[Tux]

I painfully debated which program to purchase – Yaeger or Becker. I decided on Becker because of their reputation, but I had heard that Yaeger actually TEACHES the information and Becker skims over it, so I was already concerned, but figured that so many Becker fans out there couldn’t be wrong.

Well, I’ve been studying FAR with Becker for 2 weeks (I know, it’s still early), and am wondering if I picked the wrong class?? They just “dump” all this info on you….go through it at lightning speed as if you already know this stuff, and I’m wondering if I made the wrong choice.

Does Yaeger do more “hand-holding”? Or, would I feel the same with any of the programs because it’s just an overwhelming process, regardless of which road you take?

Also, wondering how in the world am I ever going to remember all of this info – formulas, rules, exceptions to rules, etc., etc.

What’s the key to getting through this ????

I already “abandoned” Becker’s suggestion on how to approach the material…… They want you to watch each video then do the homework for that section. It was taking FOREVER to get through each section, so I proceeded with a plan to watch all the videos first, then will go back to attack the material and homework. I’m on video # 9 of 10, right now.

Would love any feedback, ideas, encouragement, advice, etc., etc.

I was very intimidated to begin with, but especially after seeing others on this forum who have taken these exams over and over and over and over without getting through, I’m a nervous wreck!

But, to my credit, this is my # 1 priority. I’m studying hours and hours each day. I have blinders on and am buried in these books. It’s not humanly possible to dedicate anything more to it. So, I know that all I can do is my best.

Thank you for your support !!

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Minimorty]

I guess I dont understand why people buy material, but then choose not to follow the suggested route. You seem to have good intentions and I am glad to hear that you are giving this your all. Why then, do you think that your path to study (watch all the lectures, then come back to do the homework) is better than Becker's recommended path (watch lecture, do homework, rinse and repeat)? It sounds like you “abandoned” their suggestion because it took too much time. This whole process takes time. There is no quick fix or quick solution. You need to understand and be able to apply all of the formulas, exceptions, and information. It takes time. I used Becker for all four sections and still think that it is the greatest thing since sliced bread. You just have to put in the time (quality time – not just quantity). That being said, I do think supplementing with another test bank is a good idea as a review or for on the go studying. Let me know if you have any questions, I am happy to help.

[Anonymous]

Becker is great. I've used it for all four sections and have passed AUD, BEC and FAR so far (sitting for REG on Saturday). I wouldn't abandon their methodology though. Doing the homework questions after the lectures, while time consuming, really helps you learn what they just talked about. Doing all the lectures first will probably be really overwhelming. If you are still not grasping the material after the lecture and the homework, I would recommend going back and reading the chapter before moving on to the next chapter.

A tip for FAR from other another71 posters, do the supplemental questions for chapter 1 while learning chapter 2, do the chapter 2 supplemental questions while learning chapter 3, and so on. Also, review and do progress tests after every 3 chapters to help to keep all the information fresh in your mind.

Buy Jeff's NINJA notes, these really help to reinforce what you are learning through Becker. Read them, re-write them, add your own notes on them as you go, whatever helps you learn.

Goodluck!!

[Anonymous]

Yaeger is definitely more of a teaching course and does more hand-holding, especially when it comes to going through problems. If you don't think Becker is working for you, I wouldn't wait to make the change. But like mini said, there are no shortcuts no matter what review course you use. You have to put in the time and effort to pass and there's no way around that, and FAR is so.much.material. Yaeger definitely works if you follow their plan and you can get a discount for being a former Becker student.

If you have any specific questions about Yaeger, I'd be happy to answer them. I'm a huge fan of them after they helped me pass FAR on the first try.

[Kayla86]

I agree with pretty much everything minimorty said. I also agree with what Ariasem brought up – watching all the videos at once probably makes it seem much more overwhelming and for me I would not be able to get anything to stick in my memory if I did it that way.

I started by doing the live Becker classes and tried to do all the homework for the week before the next classes. When I had to retake some exams I'd watch the videos if I felt I had time (or portions of the videos) and then complete the MCQs.

After I was finished with a chapter I would go back every day or so and do the quizzes for a few chapters just to keep the information fresh in my mind.

I used lunch breaks to study – usually this is when I supplemented with my Wiley MCQs. Had flashcards and memory sheets at my desk for slow times at work. Wrote and rewrote notes and in the beginning (before I felt so burned out) I'd bring these notes to the gym when I worked out. Had my husband do my own homemade flash cards with me. The home made flashcards that I made were topics I was particularily feeling weak on and all formulas that needed to be memorized.

Of course I didn't ever fully memorize each thing for the exams but the more you go over them and they are in the back of your head come exam time and hopefully you are able to figure out a correct answer even if you aren't 100% sure of it.

Like the others have said, this whole process takes time and unless you are a complete genius, it's going to be a time consuming process. You can do it! But seriously, if you are going to use a certain study program, I'd recommend trying your best to follow their suggested system. They want you to do it for a reason-because it usually works!

Good luck!

AUD - 73, 82 7/2010
REG - 79 7/2010
BEC - 72, 74, 78 7/2011
FAR - 66, 83 1/2012 - AND I'M DONE! Best feeling ever.

MN Licensed CPA as of 5/18/12!

[Tux]

Thank you, everyone for your feedback! All great advice, and I appreciate your experience!

I noticed responses to other questions in this forum that others have focused more of their study time on learning from the MCQ (when you get them wrong, the rules regarding WHY seem to really hit home) vs. the videos, so I guess that made me feel a little better – that I'm going through the videos first, then will go back to focus on the homework.

I think that's what I'm looking forward to…..Getting into the material so I can figure out what I know and don't know, then it seems that my study time can be more efficient and better focused.

Regardless, I plan to review the material over and over and over and over again, including maybe re-watching some portions of video, if necessary.

I've been feeling rushed because I seriously wanted to take FAR end of April, but I think I need to accept that I probably won't be ready and just come up with a plan B.

(A special day is in early May and I wanted to go away for a few days, but I need to re-think that).

If I take FAR at end of May and take a few days off in early May, will the time away set me backwards?

Or, is it better to plow straight through, so as not to risk forgetting anything by taking a week off?

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Anonymous]

I don't thinking taking time off at the beginning of May will be a huge deal. I studied for 4 months, but took lots of little breaks here and there due to family commitments. You should allow for a hefty, several day final review for FAR though just to revisit the main concepts and review journal entries and formulas.

If you do decide to stay with Becker, I would highly recommend getting the Wiley test bank. Jeff sells it through this site for a discount.

[Kayla86]

Or if you think you could be ready right before your little get away you could schedule the exam for a day or two before and your trip will feel much more relaxing! I've done that twice with vacations that have been planned. However, if you don't think you'd be ready by the beginning of May, I don't think taking a small break would kill you.

AUD - 73, 82 7/2010
REG - 79 7/2010
BEC - 72, 74, 78 7/2011
FAR - 66, 83 1/2012 - AND I'M DONE! Best feeling ever.

MN Licensed CPA as of 5/18/12!

[Tux]

Kayla – Congrats on passing all and being done with all this!!

Even though you had to re-test a few times, are you still satisfied that you used Becker?

My goal is to pass each the first time, so maybe that's why I feel so stressed and am having doubts about Becker. But, again, it's way too soon for me to be disappointed in any program since I just got started.

Is there anything you could/would have done differently, at the beginning, to increase your chances of passing each the first time?

FAR - 86 - 2/27/14
AUD - 75 - 5/29/14
BEC - 80 - 8/31/14
REG - 89 - 2/27/15
Praise Jesus! I'm done!!

Study resources:
Becker
Wiley test bank

[Kayla86]

Thank you!

About choosing Becker – Yes, I was glad I used them. I don't think I would have ever passed without them. The way they laid the material out, to me, was easiest to eventually understand.

When I first started the classes I was like “Oh my gosh, we are just speeding through this stuff highlighting things” but once I got used to it, it worked for me the best. I used Wiley books for the MCQs and when I'd look through their material, it was just confusing to me how it was presented.

Short answer – yes, loved Becker. They were not the reason I didn't pass the first try – I just don't have the best memory ever! 🙂

AUD - 73, 82 7/2010
REG - 79 7/2010
BEC - 72, 74, 78 7/2011
FAR - 66, 83 1/2012 - AND I'M DONE! Best feeling ever.

MN Licensed CPA as of 5/18/12!

[Author]

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