[Manderz]

So I took FAR this past Saturday. I had originally planned on taking it in November, before all the IFRS and simulation changes; however, I was unable to do so because I got really sick and had to push back the exam a few months. While studying for FAR, I started out by watching all the lectures in Becker & taking notes. I finished all the lectures about 2 weeks before my test & spent my final 2 weeks doing numerous multiple choice questions and reviewing formulas… I even made brightly colored posters with what I thought was important information and hung them all over my apartment so I was constantly looking at them, even subconsciously. This was probably the first time I felt well prepared for a test and I actually wasn’t all that nervous the night before the test, which is amazing for me, because my stomach is normally in knots the entire week before my test and I get no sleep the night before exam day.

So I get to the testing center (without eating or drinking anything so I would not have to take any breaks) and I immediately feel like I forgot everything. It was a very strange feeling, I was looking at all the questions & I at least recognized all the material… but for the life of me, I felt like I couldn’t remember how to do anything. I was so frustrated, because I felt like it was all things I knew how to do, and if I were at home, alone I could have easily done. I just I have some extreme test anxiety issues that I was never really aware of.

The first testlet wasn’t too hard, but I still don’t feel like I did well since I really couldn’t remember how to do anything. The second testlet was a lot more “wordy” and the problems were difficult, but again, under normal circumstances, I don’t think they would have even given me a problem. I must have really bombed the second testlet though, because the third one seemed a lot like the first. My simulations were not that difficult either, all stuff I have seen before, nothing new. I know I didn’t do well on them though because yet AGAIN, I couldn’t remember how to do them!!!

Has anyone had an experience like this?? I am completely frustrated, because I put soooo much time into studying & felt very good about the information… and then test day comes and BAM- instant amnesia! I am pretty confident that there is no way I could have passed. I am debating on seeing a doctor for my anxiety issues, or I may never pass one of these tests!!

[Herbieherb]

Hey manderz…if you can try to simulate the exam experience as much as possible at home. Get a similar keyboard, mouse, desk, chair, monitor. While I studied mcqs I only used the sample aicpa exams new calculator so I'm always used to it…using 2 sharpened pencils instead of mechanical ones…Also maybe wear the same sweater while studying everyday…and wear it to the exam? This might make you more comfortable. I wore the same “lucky” hooded sweat shirt for every exam…lol I am retiring that sweatshirt 🙂

Also you need food and breaks! Stop that nonsense!

NEW YORK- DONE

[Anonymous]

I took FAR last Saturday as well and studied like crazy for it. I didn’t necessarily forget anything, but I did find the questions very difficult. I thought the first testlet was straightforward. But the second and third were nightmares. The first 7 questions on Testlet 2 were foreign questions that made me feel like I didn’t study a thing. Thankfully, the remaining questions were on topics I knew, but wow, they were hard. They added so many little nitpicky stuff that confused the heck out of me. Testlet 3 was a little better, but wow, they required a lot of heavy, intense calculations. This is the testlet that almost made me almost run out of time as I spent over an hour on it. The simulations weren’t too bad. Oddly enough, 2 out of the 7 simulations were research, which I found pretty straightforward. A couple of others weren’t too bad, but around 2 simulations were extremely difficult and were tricky. I believe I spotted all the tricks, but there's no guarantee.

Basically, what I’m saying is that my experience was all over the place. I could have done well or I could have done miserably. I’ll just have to wait until June to find out. It just frustrates me that I studied as hard as I did and there’s a chance that it may not have paid off.

[happy75]

Manderz,

Looks like you knew the stuff well but just needed more test taking practices.

Next time try to spend more time solving tons of problems until you feel very confident.

Also, you definitely need energy (food and drink without caffeine) to stay focused for 4 hours straight.

During the few days before I sat for my AUD exam, I practiced sitting for 4 hours solving problems continuously (every day at the same time as the actual testing time), and it definitely helped me.

You may also benefit from some relaxation techniques like deep breathing and simple stretching exercises.

Good luck!

[Manderz]

@ Herbieherb, thanks, maybe I will try that lol… as far as drinking anything, maybe I could try those 5 hour energy drinks? I can't drink coffee or pop because I have the world's tiniest bladder so I'd be getting up every half hour to use the restrooms 😡 I guess eating wouldn't be bad though, I just get so nervous I forget to eat but maybe that will make the difference on being able to focus!!

@CPAman- I guess I kinda feel the same way, I either did pretty well or just failed miserably. I'll be praying for ya, good luck!

@happy75- That's really good advice! I will definitely have to try that, I've never been a good test taker, but if I keep practicing the way I have to take the test, maybe it will become natural for me! I am definitely going to try this for my next exam (taking a lil break at the moment; moving at the end of the month!)

[kperrucci]

I took FAR on Saturday. I did well on the multiple choice (at least I think so) the second testlet was harder and I think the third stayed just as difficult/wordy but I think I did well on them. the simulations killed me! It wasn't that they weren't material that I knew, the wording of the sims was anything but straightforward. I was able to answer them all, but at this point I have no idea if I aced the sims or failed them because I was so unsure of what they were requesting. Oh well, guess there is nothing I can do now, no sense beating myself up over it. I hate that we have to wait until June!

FAR 4/9/2011: 88 (Becker)
AUD 5/16/2011: 88 (Becker)
REG 7/1/2011: 82 (Becker)
BEC 8/3/2011: 91 (Becker and Ninja)

[Anonymous]

nice job! good luck to all this window!

[T-rex]

Thanks for the tips!

I haven't taken FAR yet, but I'm studying for it now. I've learned a few things from taking the other 3 sections though:

1. Make sure to drink a lot of water the night before so that you don't need as much on exam day. You don't want to have to pee if you can help it.

2. Don't eat anything to heavy or super high in fiber the night before as you don't want to have to stop and go #2 during the exam. Right before the exam, try eating a bunch of pancakes. They fill you up for awhile so you won't need snacks.

3. Try really hard not to let questions from outer space throw you off, sucking up your energy and causing you to lose focus. Go in fully expecting that nonsense and just plow through as best as you can. We're all in the same boat there.

4. Don't even bother trying to predict your performance. The crazy scoring model makes it almost impossible to predict how well you did. I could have sworn that I had failed REG because I did so poorly on the SIMS; nevertheless I passed. Meanwhile, I spent countless hours stressing over it. That was a serious waste of time and energy. (Now if only I would take my own advice on this one.)

Alright, back to the books.

Good luck to y'all.

T-rex

P.S. Hi, Herbieherb!

AUD - 95, BEC - 85
REG - 85, Rawrrrrrr FAR - 88
Used Becker for all sections.
CA candidate not residing in CA

[SoFlaCPA]

Hey Manderz, my friend had an experience with FAR very similar to yours earlier this year. She passed! I have faith that you passed too.

[Herbieherb]

@T-Rex RAWR!!! how are those precious arms???

NEW YORK- DONE

[Author]

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