[Anonymous]

Hello everyone! I’m currently in the process of studying for FAR using Becker and my May 17th test date is fast approaching. I’m working through F6 now and I’ve got to say I’m not really that thrilled with my mid 60s-70s average scores on the homework I’ve worked for each chapter so far. I’m keeping a notebook to write down the concepts from questions I’m missing and I’m going to start progress tests to combine every chapter I’ve covered like I did for Audit but I’m getting nervous especially with my test date so close. Any advice on studying using Becker or ways to not be so intimidated by this beast of an exam?

Thanks!

[NikkiSkupnjak]

Keep doing what you are doing! I was making about the same. Are you making 60-70s with looking at the material or without? When I studied, I did the first run through of MCQ without looking at any notes and I marked the ones I missed. I used those questions to focus on at the end for review.

I would also suggest when you are working any type of problem for FAR, workout the entire problem–even if they are only asking for a number, write the journal entries. This helps you see the entire picture–which is the most important thing to understand for SIMs (journal entries throughout a period). Also if there are differences in the problem when using IFRS–make sure that little thought always pops in your head

Keep writing down notes. I used notecards and when I was not studying, I kept them with me to look through even if I only had 5min (Dr. waiting rooms, commercials on TV, lunch at work, etc.)

FAR 92
AUD 99
REG 94
BEC

Becker Self-Study, Wiley Test Bank

[Tncincy]

Good advice Nikki, because I have been in on the power week ends and it came to me that I will have to do the problems without notes so how will I retain this information. I am using the flashcards as a review aid, but you answered my question.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

Nikki, thanks so much for the advice! Those scores are without looking at notes or the book while I'm doing them. I definitely didn't think to write out JEs and all of that though. Thanks for the tip! I'll keep you posted on progress once I start taking the progress tests and practice exams.

Do you think the Becker flashcards will help too or just make my own?

[sharp315]

@Nikki: Great advice with working the entire problem. To go along with that, differentiate between doing MCQs for review (take your time and write out all related JEs) and doing a progress test for time (focus on the question stem only and without using notes). These are separate activities, so treat them as such.

For FAR specifically, I would recommend supplementing your MCQ practice with the Wiley test bank. It covers a few areas better than Becker, especially IFRS differences. If you're able to build it into your review schedule, I would also recommend working all MCQs on CPAReviewForFree. These are generally much more elaborate than what you'll see on the actual test, but they're great for solidifying concepts.

BEC: PASS
AUD: PASS
FAR: PASS
REG: PASS

[NikkiSkupnjak]

@sharp315: yes very good point, time is important for the real deal

Good luck with your studies Future GA CPA! As for flash cards, I have not seen the Becker ones. For me making my own was easier because they were in my own wording and included little reminders for problems. Plus writing them out is helpful for some people

FAR 92
AUD 99
REG 94
BEC

Becker Self-Study, Wiley Test Bank

[Anonymous]

I received the Becker flashcards for FAR when I went to a Becker presentation at my school as a door prize. I find the ones for FAR helpful, mostly because I am not a fan of making flash cards nor have I ever really used them for studying all throughout college. I like these for a quick refresher of the material as they point out a lot of the more important points and are useful if you have a solid understanding of the material and just use them to keep it fresh in your mind.

[Anonymous]

@bcjasper09 I absolutely HATE making flashcards and they've never been much use either but it's good to know the FAR ones are helpful for a quick refresher. I might make some of my own with specific calculations and problems in addition though.

And it also looks like I might be investing in the Wiley test bank. I'll have just under two weeks to review so I think I can get that all in and possibly even have time to do the CPAReviewForFree problems hopefully. Thanks for all of the words of wisdom, everyone. I really appreciate it!

[Anonymous]

I would recommend it. I use Becker, because thats what my firm provided, but I bought Wiley on Saturday and I like it for a spin on the questions. They have quite a few different questions, also. I am going to start CPAreviewforfree today and see how that goes. Good Luck!

[jgrfan1]

I have used Wiley Test Bank for all of my exams. It is a good tool. My feeling is that it is harder than the actual exam. If you can do the MC and sims and get a 75% then you are in relatively good shape for the exam.

BEC - 5/2012 - 91
AUD - 8/2012 - 89
REG - 1/2013 - 90
FAR - 5/2013 - 88
Wife, 2 kids and a job

[Author]

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