[vvSPAZvv]

So I’m in a slight frenzy at the moment. Typically being a rather organized person, I feel scatter-brained at the moment. I take FAR (and my first exam) on Tuesday (7/14) and am hoping for some advice on how to utilize my last couple of days.

Last evening I took my Becker Final Exam 1 and did not do as well as I was hoping. My overall percentage between MCQ and the TBS that chose to complete was ~68%. Now I have visited the Becker Prep vs. Actual exam scores page and seen people typically do on average 10-15 points better on the true exam than the prep (which I guess would put me around a 78) but I was really banking on doing better with this prep exam do build some confidence.

Anyways, I DO NOT plan to postpone my exam. I am just hoping to get some last minute advice from all of you kind, experienced testers for how to make the most out of my last couple days of studying.

FAR - 76! 10/15; (65) 7/15
BEC - 82! 11/15; (74) 8/15
AUD - 01/16
REG - TBA

[okcpa2015]

I've been there. Of the exams I've taken, FAR was the other one that I truly didn't feel comfortable going into it. But, like you it was because it was my first exam.

The week leading up to the exam I did constant MCQs on areas that I struggled with. My test was Monday morning so I took all day Saturday doing a couple practice exams and MCQs. The night before the exam I took it easy and just reviewed some topics I struggled with and most importantly made my “Cheat Sheet” to study the next morning.

So I would suggest between now and Monday do as many MCQs as physically possible. Take it easy Monday and make that Cheat Sheet so you get the most out of your short-term memory. Good Luck, you've go this!

FAR - 91
REG - 88
AUD - 98
BEC - 88

[vvSPAZvv]

Thanks, @okcpa2015! As much as I despised my results from the Becker Final Exam, I am using it to kind of target where I need some work. For example, when I was doing Pension MCQs after learning the stuff, I nailed it. However, it must not have stuck because I totally bombed those problems on the prep exam.

The cheat sheet is a good idea. Did you find mostly qualitative or quantitative served you best on your cheat sheet for FAR? I see you scored really well!

FAR - 76! 10/15; (65) 7/15
BEC - 82! 11/15; (74) 8/15
AUD - 01/16
REG - TBA

[okcpa2015]

@vvSPAZvv, for the most part I included list of items I didn't want to forget, Journal Entries (like pensions and tax entries), and some ratios.

Really, I just outlined the topics that I struggled with. Making the cheat sheet was more valuable then actually reviewing it. Give it a shot.

FAR - 91
REG - 88
AUD - 98
BEC - 88

[12tang]

I haven't tested so take this advice with a grain of salt. I'm really in the same shoes as you. This is what I have been telling myself:

The actual exam won't be as wordy and complex as becker, for the most part (according to many)

As the exam approaches, the temptation to try to “memorize” is high but only do this for things that are truly hard to grasp and really try to understand the why behind the general flow of the information from all chapters. As my audit professor always said, “stand up out of the weeds and look around!”

Scoring on 70 percent on average is a good benchmark. Anything higher is great but not worth it if it ends up eating too much time.

Use last few days to hit govt/NFP and any remaining tough areas. Then really hit the cheat sheet for things like general rules/IFRS and what not..

Using Becker self-study
FAR: (82) 175 hours - 1st attempt
BEC: (XX)
AUD: (69) 45hrs of study - 1st attempt
REG: (XX)

[vvSPAZvv]

Thanks @12tang! I just get slightly discouraged when I take these Becker progress tests. Some of the problems are so lengthy and eat up so much of my time and I think to myself “how am I going to be able to finish this exam!”

Good luck to you on the 20th!!!

FAR - 76! 10/15; (65) 7/15
BEC - 82! 11/15; (74) 8/15
AUD - 01/16
REG - TBA

[12tang]

I feel your pain. Becker is trying to over prepare us which is a good thing. Come exam day, leave the long, wordy, complex ones to the flag!!! Time management will be key for sure and flagging will assist. Best of luck to you as well!

Using Becker self-study
FAR: (82) 175 hours - 1st attempt
BEC: (XX)
AUD: (69) 45hrs of study - 1st attempt
REG: (XX)

[Author]

Replies