[Anonymous]

Hello,

I’m taking FAR for the first time. I am currently registered for FAR and AUD but I have not set the dates yet. I am also currently in grad school taking 2 courses. I start working full time at my firm in January, I wanted to finish both FAR and AUD before I go back to work but I don’t think that’s possible. I want to at least finish FAR before I start working. I’m using Becker and I wanted to ask questions for those who use Becker. I have spent about 3-4 weeks studying now and I just finished F3.

1. I don’t take notes separately when I watch lectures or read. I just highlight and do what they tell me to do in the video lectures, I think I should be taking notes separately to make a study guide after each module to memorize the key points. Do you guys take notes?

2. On MCQ, I’ve been getting low 60’s to 70’s. Sometimes 80’s on easy modules. Is this normal?

3. I don’t try to memorize the information but I just try to understand when I watch lectures and do problems but it’s hard to retain all of those information when I’m learning new materials everyday. How should I tackle this problem? I do understand some stuff you just have to memorize.

4. Any advice or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
ex. how many hours did you study per week? what did you do? did you take notes? did you have to go back and re-read to retain information?

I’m just concerned if I am on the right page, I feel like I am not as motivated, sorry about lengthy questions.

Thank you!

[lam2848]

Hi! FAR is also my first exam and I'm using Becker as well! I think we are in the same boat except that I am not in grad school.

1. I think this depends on how you learn. I have to write things down to remember them. So I usually take notes on pretty much everything. And I make my own flash cards in addition to Becker's flash cards.

2. I'm not sure if this is the correct way to do MCQ but I continue to complete questions until I get them right. Depending on the section I usually score around 70%-80% on MCQ but I continue to do them until I get 100% and I just flag the ones I keep getting wrong to practice later.

3. I think taking notes may help with retaining information. That and the progress tests

4. I study A LOT. Probably more than I need to. I was lucky enough to have this summer off and not start work until October. So I usually start studying around 10am and try to finish around 7pm. Again, I don't know if this is the best way to study but it works for me. Financial accounting was not my strong area in college so I feel like I need a little extra study time.

Hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I used Becker 100% for all the exams I took and luckily, I passed them all the first time.

1. I don't usually take notes but FAR was the exception. This is the only section where I took notes per chapter – the reason being is that the material is very heavy compared to BEC/AUD. These notes will help you in your final review.

2. I work full time so my schedule is to to finish one module/week. I finish all the lectures first and then do ALL the MCQs, skills practice and SIMS. I study the ones I get wrong but I do not re-do them bec I will just end up memorizing the answers. I do try to re-answer all my incorrect MCQs as a part of my final review. And yes, it is normal to trend 60-70s, you'll get better at it eventually.

3. I go through the lecture and take notes. And then I review my notes to retain the information.

4. I think I studies a TON. I work full time and I try to study everyday! About 4-5hrs after work everyday, 1-2hrs during my lunch break and 5-8hrs on weekends!

I studied a lot and only got a 79 – to be honest I was happily surprised w my score bec I found the exam to be difficult and I did not finish the sims due to it being lengthy. Anything is possible as long as you put in the work!

Goodluck!!

[Anonymous]

Thank you! would you guys recommend that I register for FAR before December 10 which is the last testing window this year or just take it in January? I am currently about to start F4 and my goal is to finish each chapter(F) every week.

[msquared17]

I'm in a similar boat. I've been studying off and on since jul/aug. I'll be finishing F4 this week. I'm hoping to take FAR early Nov. I hear there will be new testing items starting in January. You might want to take FAR in Dec.

I haven't figured out the perfect plan either. Each chapter I do something different. Sometimes I'll take notes when reviewing the chapter and then do MCQs. Other times my notes will come from the MCQs. Either way, writing it down seems to help me retain it better.

[Ana]

@eas0014 I say take the exam in Dec and try your luck. Seems like you wouldn't lose anything and you'll actually see what the exam is like and can better prepare for it next time if you need to.

[Anonymous]

Thank you all!!

[Author]

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