[KeepPushing]

I am currently studying for REG (using Becker) and feel that I don’t hear many people speak regarding how much info there is to study for this exam. The book may be smaller than FAR but I already feel that there is so much content to know. I am only on R1 M4 but already feel that there are so many limitations,thresholds, formulas, etc. to know. How did you go about memorizing all of this? currently doing lecture, MCQ’s and hand written summary of chapter. I feel like I write almost everything on the book because of the amount of “exceptions”. Should I do notecards instead? am I approaching it wrong? thanks in advance!

[jombe]

Lectures. Books. Test banks. There's no special way to pass any of the sections other than putting in quality hrs of reading/listening/repeating.

FAR - 94 (10/4/15), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
AUD - 99 (1/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
REG - 96 (4/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
BEC - 91 (7/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ

581 days of listening to lectures, reading texts & 10,000+ MCQs...

[TommyL]

Flash cards mate. I too felt overwhelmed but the writing your own flash cards really helped. I took them with me everywhere, even to the bathroom lol…Whenever I can squeeze out 5 minutes of downtime, I flip through them.

[Hank Scorpio]

I took 8 weeks my first time and got a 74. Did another 6 weeks on the material and passed. It is a slog for someone like me that has audit experience and no tax. My suggestion, take your time and be realistic with your studies. Nail the concepts before you sit. Good luck.

FAR - 10/3/16
BEC - 69 - 10/31/16
AUD - November 2016
REG - December 2016

[Lindsey_p87]

I am studying for REG right now too, and it is definitely a lot of material. Unfortunately, I don't think there's a better way to succeed other than just spending the time to learn everything, as daunting as that is. I personally find it better to get through the material as quickly as possible, even if that means not taking as many notes on the front end, because I know I'm not going to remember it all the first time through. It's those last few weeks of re-writing notes and doing tons of MCQ where the material will really start to stick and come together. So just keep the end game in mind!

FAR - PASSED 11/14
AUD - TBD
BEC - TBD
REG - First take 2/16

[David]

^ I agree with Lindsey. I recently passed REG with a 75 in around 6 weeks of studying but my plan was to just get through the entire material quickly with Becker. Afterwards, I wanted to do as many MCQ's I could a day (60-200) with both Becker MCQ's and NINJA, supplemented with NINJA Notes. I'm trying to apply that same approach to FAR currently which has me even more overwhelmed. Good luck!

[sarah]

I scored a 93 on REG after roughly 2 weeks of studying (Q2 2019) on my first attempt. My best advice is to understand the basic elements of each tax return [1040, Schedule C, 1065, 1120S, K-1, M-1, etc]. Print them out and review them…I know it's tedious but it really helps solidify the concepts. I wouldn't agonize over memorizing every single detail of each exception, the exam was NOT that specific. For example, you will not need to recall every AGI or MAGI threshold. Instead, understand the general rule and know the exceptions exist and when to apply them.

I always use flashcards to study. Personally, I like this software: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anki_(software). In my experience, the “spaced repetition method” is far more efficient than grinding endless multiple choice. When you know the rule, you can answer any problem they throw at you. That being said, everyone has their owned preferred study methods! Good luck 🙂

[KeepPushing]

I am feeling really motivated after seeing all of your input!! thank you so so much. What you all said clicked with me and I will apply it.

[Lindsey_p87]

@Sarah – that's really impressive! Were you studying full time? Even studying full time I don't think I could do that lol.

FAR - PASSED 11/14
AUD - TBD
BEC - TBD
REG - First take 2/16

[sarah]

@Lindsey_p87 I did study full time 8 to 10 hours a day including weekends. It wasn't fun, but I wanted to get it done quickly.

[michaelkwp13]

@Sarah you mind sharing that Anki deck?

[Author]

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