[Anonymous]

1st full week of studying for my retake. I jumped right into Ninja MCQ, and about half way done. My average score is 78-the topics I am weak on are no surpise. I started to re-write my own notes today, but that was so de-motivating, I didn’t get very far. Tomorrow I need to re-write my notes (they are disjointed from my first test, I want to re-write them by topic in a new notebook). I really need to re-read my Becker book on acquisitions, equity method, and non-monetary exchanges so far. My plan is to get through the rest of the Ninja MCQ by end of next week, and re-write the rest of my notes. I then plan on printing out Ninja notes (didn’t utilize last time) and then jump into SIMS, while re-doing the missed MCQ in Ninja and continue re-reading the book. How are others approaching their re-take?

[Tncincy]

I agree, DON'T GIVE UP. I feel like I am going around in circles most of the time. But I am determined to get this done. I have spent way too much money and time on guessing. So I'm studying and getting ready for this test next month. I will not cancel! We'll get there.

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

[Anonymous]

msquared17-when is your test? I agree with everyone-just keep going! studying for this thing is the most discouraging thing in the world! If you aren't feeling the MCQ today-jump into SIMS or write notes, or read the book-sometimes switching things up makes it more tolerable!

[msquared17]

Thanks for the advice. This morning I decided to keep going and made a decision by the end of the week. I’m going to shake things up a little and study in a quiet place with no distractions.

I haven’t scheduled the test yet. I haven’t even paid for it yet since I was up in the air about taking it. The test center in my area doesn’t fill up quickly. They seem to always have availability.

I have a few days off next week. So I could use the time for intense studying.

Hopefully I’ll feel better in a few days

Thanks for the advice.

[Tncincy]

@msquared I wouldn't count on always availability. The score release delay is causing many to schedule. I had trouble finding a date. But hey, one day at a time, one step at a time. You really can't take study seriously if you haven't even paid for the test. Maybe it's time to settle it and get it done.

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

[allFARoneandoneFARall]

I am debating on starting to restudy for FAR. So far I have passed BEC which will expire in May of 2019. After taking FAR in October of 2017, I had a lot going on in my personal life and left 1/3 of the test blank and made a 50 – hence walking out thinking this is the least most important thing in my life right now. After coping mentally with my personal life – 5 months later – I am trying to determine if I should revisit FAR or if it would be better just to study for a brand new test such as AUD? I would hope to take another test by June 1st.

FAR is the most intimidating test for me and I tend to get burnt out on it really quickly. However, I did feel more comfortable about the material during my last go around in October. I just had too much going on in my personal life the weeks leading up to testing.

Any advise? Is 5 months too long to have any real memory of what I studied previously?

[Anonymous]

@allFAR..-i would say after this long a break you could easily jump into another section. Considering that you didn't have command of the FAR material at the time of the test, you will have to study for it like you have never taken it before.

[msquared17]

@tncincy – I understand what you are saying about not paying for the test. However, paying for the test doesn’t motivate me. You would think the cost of this Becker course would be enough. I could think of better ways to spend my money right now. LOL. I was making progress with studying until I put a hard line on myself. Then I got stressed and it all went to pieces. Anyway, it’s up to me to make this happen and fully commit. I’m going to isolate myself in my room tonight and go at it. LOL

[TC85]

I missed FAR last time with a 62. I went through all of Rogers questions and printed them with correct/ incorrect explanations. I'm retesting 4/4 and I swear I don't understand how I got some of these right! Anyone review and feel they're forgetting everything but do better once they sit for the exam, or at least know ways to get passed it?

[Anonymous]

I also missed FAR last time with a 62 and went through all of Roger's questions. I took notes on the ones I missed. Re-testing next window sometime, although not using Roger for my review. If for some reason you don't pass again, consider Gleim's materials. They're much, much better. The questions are tougher than Roger's but they will absolutely prepare you better. I used Gleim for BEC…didn't pass, but it was because I didn't finish studying before I had to take the exam (NTS was expiring, it was either take it or lose my money.) But, I found Gleim's materials way better than Roger's for BEC.

[Tncincy]

OK Ninja's , What do you think. I just got a surprise for my birthday! (which is in another week 🙁 ) but I just received Review materials from BECKER (all four parts). I guess my family is tired of me crying about not passing. I am using Ninja though, should I jump right in with FAR or wait until I finish Far and use it for the rest of the parts. I am so excited, there is no way I could afford becker, and no one will tell me who purchased it. OK, So should I be excited? Should I jump right in? Your thoughts please.

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

[Anonymous]

@Tncincy – Becker + Ninja is way to go. Listening to T. Gearty for FAR lecture videos can be annoying, but Peter Olinto does a great job at explaining the concepts covered in Becker. I did the other way – Becker material first then did the Ninja MCQs after going through all the Becker material. That's awesome that your family got you Becker as your birthday gift!

[Anonymous]

@Tncincy I hope you like Becker and find studying FAR more of a fun than a burden. (Yahoo me at Amordiva).
I like Becker because 95% of the notes/lectures/solutions are comprehensible to me for as long as I study each section.

I was not passing FAR because I’m always 50-60% done and kept running out of time until the actual test date. In Q4 of last year, I was only 56% finished with the Becker’s software. I did better in Q1 testing window only because I swore to myself, “I need to finish this material by hook or by crook or I shall die now!” I did the best I could. But my best was not enough! I did only 91% of Becker from 12/20/2017 to 03/10/2018. Yes I studied even on the very day of the test (trying to brush on NFP topics at the last minute).

Bang! I got a 76 out of the saving grace from heaven!

[Anonymous]

Gearty’s Skills Practice is fine, but SKIP his lectures (SKIP, SKIP, SKIP THE LECTURES!)

Olinto’s lectures are GOLDEN. It’s a MUST to watch all of Olinto’s lectures and skills practice.

[msquared17]

@tncincy – that's really awesome! I've only used Becker until my recent Ninja purchase. I think Becker does a really good job with the material. I also like having Ninja to supplement and the reporting aspect. If you're are done with the lectures for Ninja, I would say do the mcq, skills practice and sims in Becker. Unless you're trying to qualify for the Becker Promise in which case you will have to view the lectures too.

Happy Birthday!

[Anonymous]

I was able to hit 91% of Becker software by playing Geary’s lectures without listening. I think reading and writing down notes ALONE does better job without listening to Gearty. In fairness though, I think Gearty is a very good CPA-Lawyer and a good teacher too, however he focuses so much on providing students final review notes by having to repeat to the students to highlight and underscore this and that, which he thinks would be useful during the final days leading to the test date. Gearty should just teach, plain and simple. He is very good in sharing his actual/real experiences with his tax practice.

[Author]

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