[Tux]

So, I’ve been away from studying for 3 weeks due to personal issues. Before that, I was trying to study, but not very productive for 2 weeks before that.

Now, I’m trying to dive in again and attack FAR like a soldier – wanting to be very focused and productive daily. But, just like when I first started, I’m feeling very overwhelmed, which makes me scatter-brained and not productive. (I’m on F4 now).

I spoke to a Becker instructor for advice on a game plan. The person told me that using more than one study program was borderline obsessive-compulsive. (see my signature below for the resources I’m using). I admit that I have those tendencies in various areas of life, but I have the opinion from postings on this website that using more than one resource is the key to passing ?!?!?

What’s your feedback?

Am I overdoing it?

It’s taking me FOREVER to get through all of the practice material for each section. This means I’ll probably have studied for FAR for 8 months by test time (including my recent break which was unavoidable).

But, I honestly don’t see another way. Do you ??? Feedback is welcome!

Of course, I’d like to finish sooner, but I probably need to accept that it takes a while to learn this stuff, so I just need to take one day at a time, and it takes as long as it takes, huh?

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Givemesleep]

If this is considered OCD, then I need to check into a clinic also. Keep doing what you are doing. We say here, chance favors the prepared mind. Keep it up curve buster.

Reg 11/15/2011 - 80
Aud 02/28/2012 - 81
Bec 05/31/2012 - 78
Far 08/31/2012 - 83 Do you believe in Miracles, YES !!!

CPA License received 10/2012 !!
CFE License received 04/2013 !!
EA License received

Givemesleep

[jenuno01]

Ok 8 months to study FAR is absolutely ridiculous! Good luck trying to remember the material you studied in month 1. Maybe it's ok to do it for FAR since it's your first, but you gotta get moving for the other 3, that 18 month window comes along sooner than you think. Also, have a little faith in Becker, it is good. Definitely supplement with Wiley, and NINJA notes though, anything further than that is overkill. Don't let this test take over your life, get it done and move on.

Class of 2012

[Hut-Hut]

Yeah dude, it's a bit overkill. Since it's your first time studying for a section, it's probably hard to determine which review course is good for you, but Becker should be good enough. Use it to understand the concepts (ie. watch the lectures, read the material, take notes, etc). Then do the MCQ portion. There's no need to sit through Wiley's review course, having to read their material and watch the lectures. The only time you should do that is if Becker failed at explaining a concept. Since you have Wiley and CPAReviewForFree, you should do the MCQ portion of those though. That's what's going to make you pass this test. Understand the concept first, then plow through as many MCQ as possible. Becker was more than enough for me (even though I was borderline), so doing extra MCQ would be beneficial, especially if you start memorizing the Becker answers.

On a sidenote, don't drag it out. As Jenuno mentioned, you will start to forget the material; it's all about short-term memory. Get in and get out. 7/8 weeks for FAR (you can probably even do it less than that if you're not working).

BEC - 67, 79 - (expires 5/24)
REG - 74, 72, 77 - Key to Passing: RTFQ
FAR - 77 - Chance favors the prepared mind.
AUD - 64, (5/14) - FREEDOM!! (i hope)

[Sandra]

Go through one program first and then supplement if you really need to. I found Becker to be unorganized and just too much, but I think the material is certainly good.

Reading posts like this makes me freak out a little sicne I'm trying to take all 4 sections in 1 window. But then again I wonder if thats almost easier than the other extreme of studying for months and months.

Remember that although no one wants to fail obviously, failing is NOT the worst thing, especially since you really only have to take a month or so to retake it. When comparing it to studying for months and months it certainly seems preferable to just take the test with a “normal” amount of preperation and see where you are at. You might surprise yourself.

All that being said- I haven't taken any section, so my advice is based on my opinion not experience. This stuff is hard, but not 8 months worth of hard.

[Tux]

Thanks for the feedback!

To Hut-Hut – I'm using the Wiley test bank, not the entire Wiley review system, but your point is well-taken.

The length of my study plan (the 8 month estimate) included the few weeks that I took off recently, so that was just dead time.

It's also based on my idea of learning one new chapter for a week, then review old material for a week, then learn a new chapter for a week, then review for a week, etc. Plus, a 3 week review of everything at the end. And, if all of that ends up in a “no-test” month, then I need to wait a few weeks for a new window to open.

So, 4 months have passed so far, and I'm only on ch. 4 of 10. Argh!!

But, my new plan is to spend less time on reviews between chapters and try to get through it all faster. So, maybe I can be done in a total of 6.5 months instead ? Anything helps.

I was really trying to pass on the first try, but Sandra's point is good – maybe it's better to get through it, take the test, hope for the best, and just study more afterwards if I don't pass.

Interestingly – I consider myself a very disciplined and responsible person. Normally, very capable of self-study, but this process has brought me to my knees. I would love someone to hold my hand and walk me through this each step of the way, just to stay on track, focused, and motivated.

I know I'm not alone when I say that I am truly humbled by this experience.

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[macguy6922]

Im trying to get through FAR and I have A.D.D. and its just as bad.

I've been at it for 9 months and this is my last one…8 months seems like a long time…

I know where youre coming from though so good luck

[Mrs 300]

I don't think it's overkill to use multiple sources of review. Personally, I like to go back and forth between Becker and Ninja notes. Jeff's notes simplify things. I like to reference back and forth between materials. For example, Becker only had 20 or so questions on Pensions. That worried me, so I reviewed Jeff's notes and then did the Wiley Pension questions. I think it all depends on how you use multiple sources of material too.

REG - 80 (Becker only)
BEC - 76 (Becker only)
AUD - 71, 76 (Becker only)
FAR - 65, 74, 81! (Becker, Wiley Test Bank, Ninja notes & Audio)

CPA Class of 2012 🙂

[Author]

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