[rbcpa]

I seriously need help from everyone. I have taken FAR for a total of 4 times now and have yet to pass the beast. I’ve been trending around 73-75% before I go into the exam and my biggest trouble spot is journal entries and sims. Do you think it’s worth getting a tutor?

My scores have been 65,54,72,67

Please help!

BEC - PASSED
AUD - PASSED
REG - PASSED
FAR - PASSED

[Luma196]

I recommend you get the wiley books, READ each chapter VERY VERY well at least TWICE and do the MCQs as MUCH AS U CAN and look at WHY you got the answer RIGHT and why the other choices were WRONG……. U GOTTA understand each and every trick possible that FAR may give you….. and wiley does a GREAT job with the details.. you need the details.. and i also got the Ninja Notes….. they helped me! AND after you finish the questions from the book,,, Re-read the chapter… it helped me with all sections and specifically FAR

Good luck

FAR: 77 (1st attempt)
AUD: 89 (1st attempt)
BEC: 80 (1st attempt)
REG: 80 (1st attempt)

[Guti]

dmende, the first week of Sept, I will update this thread to let you guys know if the strategy worked.

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[nigercpa]

I have come to realize that the key to passing these exams is practicing Mcq and taking notes on the ones answered wrongly. For each of my exams , I had atleast two note pads of Mcq explanation. For Far, you have to know your journal entry. I remembered I had 5 JE in my simulation, but because I had mastered it I was able to answer them correctly, my result came back stronger in SIM despite the fact that I left the research completely blank. So bottom line, understand each McQ and the reasoning behind each option being wrong and the correct option as well. Truly, if you do these effectively, you should be good on the exam. On the exam, make sure you manage your time wisely. It was only FAR I wrote twice, I passed the others at first seating. My fail attempt of Far was because it was my first exam and I spent too much time thinking about my MCq answers which left me with just 40 mins for the simulation. I knew all the questions on the sim, but I was only able to answer 3 sims with extreme pressure. The result came back with Weaker on sim with a 65. So, do not waste time on Mcq you are not sure of, remember there are pre test questions. So make a 50% guess and move on. Targeting atleast 90mins for the sim. My second attempt with Far, I had 90 mins for sim and I completed all questions except the research which was from the left side and I couldn't figure out how to find it in the AL. So all the best.

Far - Passed 83
Aud - Passed 84
Bec - Passed 77
Reg- Passed 77

[Anonymous]

I found out that I passed FAR last Thursday, so I'll share what I did. I'm using Gleim, by the way. I work full time and I have an 18 month baby (means I can't study when he's awake) so I setup a schedule to take each set every 3 months.

I bought my review materials in package (4 sets all materials included) since it's cheaper that way. First thing I did was read the booklet that comes with the books, it's the How To Pass the CPA exam which includes tips and guides on exam, and how their materials will help you get through it. Second, I only stick to one material but strictly followed the format (MCQ, Study, True or False, Study, MCQ 2, more MCQs until I get at least 75%, then finally SIMs) for each study units (Gleim has 20 SUs).

I also used study planner which helped me to keep on track with my schedule, I get emails when I fall behind my schedule. For each study units I took my own notes (this tip I got from Jeff), key points during study session and also anything that I encountered during MCQ that was not mentioned in the study session. Watch out for the keywords when you are taking notes. Sometimes, that one word, makes the difference in choosing the right answer.

I did not skip SIMs! In Gleim's format, it requires you to complete SIMs at the end of each study units (after you got at least 75% on MCQ), so all in all that's around 186 SIMs. Doing SIMs will basically give you a feel on how it looks like on the actual exam so completing SIMs for each SUs gave me an idea on what could possibly be given on the exam for any of the topics.

I hate memorizing so whenever I come across something like formula, I look at it over and over again until I figured out an easy way for me to remember it (i.e. AR Turnover, whatever turnover, it's always the denominator, AR is debited for credit sales, and Inventory is credited for cost of sales, so I know AR TO = Sales/Ave. AR, Inventory TO = COS/Ave Invty.)

Study groups. While reviewing FAR, I bookmarked the FAR study group page, FAR experience forum and I officially passed FAR forum. Some members are really helpful if you have questions, you can also get tips from them how to remember things and how's their exam experience.

On my study planner, 1 week before my scheduled test was my Final Review week. That means I should have covered all topics at that moment. So once I completed all SUs, I went back to my notes from start to finish (around 50 pages) then did the Exam Rehearsal test. The test was designed to identify my weak areas. Then I spent 4 days focusing on my weak areas by doing MCQs in study mode. Last 2 days, I did comprehensive tests and made another set of quick notes (around 3 pages which includes any formula that I have to memorize).

I spent at least 180 hours studying, did at least 2000 MCQ and at least 186 SIMs.

The day before my exam was rest day! I spent time with my family and did not think about the exam.

Exam day. I scheduled my exam in the afternoon so the morning before that I went thru my quick notes, then relax again (although that's impossible as I was so anxious already, I can't even eat! lol). When I was on the testing center, I tried to be as calm as possible. By the way, I can't find my car keys on the exam day because my wife has both sets of keys on her purse. And she's not answering her phone. I'm glad my step dad was available to drive me there. So I tried to be as calm as possible and not to panic. That is also important during the exam, you have to stay calm and stay focused.

To sum it up, create study plan, stick to it, follow your review material format, take notes, do MCQ's and SIMs, do more MCQs, read forums for tips, rest and relax, then pray, take the test, then pray again, then wait for the score release, then pray again before you open NASBA site, then you pass.

You have to evaluate your situation first before taking another test. Remember that insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different result. If you did the same thing for all 4 attempts then you will get the same result. I guess it's time to try a different approach. By the way I got 93 on FAR, 1st set, 1st try. 🙂 Good luck!

PS. I also listened to audio materials on my way to and from work for 3 months.

[Herbieherb]

These are some things I did to understand and memorize…Make your own flash cards for every Journal Entry. Review them daily/nightly and memorize. Do it backwards and forwards, like jeopardy style see the answer and ask yourself the situation that will make this type of entry. That way u will understand not just memorize. Also buy yourself an eraserboard and write the JEs on them so hang near your bed so its like the first thing you see upon waking up and last thing you see before going sleep. Also, since you have Becker go thru the notes and make screen captures of every journal entry and print out or make a pdf file you can review on your smart phone on the go in the bathroom, eating, at work, exercising whatever.

NEW YORK- DONE

[How many letters do you need]

I think the advice so far has been really sound. I personally think the Wiley book is a little too detailed to actually read through. I did use the Wiley book though, did every MCQ in the back of each chapter and read every explanation for every MCQ I got wrong, read some of the detail in the chapter if needed in order to get the concept, and then took notes of that concept. As a supplement along the way I was running constant MCQs from 10-30 question lots in what were consistently my weakest three topics. Also, since the WTB has no real trending score, I created a spreadsheet to do my own so I could see my % score in my last 50/100/150 questions in any particular topic. Lastly, I used the NINJA notes to fill holes that weren't gelling (namely Government & NFP), rewrote and memorized those sections. Most importantly, I was sure to squeeze in some time to remind myself why I'm doing all of this. Whatever and whoever you happen to love, try to stay as involved with those people and things as time will allow. It really does keep you sane. Good luck.

MBA,CMA,CPA, CFF?, ABV?

[rbcpa]

The in depth responses have been great. Thank you all for your input. My AUD credit expires end of November & my REG credit expires feb 2015 – when do you suggest I take FAR? Having taken it 4 times before what's a reasonable amount of time to spend studying?

BEC - PASSED
AUD - PASSED
REG - PASSED
FAR - PASSED

[kaywalee]

Hi rbcpa,

I feel your pain, after many attempts of trying to pass this monster. I finally passed this part of the exam in May.

Here is a few things I learnt and applied in my succeeding attempt. First of all consider yourself seasoned, meaning you should have some knowledge about the exam format it self. The time constraint and so forth.

I had a 3 month planning schedule (I am working full time) This was my method of keeping track, I used Wiley Text and TB.

I also pulled out some of my old text books (10yrs old) the step by step method helped in many ways from preparing many of the JE's , statement of cash flows, bank recons and understand the logic.

I can not stress the importance of time management. My game plan was study1 session per week, average 3hours per day (I ride the trains, so I made copies of my text so it was easy to hold(I prefer the paper copies) and read while standing, even better if I got a seat on the train)

Sometimes, I will rewrite some of the notes to my understanding. At times I needed to adjust my study plan to give time to chapters which were more indepth.

Another important thing I did was get a great understanding of Government and NP accounting….and did those first and got them out of the way.

The last week of before the exam, I did nothing by just Q and A …by this time all you intense studying should be over and the time left over the few days is just to reinforce the material.

Please do not get discourage, I was pleasantly surprise when I got a passing score and the hard work paid off and the feeling is rewarding.

I just sat my AUD exam last Sunday, I applied the same method to Audit. I do hope this helps, no doubt in my mind its hard work and discipline that will get you over this exam.

Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

I personally loved the Roger CPA cram, I just started using him and I learned more from him in that cram than any other videos/review courses I watched. I also, wrote notes of his lecture as it went (paused alot). He sends a book, but I learn by writing, so I did my own notes. All mnemonics got highlighted pink. Journal entries got highlighted blue, etc. Then I took all mnemonics and journals and made my own flash cards.

I also work full time, have 4 kids and for me, I put everything on hold, I worked, came home, sat at the kitchen table and studied until midnight every night for awhile. My kids are 16-10 and my husband, so they can go without my attention for awhile. I kicked up the tunes and blocked out the world.

For me, I had to understand all of the big processes in and out. I took each major cycle and learned the material as if I would be doing a SIM, then knew I was covered for MCQ as well. Cash Flows, Inventory, Contracts (Construction), NFP Financials, Transaction Cycles (A/R, Sales), Leases and Bonds (know how to do the tables), Pension (SIRAGE). I did the cram for two weeks after going through the Becker process (I only did MCQ and SIMS one time through). After the cram I did 2 practice exams and sat. I passed my exam.

I think you are close enough that if you revisit big areas and get a full understanding you can get the 75.

[rbcpa]

Have any of you used the cram courses by becker or roger? Do you think it's worth shelling out money for them? I have one shot so I'm trying to utilize all resources.

Also, if anyone wants to school me on journal entries. Please feel free to reach back to me!

BEC - PASSED
AUD - PASSED
REG - PASSED
FAR - PASSED

[Anonymous]

Someone posted this earlier and it is GREAT practice for JEs.

https://www.principlesofaccounting.com/illustrative%20entries/entrieslist.htm

[Anonymous]

If you're stuck on knowing the debits and credits (not necessarily the accounts). The ALICE tool helps. My accounting professor in college showed it me, see below:

There was a woman named ALICE who lived in D.C. (Debit, Credit) and she was pregnant (The plus signs represent a pregnant stomach). This is weird, I know, but it helps me when I'm in a jam to figure out when to increase or decrease an account with a debit or a credit.

D C

A – Assets + –

L – Liabilities – +

I – Income – +

C – Capital (Equity) – +

E – Expenses + –

Hope this helps with your J/E struggles.

[Anonymous]

Dang, the formatting didn't work. Just go here: https://www.bcidot.org/hlp/0009-01.html

[MrCPA511]

If you want to shell out some more money for a cram course I would say go for it since this is your last chance. Do whatever it takes to pass! I hope your JE struggles are with the complicated ones and not on the basic ones as posted recently here because that would be a pretty big deficiency for something like the FAR exam.

FAR - 86 7/2014
AUD - 95 10/2014
REG - 87 1/22/15
BEC - 84 7/2015

[Guti]

Just to let you guys know that the advice I followed for FAR did work. I went from 71 to 84 without touching the research simulation. I will post the advice once more=

Not to brag but I thought I would share my experience. Having to retake a section sucks so hopefully this will help people to do it right the first time.

I got a 69 the first time I took FAR. I think I made the mistake of focusing only on MCQ questions on my first attempt and I didn't have an effective study plan to focus on J/Es or sims–my score report reflected weaker on sims and stronger on everything else. I have seen too many people with a score report that says they were stronger on every section except for sims and too much advice that has told people to ignore having a focused study effort on simulations which really hurt me the first time I took FAR.

So, here is what I would suggest that helped me slay FAR on my second try as well as some other things I wish I had known when I started.

Take FAR as your first exam and follow it with AUD! These two have a lot I was able to roll into AUD right after my miss on FAR and pass it easily. Then I was able to roll back into FAR studying without forgetting too much. I really don't know how people can leave FAR for one of their later exams. If I was going to throw in the towel, I wanted to know early and have the toughest test first! I seriously think FAR was 3-4 times more difficult than AUD so I would have hated to have to do that one later.

Get the Wiley Test Bank and only answer MCQ questions until you get to about an 80% for each section of FAR, The reporting on this test bank is nice because you can see graphically how you are scoring on all of the sections so you have the proficiency you need. If you are trying to get higher much higher than 80%, you are getting to a point of diminishing returns and you need to divert your attention to studying J/Es and Simulations. Until you are at the point where you are scoring in high 70s or 80s consistently on the MCQs you may not even want to schedule your exam date because you are just wasting your time. Sometimes I wonder if the people who get tons of failures in a row are using the real exam as a diagnostic exam–if you can't score in the 75+ on the test bank, you probably have no business taking that section at all yet.

Also, one thing I notice about people posting about doing MCQ questions is they say they do an ungodly number of MCQ questions during their study sessions and then complaining about not passing. Don't fool yourself about MCQ–the number of questions attempted doesn't translate into a actual learning. Sometimes it would take me hours to get through 20 questions because I was spending a ton of time trying to figure out what I didn't understand in my book. The point is that you shouldn't confuse blowing through a ton of MCQ question with studying–you are just blowing through questions and not learning.

As for the actual exam, though, you need to move through the MCQ questions like lethal Ninja from Shinobi–30 minutes per section should be your goal. I was at 30 minutes, 40 minutes, 40 minutes for mine because the testlets got harder. Your 80% on the test bank should give you confidence to know you are prepared to tackle them quickly. Start chopping off heads of the MCQ questions as quickly as possible and keep moving like you are in a Bin Laden compound or something. If a couple of foot soldier MCQ questions get away with just a flesh wound DON'T spend time chasing them. Remember you are there for the BOSS at the end of the level AKA the sims. Whenever the test tricks you to spend too much time on an obscure MCQ, think of Arnold Schwartzenegger or some other action star saying…”GET OUT..GET OUT NOW” with whatever movie scene you can think of where some dumbass is trying to get everyone killed because they freeze when the grenade is in the foxhole! LOL

You MUST, MUST, MUST go through and write down every journal entry entry in your FAR book and you have to do try to work through every FAR sim in your book. You will have to do it on pencil and paper because the Wiley test bank isn't good enough to prepare you for the sims based on what is in the software. For my final review, I completely ignored doing multiple choice questions since I already had an 80% on all sections and only focused on sims and journal entries. Of all the stuff I said before this is the ONLY thing that improved my score so much. Even if you can't predict the sims that will show up, having confidence in how to tackle that type of problem will pay dividends. Furthermore, you will better learn the more advanced content that you will see in the MCQ questions. This is the area where I was able to improve my score.

40% of the scoring on the exam is sims so you have to spend time preparing for them. Trying to increase your score marginally by continuing to pound MCQ questions after you have gained proficiency at 80% isn't going to translate into a lot more points on your exam. The amount of effort for the amount of marginal increase in score isn't worth it. However, if you can take your sim score from a 50% to a 75% by putting in a little more effort on preparation will make a huge difference in your final score.

If you have just failed with a high 60s or low 70s, I wanted to give you my experience how I raised my score to help, if possible. To summarize here is the gameplan…80% on all sections of Wiley, schedule your exam, spend your last 40 hours of prep time doing nothing but journal entries, extended examples, and sims from your book on pencil and paper. (mine was a gleim book).

FAR-84
AUD-
REG-
BEC-

[Author]

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