[jetablack4]

So this is the 4th test I have taken, I have passed REG and BEC and failed FAR on my first try. My first test was REG and my second was FAR – both tests I felt I did very well on the MC and left myself an hour of the simulations and both tests I did not have enough time to finish the test. I actually left 3 sims blank on FAR. This time around for FAR i worked hard at improving my speed to leave myself 1 hour and a half for the sims which worked out well. I also felt that the sims I got this time around were much easier and straight forward compared to the last test. Hopefully this will get me passed the 75 that I need!

As stupid as it sounds, I studied so much for this test both times that I was able to work every problem I saw on the test. Some might think this is a good thing, but it is also counterproductive when you are dealing with a timed test. Reason being, just because I recognize the question and have an idea on how to approach it, I would spend time trying to figure it out. Sometimes I do figure it out and it take 5+ minutes, that’s just not efficient for this type of test. This time around when I got a big calculation problem that I knew was going to take a lot of time to solve I just ended up guessing on it to give me more time for the sims. I figure this led to me straight up guessing on about 2 questions every testlet. Hopefully this strategy works to my advantage. Hope this helps if anyone else has time issues when taking the test. And hopefully I passed

Sorry for the poor grammar, I did celebrate a little tonight after taking the test, and after all it is Thanksgiving Eve. Everyone enjoy the holiday!

REG 81
FAR 70,85
BEC 81
AUD 91

[Anonymous]

Why did you guess when you knew how to solve it? If it was a problem that you knew how to do you should have done it because there isn't going to be many problems like that on the exam.

[jetablack4]

As I stated in my post I would have an idea on how to approach and solve the problem (ex. Non monetary transaction which lacks commercial substance). However, this type of problem can have me thinking for like 10 minutes trying to recall all those formulas. So instead of wasting time on something I might get right I would just guess so I would have more time for the sims. I guess I should clarify that they were not easy problems.

REG 81
FAR 70,85
BEC 81
AUD 91

[See Pee A]

@jetablack4: It sounds like you need a good bit more practice (assuming you don't pass and have to try again). Nonmonetary exchanges are among the simpler topics. Not easy to calculate but straightforward. There are quite a few rules for gain/loss and basis, but if you end up skipping that problem completely then you are not familiar enough with the topic. Of course, Dec. 7 you will find out, but for future exams you may benefit from more memorization so that when you see:

HCS – full g/l recog… done deal

LCS – bring out the book in your head!

Good luck on your studies. It's definitely a rough exam, but you managed to crank out REG and BEC so you're definitely on your way!

BEC 86 (08/30/11)
FAR 84 (10/13/11)
REG 88 (11/08/11)
AUD 86 (11/29/11)

Exam prep - Becker self-study

[Anonymous]

@jetablack4: I just finished FAR (2nd time) and found myself doing the same thing with some of the more complex problems. I flagged them and came back if I had time. I didn't want to spend too much time on a handful of problems and run out of time on the sims. Good luck.

[SIMSLAYER]

Jetblack4 and ahoffman82. The Wiley text says that our main objective is to “pass the exam.” Gaining knowledge, acquiring new skills, etc. should be secondary. It sounds like you figured out a strategy to increase your chances of passing FAR on your second attempt. It may not be for everybody, but you did what you had to do and I bet it works out for you.

I too ran out of time on FAR on my first attempt (and failed) because I would not let go of some multiple choice questions. I got too hung up on trying to get every multiple choice correct. I basically employed the same strategy as you did the second time around and scored an 81.

Of course we all want to give our best shot at each question we come across, but you also have to keep in mind what Cindy from Yeager says about how some questions are designed to eat up your time. With FAR, you must leave yourself enough time to do reasonably well on the SIMS or you will not pass.

Sounds like you both employed a good strategy. Good luck to you!

FAR- 81
AUD- 93
BEC- 79
REG-

[Yamaha]

@SIMSlayer and Jetablack4: I took FAR today and ran into the same problems you both incounterd on the first go around. I the MCQ got really tough so I am assuming I did well on the MCQ, I didn't see any MCQ the through me for a loop. It appeared as though I had 7 Sims two were research. I left myself and hour but ran out of time. I completed 3 Sims not including the research sims I skipped them because I heard there was not a lot of point value for the research sims. I know I did really well on the 3 Sims I completed but ran out of time on the last four. Have either of you heard anything regarding the point values for the research Sims, and do you think I have a chance of Passing not completing all 7 sims. I assume there were 7 sims but I didn't look at the last two because I didn't want to waste time. I know for sure of the four I did not complete two were research Sims

[Minimorty]

@Yamaha – My understanding is that the research SIMS have the exact same point value as the other SIMS. Was your strategy going in to spend 3 hours on the multiple choice and leave only an hour for the SIMS? So, just looking at this from a mathematical standpoint, you pretty much need to have nailed the multiple choice to have any chance of passing. You completed 3 of the 7 sims. Best case scenario you got 100% on 3 of the 6 that count (let's hope that one of the SIMS you did was not pre-test). So you got 50% correct and the SIMS are worth 40% of your grade. Losing 20% of your grade off the top is going to be tough to overcome. That being said, I guess crazier things have happened. Good luck come Dec. 7th. Let us know how it goes!

[Yamaha]

@Minimorty: No I planned on spending 1 1/2 hours on the Sims. I spent too much time on the SIMS. Sounds like I better put my game face on for round 2 on FAR.

[Anonymous]

@jetablack4 I think u did well.

The sims were super hard for me. I had 2 hours for the sims, but i still left one sim blank.

[jetablack4]

Well it worked out for me, and pretty well I must say…I got an 85!!! I am just glad I do not have to take that monster again!

REG 81
FAR 70,85
BEC 81
AUD 91

[Author]

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