[sim]

I just started studying for the cpa exam a couple of weeks ago. I am starting with FAR and using becker. I am also working at a small accounting firm so I get to study about 2-3 hours a day and weekends I spend about 8-10 hours. Its week 3 of me studying and I KEEP GETTING ALL THE MULTIPLE CHOICE WRONG. I am not sure if I’m not studying the right way? I am not the best at test taking so I am freaking out and don’t know what to do! What’s the best way to study and how to retain information AND How to stay motivated because everyday I’m losing it!! I just feel so overwhelmed by the multiple choice and if I watch a skill video it makes so much sense. But then if I do it again I always struggle!

[Icarito]

Key will he reading the answers and fully understanding why 1 is right, and 3 are wrong and why they’re wrong compared to how they could be right. A lot of times 1 word is wrong.

Nothing is more apparent with this than REG business law. I’ve wanted to throw my computer a few times.

[mvhoover]

My advice: I work in tax and audit so I took tax first and audit second. I had a ton of confidence going to BEC even though I immediately hated BEC. FAR was awful for me, I found it all so boring. But, since I have already passed “The easy ones” I am motivated beyond belief to just get it done. Everyones advice is different, but you sound like me and for me starting with what was easy helped.

[Diesel]

Read all the answer choices, take notes on what you didn't know, and go back and review the published notes if you need to. The multiple choice questions are not easy because the answer choices test your full understanding of the material. I'm studying FAR and when I start studying the ninja multiple choice I'm sure I will get several wrong at first. But with time and lots of practice, it will click. Have faith in yourself.

[jombe]

I tried studying for the exam all by myself right after college and I ended up giving up due to no structure. Second time I tried it, which was roughly six years after my first try, I spent bit more $-wise and got more structured prep materials, including online lectures, which helped me immensely.
–
Obviously some people can pass the exams just fine by buying a test bank and texts, but that doesn't necessarily mean everyone can do it that way. Just judging by what I am reading from your post, you may be like me who needs more structured prep materials, which means more $$$. Up to you.

FAR - 94 (10/4/15), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
AUD - 99 (1/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
REG - 96 (4/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
BEC - 91 (7/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ

581 days of listening to lectures, reading texts & 10,000+ MCQs...

[Tiff]

I agree with MVhoover, maybe take one that you may be more familiar with for the 1st exam, to gain a some confidence and have some experience with the testing environment and the pressure. FAR is a beast. Secondly, for me after a couple of fails, I had an “aha” moment and realized that understanding the “BIG PICTURE” and how the information fits together worked best for me. I created charts or visuals for each section and tied the info and details together to understand the big picture. After understanding my learning style, I have passed every test since then. Now I'm just waiting on the results of my last one.

[Tncincy]

@Sim I understand your dilemma. I have started several times with full energy and vigor and when I got to the mcq's and getting so many wrong, I lost momentum. But from what I understand, we're going to get them wrong until we learn from them. I'm saying we because I still get them wrong, and have changed courses and etc. But I did find that continuing to do them, take notes, and pace myself has help this go round. So just pace yourself. and if you have to do the questions again. do them again until you know why the answer is right or wrong. I think you'll be ok, and hoping I'll be ok, but just keep pacing yourself and pass Far. It really doesn't matter which test you take, you'll have to study. I tried switching from far to reg, but I found the same thing. Getting the mcq's wrong from not studying enough. So I would and am focusing on one part, pass it then move on to the next.

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

[sim]

Do you recommend to do multiple choice after each module you’ve done or do one whole section and they do the multiple choice? Also what about the sims? I get so overwhelmed just by looking at them.

[Author]

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