[MIA4MYCPA]

I found out yesterday that I passed AUD (my frist section). I thought I would be utterly relieved and highly motivated for my next section once I found out I passed. Ummmmmmm… WRONG! I now feel even more stressed because I know I have the pressure of the 18 month clock ticking! To make matters worse, I started studying FAR right after I took AUD and feel completely overwhelmed by this material. Anybody have any strategies to relieve the stress and conquer FAR?

AUD - Oct 2011 - 79
BEC - Feb 2012 - 84 (seriously thought I failed this one)
REG - May 2012 - 84 (hmmm.....do they actually grade the SIMS???)
FAR - Aug 2012 - 80

I must be dreaming.... am I really done!!!

[Minimorty]

@mia – I am/was in a very similar situation as you. I work full time and have a wife and two children (2.5 yrs old and 0.5 yrs old). I actually refused to study while either of the kids were awake. I did not want to take anything away from family time. I'd basically study for a couple hours every night after they went to sleep. That being said, I actually agree with Herbie that taking two tests per window makes sense, especially if you have any concerns or doubts that the 18 month window. Use the dark month to study and take an exam early in the testing window. That way you will have another 6-7 weeks to take the next exam later in the testing window. Just keep your eyes on the prize and know that you can get it done. Good luck with the journey.

[See Pee A]

@MIA4MYCPA: I took FAR about a month ago, and found out that I passed recently. My recommendation is to not let the volume of material intimidate you. The majority of things are straightforward. At times you can judge what things are appropriate to skim over (by this, I mean that you don't need to get bogged down in every last exception or twist that you come across). The best way to keep on top of things is to periodically review older materials (i.e. after lecture 3, review 1&2, after lecture 6, review 3-5, after lecture 9 review 6-8… then begin your final review). This way, you have all the basic calculations constantly practiced and so you don't have to ‘relearn' things too much. Worked for me..

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

[MIA4MYCPA]

Thanks everyone for the great study tips! I have decided on my approach for FAR. I have already watched all of the Becker video's and made highlights and notes. I am studying with one of my co-workers but she took REG 10/29 and was late in starting FAR with me. So I am now re-wathching all of the videos with her on the weekends. I am going to do the homework and make note cards during the week on the sections we will be watching over the weekend. Of course I will mix in quizzes over all of the sections I have completed to keep it fresh. Then when watching the videos I am going to take my own handwritten notes over each section. I started this approach this weekend and I picked up a lot more from the video the second time around after completing the homework. I will still have 3 weeks to review everything , andcomplete TBS and Final Exams.

I also wanted to clarify on my earlier post, I am absolutely not using my family or other priorities as an excuse for anything pertaining to this exam journey. They are my motivation for doing this, and I will succeed because of them!

AUD - Oct 2011 - 79
BEC - Feb 2012 - 84 (seriously thought I failed this one)
REG - May 2012 - 84 (hmmm.....do they actually grade the SIMS???)
FAR - Aug 2012 - 80

I must be dreaming.... am I really done!!!

[makinthemagic]

Don't panic. Lots of people have passed FAR before. Accept the fact that there is so much to know it is impossible to know it all. Set a study schedule to cover all the material before the exam and stick to it. Move on to the next topic even if you don't understand the prior topic 110%. But make sure you know a topic at least 75%. Keep focused and nail it.

Bec 4/11/11 91
Aud 7/11/11 75
Reg 8/31/11 80
Far 5/24/11 86
Ethics - 98
California Licensed CPA
Illinois Registered CPA

[js75]

@letsfixthis Thank you for tips! I have a similar study plan too. Tips, allocate at least 80 minutes to SIM for REG-all calculations and focus more on Tax section. There's not a lot of questions from Business Law section.

BEC 11/24/10-77
REG 5/11/11-82
FAR 10/5/11-85
AUD 11/30/2011

[Author]

Replies