[Anonymous]

I have three testing windows left after this current one until I lose any parts that I have passed. FAR is my last one (assuming I passed BEC last week). Since I would only have 5 weeks to study until the end of this testing window and I work a full time job, my chances of passing FAR if I took it at the end of August are slim to none (usually I give myself at least 2 months to prepare). Would it be beneficial to just sign up for FAR at the end of August to see how the test goes, sacrificing roughly $250 bucks?

[mla1169]

That's enough time to study for FAR, I took about 6 weeks and passed. Just bite the bullet and really buckle down on it

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[MIA2CPA]

Based on what you stated, I would recommend you use the additional dead month to study.

Reasons why:

1) You normally require 2 months to prepare. FAR has more breath than the other sections so it would be an immense strain on you to learn 25%-66% more material in half the time you are comfortable with.

2) You have 3 testing windows to pass FAR. Assuming you don't take FAR in this current window, that gives you 3 tries and a window of 8 months to sit and pass.

3) Judging by your tone(“to see how it goes” and “sacrificing roughly $250”), it sounds like you've already resigned to failing but the chance of seeing the test material may justify it. I disagree on this. You've already taken(and probably passed) 3 sections so you know the format of the test. In addition, the breath of FAR is so vast that no 2 tests will cover the same material. You are better off saving your $250 for celebrations upon passing all exams.

Just my 2 cents.

BEC - 84
AUD - 83
FAR - 82
REG - 81

I'm DONE! CERTIFIED PARTY ANIMAL!

[Anonymous]

Overstudying is better than restudying, in my opinion.

If you're used to having more time, 5 weeks won't be enough for you. Plus, it's summer => harder to concentrate.

[momto5]

I agree with the last two posts. What's the point of driving yourself crazy during the next month, only to have to probably start all over again? Take the time to get it down the first time and save your money as long as you are not in a “have to do it now or else” predicament.

FAR - 92 (4/27/12)
AUD - 96 (7/17/12)
BEC - 92 (8/30/12)
REG - 91 (11/12/12)

[Anonymous]

Don't drive yourself crazy over it. BUT I was pretty sure I was going to fail FAR because I was running out of time while reviewing. I hadn't finished most of Gov't & NFP MCQs which is a heavily tested area. However, I just kept working at it while mentally preparing myself that I may not pass.

Turns out, I passed due to Ninja audio (helped me score those Gov't & NFP points) and Becker (I kept re-reading chapters and working the MCQs). Also use the research tab for SIMs.

FAR has a lot of information and I def. studied for 7-8 weeks (4-5 weeks sincerely) with no job. If you think you can manage it, then do it…otherwise take it next window!

[FindaJob]

Dude ! Take it ! :D> you will pass ! if you do not … u have 2 more tries ! I mean … It will be at least an indication of how much more u need to study …

its only 250 dollars ! for some reason … whenever i have to take a test i have to pay double that…for the NTS and for the test !

How come ? i'm taking the tests under new hampshire … what state r u taking the test under ?

two to go !

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I've decided to wait until the October-November testing window to take FAR since the cost of taking the exam won't outweigh the benefit of whatever I learn from failing it. I appreciate all the support, I really do, but I'm 99% sure I would fail it if I took it at the end of August. I work at an accounting firm 50+ hours a week and my weekday studies usually don't get me much, I tend to put in 8-10 hours on Saturday and Sunday to make up for lost time.

Can I just say that this is the one blog I come to where I can get great input from positive people.

[nearly_there]

Go for it. 6 weeks while working is tough, but it is possible. You passed REG, and it has more and more challenging info than FAR, IMO.

FAR - 85 November 2011
AUD - 81 January 2012
REG - 68 March 2012
BEC - 86 April 2012
REG - 92 July 2012

[Anonymous]

I am in nearly the same boat! I started studying last week, and intend on sitting at the end of August. I have my mind set that i will fail, but my NTS expires on 9/2, so there is no harm in sitting.

I work about 50 hours a week, so similar to you I dont get too much studying time in each day (2-3 hours/day). I am debating whether to use majority of my PTO days left to study and pass in August, or just try my best with work and retake it in October.

So- to those of you who have gone through this- Do i have a shot of passing if i use, say 6/7 days off to study spread over the next 5 weeks?

Thanks so much for any feeback, I really appreciate it!!

[nearly_there]

I think it all depends on how comfortable you are with the topic of FAR to begin with… if you have a knack for it then 6 weekends + some studying on the week days should be enough.

I work 45+ hours a week and passed it comfortably after studying hard for 4 or so weekends. So it just all depends.

Also, you might get lucky and pass it even if you are underprepared.

[EDIT] Oh, and I only took one day off work before the test when I took it, so take 6/7 days should definitely be enough.

FAR - 85 November 2011
AUD - 81 January 2012
REG - 68 March 2012
BEC - 86 April 2012
REG - 92 July 2012

[MyLifeisCPA]

I am taking FAR at the end of August as well. I really started to buckle down and study as of last Monday. My plan is to do about 20-30 hours a week until test day. I think you can do with some serious studies and focus is definitely during this “distracting summer weather”. Good Luck to you!

BEC-Passed
AUD-Passed
REG-Passed
FAR-Passed (I AM DONE!!! THANK U LORD!!!!)
Licensed Texas CPA - 10/2012

[JakeO]

When you're under the gun, bite the bullet and take the test even if you know you didn't prepare as well as you would have liked. Maybe that will take some pressure off of you and you will pass. But I would much rather pay for a part and fail than lose a part. And you learn so much from taking exams and you gain a better understanding of the questions and material.

AUD-Failed (Waiting for Score)
BEC-PASSED (First try)
REG-Failed (Retake February 2013)
FAR-Failed (Retake January 2013)

[Hitemup27]

You pays your money and you takes your chances.

A - 93 - 10/25/2011
R - 92 - 1/17/2012
B - 91 - 5/31/2012
F - 93 - 10/1/2012
E - 90 - 11/17/2012

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[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for the advice!!! I'm going to give it my best shot and try to pass.

MyLifeisCPA- Good Luck!!!

[Author]

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