to FAR. I have a month and half before I start in public accounting and I figured it will be easier to study for FAR and take it before I start work than studying for it and working in Public accounting ( I just think it will be difficult I may be wrong) .. Do you guys think this is wise? How would you suggest I re-study for FAR? By the way I ordered the Wiley book as a supplement to study for FAR. Please tell me if I am losing it.

Also please keep in mind that I work full-time now.

Thanks in advance…I appreciate your input. 🙂

[Anonymous]

i am just wondering : how much you scored in FAR?

I had same experience with REG . at my first attempt I had 40 mins left for Sims and in second attempt I tried to manage my time very wisely but still didnt have enought time for my SIMS. i had only 1 hour and 5 minutes. i was aiming for atleat 1 hour and 15 minutes. i had horrible SIMS .

Rather then studying too much, i would say go through your notes again and practice MCQ ( quality wise not quanity wise) and take this test ASAP . if you wait you will forget some of the topics.

[Anonymous]

I think it is wise to go back to FAR. I would suggest that you approach this as you would a new section. (Take a look at Jeff's Ninja study method). Rewatch your videos and rewrite notes as you go along. If you have 6 weeks (maybe you could push it to 7?), try to leave yourself at least a week, but not longer than 2 weeks to review. I find that most of my learning comes from doing lots and lots of MCP's. (lots and lots = however many you think you need & then some more). The Wiley test bank is very useful for this along with the Ninja notes.

You mentioned that you studied a lot of hours. Reflect on how many of those you were really learning. You will benefit more from an intense hour of MCP's than 2 or 3 hours reading material hoping to remember it. Also, in the last week or so of your review I would attempt doing MCP's under timed conditions. You will only have a few minutes to answer each MCP on the exam, try doing a set of 20 MCP's in say 45 minutes. You might want to do it study mode so you can instantly see why you're missing questions.

And yes, working full-time and studying for the exam is not easy. This exam takes commitment no doubt. If you can't commit to at least 20 hours per week to study (you may need to do 30 hours) then you will have a harder time passing. Failing sucks. Don't let it get to you, get mad about it.

Best of luck

[Anonymous]

Hi there!

First off, congratulations on deciding to attempt the CPA exam. Really. It is objectively a difficult exam that requires more commitment than most modern marriages. However, when you pass, it will all be worth it.

Now, to the point. I think it's great that you're going back to take FAR while it's still somewhat fresh in your mind. Re-evaluate your studying methods. It sounds as though you were taken by surprise by the time constraints on the exam. Are you timing yourself when you're doing the MCQs? For FAR, the recommended time per question is 1.5 minutes. Make sure you're sticking to that when you're practicing.

With regards to the Wiley book…great source for questions but the study material is far too long and far too in-depth. Great as a soporific but bloody awful as a study guide. I suggest that you invest some money into getting the Rogers CPA Cram Course for the section. The instructor is upbeat and to the point in the lectures and the study booklet is extremely helpful. I finally passed REG on the fourth try after doing the Cram Course. So take my word on its effectiveness.

The only way you won't pass the exam is if you quit. Keep at it!

[Marivy22]

Great decision!!! Concentrate in one part at a time.

Get Wiley testbank, it will be a great addition to your study materials.

Since FAR is a re-take try to take it at the begining of the testing window and AUD at the end of it.

Done 😉
Class of 2012!!!!
Lots of prayers and hard work....

[Author]

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