[jhd7]

Hello,

My name is Joe. I’m a CPA-hopeful from NJ. I’m currently studying for FAR which I will take on Feb 28th. I use CPAexcel (which I would not recommend), along with ninja notes/audio, wiley test bank and the yaeger cram. I’m feeling pretty helpless at this point using CPAexcel for FAR. I feel as though the instructors make it seem like every topic is of high importance, which I know can not be true. I feel like I’m not at all as far as I should be. I’m going to need way more than the recommended 150 hours I’ve seen as the general hours needed to prepare for this exam. I was hoping I could get some feedback as to how some of you might allocate the remaining time if you were me. Even though it’s tax season, I get 20+ hours of studying per week (sacrificing a lot of sleep), to give you an idea of what I’m working with. Thank you in advance.

AUD- 78
BEC- 79
REG- 91
FAR- 83

Licensed NJ CPA

DONE

[RKOller]

I'm testing Feb 22, and studying 20-30 hrs a week. I'm in the same shape you're in. CPAExcel did a good job of covering every topic, but it was overwhelming for me.

I had NINJA plus WTB, so what I did a couple weeks ago was get the Wiley book and use it for my review text, and now I'm just doing WTB questions/sims, listening and reading NINJA. I feel like I'm making more progress this way.

[RKOller]

I'm testing Feb 22, and studying 20-30 hrs a week. I'm in the same shape you're in. CPAExcel did a good job of covering every topic, but it was overwhelming for me.

I had NINJA plus WTB, so what I did a couple weeks ago was get the Wiley book and use it for my review text, and now I'm just doing WTB questions/sims, listening and reading NINJA. I feel like I'm making more progress this way.

[jhd7]

Thanks for the reply. I have the Wiley book from purchasing the Yaeger cram, so I'm definitely considering giving your idea a shot. I'm going to try and wrap up the CPAExcel videos this week then review for a month or so.

AUD- 78
BEC- 79
REG- 91
FAR- 83

Licensed NJ CPA

DONE

[jhd7]

Thanks for the reply. I have the Wiley book from purchasing the Yaeger cram, so I'm definitely considering giving your idea a shot. I'm going to try and wrap up the CPAExcel videos this week then review for a month or so.

AUD- 78
BEC- 79
REG- 91
FAR- 83

Licensed NJ CPA

DONE

[Anonymous]

Jhd7..I had the exact same feelings as you studying for FAR. CPAExcel lessons do make it a grind, but I also feel the time I put in with the lectures proved to be beneficial (I scored an 82 on FAR last month). I really enjoyed Pamela Smith's lectures. Like you said, it is very time consuming, but it does help in the long run. I use CPAExcel, NINJA Notes & Audio, and Wiley Test Bank. I start out with CPAExcel, and that is my least favorite part of studying, because it is such a grind. BUT on the sections that I've used it, I've passed. The Ninja Notes & Audio are perfect for re-enforcing the topics, and then hit the Wiley test bank hard. Good luck on your exam. FAR is a beast, but it'll be a great feeling when you get that passing score.

[Anonymous]

Jhd7..I had the exact same feelings as you studying for FAR. CPAExcel lessons do make it a grind, but I also feel the time I put in with the lectures proved to be beneficial (I scored an 82 on FAR last month). I really enjoyed Pamela Smith's lectures. Like you said, it is very time consuming, but it does help in the long run. I use CPAExcel, NINJA Notes & Audio, and Wiley Test Bank. I start out with CPAExcel, and that is my least favorite part of studying, because it is such a grind. BUT on the sections that I've used it, I've passed. The Ninja Notes & Audio are perfect for re-enforcing the topics, and then hit the Wiley test bank hard. Good luck on your exam. FAR is a beast, but it'll be a great feeling when you get that passing score.

[TxMBA]

Hi Joe I'm in the same boat that you're in. I'm also using CPA Excel on FAR and it's very overwhelming. I'm also doing 20 hours a week minimum, but going to be stepping it up.

I previously used Becker so I'm taking notes from the Becker book and then supplementing with the CPA Excel info (not watching videos – they don't work for me). It's what I did for Reg and it worked, but wow is this taking long.

I'm scheduled for Feb 25 and am also worried that I may not finish reviewing it all. I still need to do the OCBOA and Personal Financials section before moving on to Financial Stmt Accounts.

I'm thinking that rather than using the “stop and go” for each mini section I'm going to review larger chunks at a time and hope that speeds things up. Good luck to you!

AUD: 82* Expired; 90
BEC: 77
REG: 72,87
FAR: 72, 68, 87

[TxMBA]

Hi Joe I'm in the same boat that you're in. I'm also using CPA Excel on FAR and it's very overwhelming. I'm also doing 20 hours a week minimum, but going to be stepping it up.

I previously used Becker so I'm taking notes from the Becker book and then supplementing with the CPA Excel info (not watching videos – they don't work for me). It's what I did for Reg and it worked, but wow is this taking long.

I'm scheduled for Feb 25 and am also worried that I may not finish reviewing it all. I still need to do the OCBOA and Personal Financials section before moving on to Financial Stmt Accounts.

I'm thinking that rather than using the “stop and go” for each mini section I'm going to review larger chunks at a time and hope that speeds things up. Good luck to you!

AUD: 82* Expired; 90
BEC: 77
REG: 72,87
FAR: 72, 68, 87

[Author]

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