[FAR74]

Hello all,

I just found out I received a 74 on financial. I prepared for 1.5 months using becker. I did the lectures, read the book once or twice, and did all the mcq’s twice-three times. I did the sims, but not all of them… I am not sure how to re-study.

My score report was as follows:

Framework & Standards (17-23%) Stronger

Financial Statement Accounts (27-33%) Comparable

Specific Transactions/Events (27-33%) Weaker

Governmental (8-12%) Comparable

Not-for-profit (8-12%) Stronger

Multiple Choice (60%) Comparable

Simulations (40%) Weaker

I am planning on re-reading everything first, and then doing all the multiple choice questions at least one time. I do work full time (and barely have any time after work since I am exhausted). I am planning to retake first week of Jan. Any advice would be much appreciated.

aud: pass
reg: pass
bec: pass
far: pass

[Nathan Sims]

You will pass the second time. Reading the chapters will definitely help. Skim through the book and read highlights then work all MC and SIMs, then go back and read book again. I was in your same situation as far as getting a 74 my first attempt at FAR. I was really bummed and lost some drive and motivation (notice the gap between testing for AUD after FAR). Your situation is significantly better because you have already passed all the others. Keep your head up and take it again. I bet you will pass.

Good Luck

[Anonymous]

My guess would be the simulations since you got weaker and they do make up 40%. It sounds like you have a pretty good plan of attack and hopefully come Jan you those few extra points needed. You have passed your other 3 so do let this get you down….you are so close. Stay focused, go through the material again, hammer questions, make sure you know all JE's. I felt i knew the material well and just slid by….lets face it, its a hard exam!

Good luck

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry you didn't pass, It definitely stings. Stay with it. Sounds like you need to work on time management as well. Try studying under timed conditions. Keep doing those MCP's! If you need some fresh questions go ahead and get the Wiley testbank.

[musicamor]

Beavis hit the nail on the head.

Based on your admitting you did not study simulations, I believe this is where you fell short. Simulations are all about understanding the transactions. Your sims will be anything from populating a cash flow to preparing JEs for certain events like entering into a capital lease or recording a foreign currency translation.

As you ramp up to study again, I would ask you to NOT re-read anything. You're on the cusp of passing; you have read all you need to read. At this point, you need to further refine your technique of responding to MCQs by working those nonstop until you test again. For simulations, you need to get out your sheets of paper and start practicing sims using t-accounts and journal entries. The more you can visualize in your practice time, the more success you will have on the exam. Write out a Statement of Cash Flow; practice your debits and credits. You will almost always need to write out a JE in order to solve the sims–do not try to solve a sim in your head; you must be able to quickly write-out the question in calculation format so that you can see the flow of transactions.

I wish you the best!

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[MCLKT]

74, been there.

Take advice from Dory…. Just Keep Swimming.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmyUkm2qlhA

A:[73]97 F:[74]85 R:86 B:[74]82
*NINJA 10 Pt. COMBO & Yaeger*

[FAR74]

Thanks for the encouragement guys. It really does suck, and I know many people on here understand how I feel. I really thought I did everything good.

My attack plan includes re-reading everything within 1-2 weeks, and then spending 2.5 weeks straight on nothing but MCQ's, at least 1-2x AND SIMS!; and a few days on the final review for far (becker) as well as aicpa mcqs/final exam 1 & 2.

What do you guys think?

aud: pass
reg: pass
bec: pass
far: pass

[tuwanda]

FAR74 I understand. I had the same situation with FAR. I think that your plan sounds great. You are almost there. Much success to you!

[Jsmi77y]

I failed FAR recently with a 74 as well. Just re-studying areas I feel weak in by doing Multiple Choice over and over with the occasional rewatching of a video.

People who read the entire book front to back in the first place are impressive. I skim the book at best and generally watch videos (I just don't retain information from reading, plus it bores me).

People who RE-read the book are nuts 🙂 Musicamor seems on target.

<3

REG - 68 | 71 | 88 | 86
FAR - 72 | 74 | 79
AUD - 66 | 70 | 77
BEC - 62 | 74 | 80

Guess that means I'm a soon-to-be CPA!

[Tina82]

I got two 74 and it sucks. Both times I re-read my notes (depending on how good notes you've taken) and redid mcqs. You got pretty close so obviously you know the material. I hope my 74 luck doesn't continue with my last section (also far). You might want to invest in wiley test bank for xtra questions.

R - 74;88
A - 84
B - 74;89
F - no study = 67; May 15 = 87 & done

[love2passcpa]

Hello “FAR74”

I completely agree with “musicamor”. Don't wast your time reading the book. If I were you I would spend my time on tons of MCQs and SIMs. And if you make a mistake on MCQs or SIMs find out why you did and write down the correct answer on your yellow pad. By doing so you want to make sure that you have learend the material and you won't make that mistake again. Additionally do a lot of progerss tests. As many as you can. You are very close the the finish line. Good luck.

FAR PASSED
BEC PASSED
REG PASSED
AUD PASSED

[Givemesleep]

Just a suggestion. If you failed with a 74 (so close can't imagine the feeling), try using a cram course like Roger, coupled with Wiley software and supplement with ninja audio to stay fresh in the car. The Roger cram is excellent.

Bottom line is dont give up, but do switch up your material.

Reg 11/15/2011 - 80
Aud 02/28/2012 - 81
Bec 05/31/2012 - 78
Far 08/31/2012 - 83 Do you believe in Miracles, YES !!!

CPA License received 10/2012 !!
CFE License received 04/2013 !!
EA License received

Givemesleep

[mrwills12]

@FAR74

I agree with the people above who say to alot of time reading the book. I would just glance over a chapter then re work the multiple choice, any area that you dont get a high score on focus on reading that portion and then redoing the MC. Also do the sims associated with each chapter. Once you feel comfortable, move onto the next chapter. I would rework all the MC, explain to yourself why every answer is right/wrong and keep doing this until you cant stand to see MC anymore… then do some more. Do the same thing with the sims. Ultimately you dont want to just brush off a Chapter because you did well the first time around because next time you might not know how to do something. Study for this one like its your first time taking it and make sure as hell you do everything you can do to make it the last time you have to study for an exam.

FAR - 88 (Jul 2012)
AUD - 85 (Oct 2012)
BEC - 82 (Nov 2012)
REG - 92 (Jan 2013) DONE!

Using Becker Self Study 2012

[Rukus]

If you don't already have them, two things to buy immediately:

1) Wiley test bank

2) FAR Ninja notes

Trust me. Invest a bit of money now. Read Ninja notes through at least 5x, and do as many Wiley test bank questions as you can, focusing on any JEs. Then pass in Jan. and be a CPA the rest of your life! Good Luck!

FAR - 81 (8/31/12)
AUD - 93 (10/19/12)
BEC - 79 (11/27/12)
REG - 92 (2/8/13) DONE! All 1st attempt!

[FAR74]

Hello guys! I have taken your tips into consideration! I am planning on re-reading everything, even the smaller details.. and doing all the questions & sims at least once. I realized now that I am re-reading, everything seems to make more sense and I was not focusing well the first time I took it.. measly 74!

I re-scheduled for the 3rd of January! Hopefully I will have everything done!!!!!

aud: pass
reg: pass
bec: pass
far: pass

[mbbransc]

I recently got a 74 on REG. Kicker is after completing the exam I told my wife I know I missed one question because I changed it and then in the next testlet a question made it obvious I had it right to begin with. Then you play the ‘what if' game. Killer.

Nothing I can do about it now. Gotta prep up for this AUD exam on SAT!

------------
FAR - PASSED
BEC - PASSED
AUD - PASSED
REG - 74
<sigh>

[Author]

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