[mikiluv]

Hey all!

I’ve failed REG with 23, 60, 61, and a 58. I have both Becker and NINJA MCQ. My last report showed that I scored Weaker in ALL the sections except for the Taxation of Entities MCQ which I scored “Stronger” in.

From what I’ve gleaned in the numerous posts I’ve read here, the NINJA MCQ score seems to be reflective of one’s actual test score. As such, I would like to mention that I was trending/averaging at 55% upon receiving my 58%.

However, I honestly do not know to study for this exam anymore. Everyone says to just drill MCQ’s like crazy but what does that mean? How are you learning when you just solve MCQ’s? Are you supposed to just “learn” and “memorize” the answers when you get something wrong? I am seriously at a loss for how to study. I am so sorry if this is such a stupid question to ask but I would love to hear anyone’s advice. I’m taking REG one more time in the 2nd week of January but I feel a bit pessimistic if I do not change my current study habits.

I’d be so so so grateful to know how I can get out of this rut! I really hope I’m not a lost cause…I’m so lost and confused…

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[spinfuzer]

You MUST be able to answer these questions:

1) Why did I get the answer wrong?

2) What caused me to think that way?

3) Does it make sense? How can I word this in such a way so that it does make sense to me?

Doing MCQ 3-4x each is only going to make you memorize the questions and answers. Once you see something different or worded differently, chances are you probably won't know how to do it. The CPA exam WILL be different and WILL be worded differently.

FAR - 08/08/14 - 93
BEC - 08/28/14 - 95
REG - 10/11/14 - 96
AUD - 11/30/14 - 99

[ruggercpa2b]

I was in your shoes this year. For a while I thought that watching lectures was how I learned best. After getting 47 the first time I took audit I realized that I was just going through the motions and did not really understand the material. For my second retake I ditched the videos and read through the Wiley Textbook and took notes. I completed part of the Wiley testbank questions and Ninja MCQs. For my third time I worked through all the WIley testbank questions and then started working on the Ninja MCQs. I listened to Jeff's advice of making sure that my trending score was in the 80%. I also made sure as I went through each MCQ I explained outloud why each answer option was right or wrong. It forced me to actually stop and know that I understood the concepts. I came up 2 points shy of a passing score but my studying has gotten better. This time around, which will be the last time, I am only using Ninja products. I rewriting the Ninja notes for each section and working through the questions for each of those sections. Any areas that I feel like I am stil having trouble I will go back and read the book. I never thought I had a shot at passing and lo and behold that 73 gave me hope.

You can do it. Like everyone else said, you have to figure out how you learn best.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Martin]

ruggercpa2b,were you using Roger for Audit on your first 2 attempts or just wiley?

Through God all things can happen!

“You never fail until you stop trying.”
― Albert Einstein
When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people;as I grow older, I admire kind people.
“Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.”

FAR= 72-84
Audit= 73-82
BEC= 74-75
Reg=77

[ruggercpa2b]

The first attempt I had so many review materials I went back and forth. I had Becker, Yaeger, and CPAexcel. It was not good because I would go back and forth. Had I actually spent the time with one review course maybe I would have done better than the 47 I got.

Then the second attempt I won Roger Cram on twitter and did not realize that the access was only for one month. I actually ended up watching a few lectures on the cram because it expired on me. I read the Wiley textbook cover to cover and I believe for Sampling, Audit Evidence and Internal Control I read the Roger Cram book. I scored stronger on sampling and internal control for my second atempt and weaker on Audit Evidence. Which I knew I did not understand prior to going into the exam. Also, his mneumonics helped me understand internal control.

The one thing that really made a difference was getting to the point where I understood the material. My second attempt I emailed Jeff and he told my my trending scores were low and of course I didnt listen because I was determined on taking 2 exams that window.

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[GotCPA]

i don't think January is right timeframe for REG. You should reschedule to end of Feb. You can take the test on Sundays as well if you don't work sundays during busy season.

[Anonymous]

Well, mikiluv, I can, with absolute certainty, say I've been where you are.

First, I would recommend you move your test. Four weeks is not enough time if you're not close, especially if you have any family pressures for the holidays. Take it in February.

Second, go buy a couple of legal pads and stretch you fingers. The writing method was the only thing that worked for me with REG. I went through the Wiley test bank question by question. As other suggested, it is uber important that you not only know why the right answer is right, but why the other three are wrong. Pretend you have a really nice, dim friend that you are trying to explain the concept to, and write it out. Put it all in your own words. It takes an element of creativity, but once you figure out the language your own brain speaks, you WILL improve your trending scores and you WILL pass.

Third, if you work, take at least one vacation day from work before your test, but I recommend two. Spend all day reading the words you wrote, making yourself flashcards from the notes. Review the flash cards in the car/lobby before the exam.

Good luck.

[On2Sum]

You really shouldn't be scheduling a prometric appointment if you're scoring 50s and 60s in your MCQs.

I would go do a bunch of Sims. Sims drive home your understanding. You'll notice that the better you get at Sims, the less you feel you have to guess when you work on MCQs.

FAR - 79
REG - 76
AUD - 94
BEC - 77

DONE! DONE!! DONE!!!

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts"
-Winston Churchill

[Determined CPA]

mikiluv – Before I say this, I'll ask you this question: When you study, can you say with all honesty that you put in 110%? Do you tackle your weak areas or avoid them? If your answer to these questions are ‘yes, I study 110% and walk into the exam confident!' then read on. If your answer is no, then you need to really put all other life events to the side and focus on the exam.

Do you have any work experience? I hate to say this, but maybe this just isn't your time? I know so many people who have attempted this exam and failed over and over. A few years later with some experience, everything changes. Maybe that's something to consider? Please do not think I am discouraging you from taking the exam!! That is the LAST thing I am trying to do. I just see your scores and I think something has to give.

Do you have any other parts passed? Have you sat for any other parts? Maybe switch tests and give another one a try? Usually I don't encourage this because the information is still fresh in your mind but your scores aren't nearing the 75 mark so possibly switch to a different exam? I wouldn't recommend FAR, but maybe BEC? Or audit? Something to get your momentum going? Reg is a very difficult exam, especially if you don't have a tax background. Also, switching to a different exam will help you un-memorize the answers to the reg questions since it wont be so fresh.

Have you considered going to a live course? Or setting up a study group with people from your work?

I'm just not convinced that doing MCQs alone will help you get over the 75 mark. I am like govtec – I need to read the book! I read the book at least 3 times. The whole book! No joking! I read it out loud to myself and I test myself on sections. Maybe you can try something like that?

I really hope you find a way to get your first pass in! Once you pass one, your confidence goes up and you know that it is possible!! I wish you the best of luck!

A - 75
B - 78 God is good.
F - 77 Answered prayers.
R - 84! Done!!

Paperwork sent - waiting for license!!
Still on a cloud and in shock. Through God, all things will happen.

[Pain In The Assets]

I plan to take REG in early February, which also happens to be my first ever crack at the CPA exam. So, these tips and advice has definitely taught me how I should study. Thanks!

[Author]

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