[jfreelov]

I found out on Thanksgiving morning that I passed FAR! This was a second attempt (I took the exam in May with zero preparation just as a scouting operation) and leaving the exam I felt there was about a 2/3 chance of passing but it turns out I really nailed it with a 94. I studied at a somewhat leisurely pace for four months (total of about 90 hours studying time including four full-scale practice tests). In hindsight, four months of studying was a bit of overpreparation.

I had planned to move on to the other exams averaging 10 weeks of studying each, but bad scheduling foiled my plans. I obtained my NTS for all four exams in March and didn’t realize until just now that I have to take them all within one year. Now I’m paid up for all three remaining exams but have only 12 weeks to pass them all. Therefore, I’ve decided to take the plunge and really commit to doing the seemingly impossible… passing REG, AUD, and BEC in 12 weeks.

Since my study method worked well for FAR, I plan to execute the same strategy only at an accelerated pace. I’m hoping that by posting my progress here it will force me to work harder because I’ve made a public commitment, and hopefully be an inspiration for my fellow CPA candidates.

Wish me luck!

FAR - 71, 94
BEC - 91
REG - 51, 88
AUD - 89

[runhomejack]

Good luck. Your plan is strenuous but definitely doable.

BEC - Pass
FAR - Pass
REG - Pass
AUD - Pass

[Anonymous]

There is a good bit of crossover between AUD and BEC so I would plan to do those back to back. If you are doing a lecture course and it is financially feasible I would switch from a full length course to a cram course for whatever topics you are better at to give you more time to work multiple choice questions.

[jfreelov]

Okay, Regulation is scheduled for 1/5/13. That gives approximately five weeks.

I took a test exam, including simulations, and scored 47%. Obviously a long ways to go, but then again, I have not read or studied any material yet.

Scores by module:

Agency – 75%

Bankruptcy – 50%

Business Structure – 75%

Contracts – 100%

Commercial Paper – 50%

Corporate Taxation – 39%

Debtor – Creditor Relationships – 50%

Regulation of Employment – 50%

Federal Securities – 50%

Other Tax Topics – 50%

Individual Taxation – 27%

Prof. & Legal Responsibilities – 75%

Property – 25%

Partnership Taxation – 19%

Sales – 0%

Secured Transactions – 83%

Transaction in Property – 33%

Research – 100%

Based on these, I'll be studing Sales, Individual Taxation, and Property this week. Will report back on Saturday with updated test results.

FAR - 71, 94
BEC - 91
REG - 51, 88
AUD - 89

[MsCPA544]

jfreelov, if you don't mind me asking, what was your study plan like for FAR? I am taking FAR in Feb and would love to have your score!!! Just trying to compare my study plans with those who have done well on FAR exam. Thanks in advance.

FAR-7/27/13
AUD-5/25/13
REG-NOT SCHEDULED
BEC-NOT SCHEDULED

[jfreelov]

No problem, MsCPA.

I studied exclusively using Wiley Exam Review. I would cover approximately one module per week, sometimes more, sometimes less. I would read the module all the way through, taking extremely limited notes (less than one page of notes per module). Then I did every single MCQ for that module, reviewing any missed questions. If I got less than 80% of the MCQ correct, I would reread whatever part of the module I was weak on (only needed to do this twice). Then I would type up a one-page summary of the module that contained what I determined to be the “essence” of the module and whatever relevant rules I thought would be most likely to be tested.

When I had five weeks remaining, I began taking full length practice exams using Wiley Test Bank. I feel this was the critical step in getting my score so high. Whatever three modules I did the worst on the practice exam were the three modules I would study or restudy the next week. This way I was able to systematically turn all my weak areas into actual strengths and avoided overstudying areas in which I was scoring adequately. The first two practice exams (with five and four weeks remaining until test) I was scoring almost exactly 75%. The third and fourth exams were in the low 80s, and the last practice test I took was 87.

During the final week, I took a counterintuitive approach, and backed off studying. I would maybe review like 15 minutes per day using the one-page summary notes, but didn't try to cram in any last minute information. Tried to sleep early the night before but couldn't. On exam day, I grabbed a double-shot frappucino from Starbucks to caffeinate, and headed to the test site. Sat in my car for 30 minutes before the test calming myself and browsing the book. Finished test and felt frustrated because it seemed to me that the test asked my questions that were ambiguous or in ways that I hadn't prepared for. Never-the-less, Wiley had my back and it turned out I did quite a fine job.

FAR - 71, 94
BEC - 91
REG - 51, 88
AUD - 89

[nataliamw]

I really like your “focus on weak areas to turn them into strengths + don't overdo areas you are already good enough at” common sense approach!

[MsCPA544]

jfreelov, thank you so much for that extensive layout. I also use the Wiley Book and Test Bank, I wasn't sure if it was enough. From what you have told me, I feel much more confident. Right now, I feel overwhelmed with all the information I have to process, but I guess as time goes on, the information I have learned will start to sink in. Thanks again for the advice.

FAR-7/27/13
AUD-5/25/13
REG-NOT SCHEDULED
BEC-NOT SCHEDULED

[Anonymous]

Good luck! May the force be with you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfSANfVf4-E

[Author]

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