[Ntw6817]

I’m taking FAR in a week and I’ve been studying using Becker. I’m scoring in the 80s with multiple choice but I haven’t really looked at the simulations at all. I’m kinda worried. Thoughts?

[LSNYC]

Get comfortable with how they work, do some practice sims. While IMO doing MCQ is the best way to lean the material I also think you need to do well in SIMs to pass. Practicing them helped me learn how to answer them but MCQ taught me the information.

Good luck!

A - 61, 91!!
B - 78!
F - 76!!!
R - 71, 73, 74, 69, 77!!!!

Finally done!

This is my 2nd attempt at the exam, I had two parts passed (failed many) and I stupidly quit, big mistake. Now I'm back and with a vengeance!

[Anonymous]

SIMs are 40% of your grade – they are very important. I would start praticing them now and get comfortable with the research question search engine. With Becker you go over them once see where you messed up then re-work the problems again and again, each chapter. While MCQ help you understand the material I do not believe they prepare you for the SIMs.

[Tux]

Since you're doing well on the MCQ's, I'd suggest spending your last week focusing hard on SIMS.

They're 40% of the grade, so you can't pass without them.

Good luck!

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[topharry123]

Very important! Be sure to use the research tool for all of the simluations and not just the research question as it is available to you, and can really help you become more confident that you are getting the right answers. It took till my 3rd exam to realize I could use this tool for all the simulations and I wish I have have known it right from the start.

FAR - 95
REG - 93
AUD - 91
BEC - 85

[Almost Done]

In the three sections I passed, I have never studied the simulations. IMO, all the concepts are learned through the MCQ's, I just applied what I learned. If you're stressing over them, it wouldn't hurt to look them over.

BEC: Passed
REG: Passed
FAR: Passed
AUD: Passed

[acamp]

Get very comfortable with the research tool, I scored above average on sims on all four parts–partly attributable to the fact that I used every last second of the exam to scour the research section for better answers (second guesing MCQs doesn't always work, but second guessing sims with research can work to your advantage).

…Oh and, ask my 76 on REG how important sims are 😉

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[whitelilies04]

I got weaker on all areas of multiple choice when I took FAR and stronger in sims, and I ended up passing. They are VERY important. Good luck!

FAR - passed, 11/12
AUD - passed, 5/13

[Anonymous]

I think the SIMs is how I finally passed. 5 of the 6 (less research) I nailed. I was sure that based on the MC that I was going to fail. I think with the weighting now (at least what they tell us the weighting is) SIMs can save you if you aren't very good at the MC. Also, if one of your SIMs is really longer than the other and contains a crazy amout of info, save it for last. It's probably a pre-test.

[ImaCPA168]

It really depends on the person. Have you looked at any of the SIMs at all?

Some people can tackle the SIMS by just knowing the information and not having to get comfortable with the format of the SIMs. Those people don't have to practice SIMs much at all. They can transfer their knowledge gained from studying and MCQs and apply directly to the SIMs.

Other people can't do the SIMs if the format is unfamiliar no matter how well they know their stuff. I fell in this category. So I had to practice them and get familiar with them no matter if I was already doing great in practice MCQs.

SIMs are important. They are a big part of the exam. You cannot pass without at least getting comparable on them. So whether you're the first or the second type of test taker, I'd recommend that you at least take a look at them and try one or two. It helps getting proficient with all the tools especially research.

B - 83 Done
A - 88 Done
R - 81 Done
F - 77 Done

Ethics - Done
Attest Hours - Done

Licensed-May 2013!

[Ntw6817]

Thanks for the tips everyone! I took the final review tests with Becker and did the simulations. They seemed to be kinda short though. Are the Becker simulations about the same length as on the actual CPA?

[Author]

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