[bmj2s]

Hi all,

I’m struggling with studying for FAR, like many other people. My test is scheduled for 7/31. I’ve read the book twice at two different points, and have made flash cards and wrote out a whole spiral notebook of notes. Apparently, with this trending 44%, I have retained nothing. So now I’m just really stressed about my test date coming up and making 50’s on every topic. I tried going through the Ninja book sections while doing the practice mcqs, and even that leaves me stumped. I don’t remember seeing anything in the inventory chapter about double extension dollar value LIFO, and there’s three small paragraphs about it in general. I guess I’m just wondering if at this point even if I do pass so I deserve this license? I don’t remember hardly anything from the other 3 exams.

[monikernc]

Take a day off from mcq’s and find Alan Mursau videos on YouTube on the top 10 far topics – he will walk you through these topics at your pace in a visual way. It is like watching that guy paint on PBS.

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[CPAHOPE]

You should definitely know the critical concepts at least.
FAR – know the F/S in n out, return of capital, OCI (Normal people would not know this), operating lease – why FASB decided to change the rules on this, R/E it is net of tax

BEC – financial and operating leverage, du pont analysis, why a debt can be perceived as good or bad (president trump and Robert Kiyosaki actually had discussions over this), variance analysis (expectations vs actual results), why management estimate overhead cost

Theres more but the above mentioned are critical and every CPA should know them.

If you are forgetting the materials, you should create relationships in concepts and study them. I actually think and analyze on my own when im studying the materials

[RobOh]

You have made it this FAR (pun intended) and only have one more to go. Additionally, you are going through this omg period that many others go through. Take a deep breath and take a second to think about all that you have accomplished so far and how much work you have put into this to make it this FAR (another pun intended).

As I'm sure you know already, these next two weeks are critical to your study prep for the upcoming test. My suggestion would be to come up with a solid plan for the next two weeks, be disciplined and at this point you already know what study methods work better for you.

It is not uncommon to not remember parts that you already studied when you go back to them. Monikernc has a great suggestion in watching those videos. You have a solid two weeks of final review, so this is the time to re-remember those parts that you already covered (even though you don't realize it you will absorb it quicker than the first time). Personally, I found it helpful to carve out a certain period of time each day to hit mcq's that were for all sections or multiple sections and I would also spend a good portion of my day with a more focused approach. I would strongly advise that you do not avoid those weaker areas. Remember the phrase a mile wide and an inch deep. I found that to be helpful during my studies because there are so many different topics being covered, especially for FAR, so that when you see it on the exam you are at least familiar with it.

Yes, anyone who passes all four parts of the exam and meets the other requirements of education and experience deserve to be licensed. You are almost at the finish line, it will be such a great feeling when you pass this last part. Best of luck and believe in yourself.

[Recked]

Agree with all the others posters. It's normal to feel completely defeated and demoralized, especially with FAR. You need to learn how you learn and retain information best. For some it's note taking, for others it's massive amounts of MCQs. If the notes aren't doing it for you, try to do lots and lots of MCQs.
If it's not in the book, you'll learn it from doing it, repeatedly and often.
Keep plugging away, you got 2 more weeks. It should all start coming together soon. Just keep pushing.

[Mikey]

CPA stands for “couldn't pass again” for a reason. Becoming a CPA is a brutal gauntlet of a process. Keep in mind CPAs, unless they are employed in academia, rarely have good knowledge in all areas of accounting. Most CPAs find a specific area they like and develop a niche for it and really specialize in it. Don't feel bad about where you are at. Only one more to go! If you really want to develop a thorough understanding of different areas then hunker down, pass the last exam, and then devote quality time to your CPE requirements over the years.

[AGI]

There's always going to be some odd topics in FAR. With the limited amount of time, I would recommend focus your studies on those questions and topics that WILL DEFINITELY be on the test.

To save time, highly recommend you post questions on the forum and ask around for the answers. This will save you 50% of time. Remember, 10 people filliping the book at the same time is always faster than one person.

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[bmj2s]

I'm looking to see if I can still reply to this, it kept giving me errors all week.

Thanks for the support everyone. I'm still trucking through. I had reset my mcqs to do totally random instead of topic by topic. I doubt I'm going to have 100 mcqs on inventory and it was bringing my trending down.

I just did the FAR practice exam on the AICPA. Did well on the mcq practice, and knew about half of the sims without having to use the answer key. One week left to really pound this stuff in. Any tips for the final stretch?

[monikernc]

Pound MCQs, redo SIMs, building up your weak areas while staying strong! Remember to be confident and always tell yourself you can do this! Read everything in the mcq’s. Learn don’t memorize! Get those low hanging govt and nonprofit points. You will be great!

Ask for a calculator!

FAR 7/25/15 76!
AUD 10/30/15 93
BEC 2/27/16 82
REG 5/23/16 88!
Ninja Book and MCQ and the forum - all the way!!!
and a little thing i like to call, time and effort!
if you want things to change, you have to do something different

[Author]

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