[UConn_CPA]

I am six days into studying for my first section of the exam. I’m planning on using the NINJA framework to structure my studying.

So far the biggest thing to get a hold of is the best technique for studying. So far I have watched 8 hours of video in about 14 hours. I keep pausing the lectures to take notes or read what the book has to say about the topic we’re covering. At this rate it will take me 4 weeks to watch all of the videos, leaving me with 3.5 weeks for nonstop MCQ, re-write my notes, and then a final review before taking my exam Jan 18.

Should I continue to take heavy notes and really try to understand everything the first time through, or should I perhaps just let the videos roll, take brief notes, and then try go deep on topics during the MCQs?

Thanks for your input!

REG - 78
BEC - 79
FAR - 71, 78
AUD - 67, 85

--------------------
*Wiley books & test bank
*Roger books & videos
*NINJA audio
*NINJA MCQ
*Study Blue for flashcards

[Minimorty]

I had success with the latter. In fact, I didn't take any notes for any of the sections (other than what the lectures told me to write down).

[Da Bears]

Agree with Mini, I just watch lectures, work problems and take brief notes in the books. Take notes when doing MCQ when you are confused by them or don't get it.

FAR- 8/14/12 91
AUD- 10/16/12 88
BEC- 11/07/12 92
REG- 01/05/13 86
NIU CPA Review

[mmcgrad1]

Like everyone else said, I would focus more on understanding the material. Try and only take the notes they recommend first. Then, if you find topics that trip you up you can take additional notes on them.

NIU CPA Review Correspondence is awesome!

I passed all four sections on the first attempt

[William_777]

One suggestion might be to watch the lectures casually, answer questions, etc, to identify areas you need improvement, and then to take heavier or more intense notes in those areas where you need the improvement. This may vary to a more or less greater extent with the subject matter, but – if you can discern what you do and dont know – it'll save you some time on laboring what you already know. You can invest your time in edifying areas where you need improvement.

Also, remember that it's difficult to fight an unknown enemy, so – since this is your first time through the exam – you'll feel better as you gain testing and studying experience.

[William_777]

I forgot something else I would recommend in light of my comments above.

Be careful in using a term like “intense” with respect to specific study areas.

The exam covers the full breadth of accounting knowledge, so you don't want to overcompensate by laboring any one particular area too much.

This happened to me on my first exam.

While studying for REGS in Becker my selective perception targeted the most complex Capital Gains/Loss transactions in Like-Kind Exchanges. I spent a lot of time on them, but I think it was more because I liked them and was more interested than anything else. In fact, when I tested, the information they asked on Like-Kind Capital Gains/Losses was very superficial. Also, while it was equally possible they could have asked me some highly intricate question on Like-Kind Exchanges in a Simulation, some of the Sims I got focused on other areas I could have spent more time studying.

Again, the point is – don't overcompensate. A word like “intense” with respect to a specialized area may not be necessary.

wm

[UConn_CPA]

Thanks to everyone for some great tips!

This will be very helpful to me moving forward.

REG - 78
BEC - 79
FAR - 71, 78
AUD - 67, 85

--------------------
*Wiley books & test bank
*Roger books & videos
*NINJA audio
*NINJA MCQ
*Study Blue for flashcards

[Anonymous]

I think some of this is based on learing style too. I remember things much better when I write them so I tend to write a lot of notes and then review everything I've written that week before I go to bed each night. I think some people can do great and not write a thing – unfortunately (takes so much longer taking a lot of notes) this is just not how my brain works. Good luck!

[sarah210]

I completely agree with @CPA_Driven.

You have to think about how you study best. How did you study for tests in college? I always wrote a ton of notes, so I've written a ton of notes with each of the sections I've taken. For other people, that's a complete waste of time.

REG- 53, 91
BEC- 88
FAR- 62, 85
AUD- 85

Ethics- 93

[Anonymous]

If you're a thinker type, or if you're an intuitive, writing notes helps with your lack of sensory…if your a sensory person then you tend to build connections because you tend to think about details more than abstractions…if your a thinker, intuitive, or feeling type, then you may be a more abstract thinker.

I think sensors are the ones who can learn things without writing and thinkers usually need to think out loud or write things down to really get the details….and do better in the long run innovating, however….

[Author]

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