[lam2848]

I know this question has probably been asked a million times, but I am seriously struggling with studying for the FAR exam. I am using Becker self study and I seem to be stuck on Far M3 and M4 (revenue recognition). Some questions are common sense to me and others just completely throw me off. Currently, I read each section, take notes, and then watch the video lectures/do the skills practice and MCQs. However, when I struggle big time on the multiple choice questions. I just started studying five days ago and I feel like I’m moving so slowly (I’m only on M4 of FAR 1). Does anyone have any suggestions or know of any other CPA study guide for revenue recognition that may help me?

[M123]

FAR for me was so much of an behemoth the thing is that if I let it get to my head – it would have consumed me.

My preference with the prep material is to first get a basic understanding of each concept then hammer on MCQ for all sections at once, alternating “all” sections with “problem” sections.

So you have trouble with F3/F4. Ninja Notes will help with setting a baseline of knowledge for that. Then you simply have to learn the nuances through practice/practice/practice.

My particular style is about like this:

– Watch material for each section – highlight book like their instructors say but active listening and learning – not going through the motions.

– Then work a few of the problems from that section – this is to get a flavor – not to conquer them!

– Then review a good notes resource like Ninja – this will start to create a frame like a house on which you will add drywall and all the good stuff.

– Then MCQ – I did 1200 for FAR. About 60 a day. Do 60, then learn from where you had problems. Do another 60, then learn from where you had problems. Now you know where your problem areas are. Do 60 just in problem areas. No go back to all.

It's a process of continually expanding knowledge and soon the key themes will emerge. Use your own learning style to determine what works for you.

PS – 5 days ago and already on section 4 is a good sign. Keep at it.

[Sean]

I was going to ask the exact same question. Taking FAR on Sept 8. I have becker online and ninja MCQs. I started about a month ago with becker lectures and the book. For about a week now I've been doing ninja MCQs, but so far I'm still struggling plenty. There's just so much material and its hard to know where to focus and how to get myself to understand majority of the content. I might be stressing, but any ideas or advice is greatly appreciated!

[Anonymous]

This is what I do for each section:

-Go through every single MCQ by topic (1,500 – 2,000 total each exam section)
-Screenshot the more difficult questions (100 – 200 saved screenshots by the end of MCQs)
-Watch NINJA PLUS videos and read NINJA book on more difficult/need-to-know areas
-Practice as many SIMs until I feel comfortable
-Final 1-2 weeks before exam I will review all the screenshots, skim through the book and use the practice questions as reminders and touch-up on any remaining weak areas that I started to forget

All the screenshots from my computer are automatically saved to my Box.com cloud account, so anywhere I am and even on exam day, I can whip out my phone, open up the Box.com app and all the screenshots are there for me to review like flashcards basically.

I literally stopped taking notes and stopped trying to read the entire book. That is entirely way too time consuming. I will only use the book as a reference when I need. The NINJA PLUS videos are good to get you comfortable enough to go through the MCQs and at least have an idea what the questions are asking.

Ideally I try to do 100 MCQs a day, but realistically for FAR I only manage 50-60 a day. FAR MCQs are more wordier than the other sections it seems so it makes my eyes and brain more easily fatigued lol. I might end up not getting to all the MCQs, but I'll at least be sure I'm solid on all the topics before skipping any of the questions.

[msquared17]

OMG!!! I've been wanting to post the exact same thing! I'm using Becker self study. Its been a slow start with trying to figure out the best study strategy and making this fit into my current life. I've been out of school 20 years and out of accounting for 7. I'm having a much harder time than I anticipated. That said….I finished F1 but not with confidence. I moved on to F2. Completed the first 3 modules and decided I should go back to F1 with a different approach. I have to admit that I haven't given this 100%. I'm having a really hard time with F1 M4 as well. Just when I think I understand the topic, I get it wrong when the question is worded differently. So discouraging. I was thinking of going to buy an Intermediate Accounting or Accounting 101 book. I will definitely be following this thread 🙂

[maverick87]

I would highlight what the instructor tells you to in the book. While watching lectures or reading book, only take notes on formulas and summary of material such as whats on an income statement and what are the governmental components. No need to spend a large amount of time writing detailed notes. You can take detailed notes when you go through the mcq. I copy and paste the mcq I get incorrect to word document. I print that out and use as notes. I will mark off the bullets I understand so I don't have to read them over again. Some computational problems I will write out because the question is a paragraph long and it's easier for me to see what the question is actually asking pertaining to information given. I watched pretty much all the lectures for Roger and now finishing up mcq. I did half or all the mcq per section depending on length. I have exam scheduled for August 28. I am finishing all mcq then I will look over some sims. I will try to do as many mcq as possible focusing on weak areas and large % testing (bonds, leases, completed contract, cash flows, govnt, non profit, consolidations). Yeah it's hard to do so many mcq for FAR because they are wordier. I remember I would fly through AUD mcq. I heard the actual mcq exam questions are not as wordy. I have 3 more weeks to review. I am doing as many mcq as possible while reading notes and flash cards before bed. Word of advice, just go one section at a time. With the amount of info in this FAR exam I felt the same as you. How could I finish going through this material, there is just so much. Well, I finished reading book and watching lectures so you'll get through it in no time. You just have to kick it into high gear until exam date. If you feel frustrated, head hurts or cross eyed then take rest of day off to recover.

[Tncincy]

This has been very helpful since I've been studying far I feel dizzy from going around in circles. I am trying not to spend too much time on one topic, but just can't seem to master, or feel like I have mastered. The study suggestions are good and I am taking them into consideration.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Author]

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