[GravyBrain]

I just got my scores back this week for FAR, AUD, and BEC. I’ve done the math, and I know it will take a 98 on REG to get the EWS award. Does anyone who has done VERY well on REG have any advice for me? Tax isn’t my strongest area, but I’m prepared to overkill for the next month and a half. I use Becker to study. I know my AUD score is a little low to make this easy on me, but I’ll always regret it if I don’t at least go for it while I have the chance. Thanks in advance!

[murano]

My suggestion is that if you really want to get the award, take reg in the last month before that 18 month period expires. 98 is doable. It just needs some time.

[Nate]

Hammer MCQ's until you're sick of them and then do some more… and then do some more… and then do some more. Focus on getting a certain number of wrong answers rather than right answers–every question you get wrong is an opportunity to fill in a knowledge gap and it is crucial to fill in as many as possible when trying to score a 98. As for the TBS's, practice solving them using the literature even if you don't need it. The IRC is essentially an answer key but you need to be able to navigate it efficiently in order to take advantage of it. Good luck!

[TommyTheCat]

good luck man. Kick its ass

[Recked]

I think the EWS requires you to sit for all within one year? So I'd research that timeline before taking it inside 18 months…
If you don't work in tax I strongly suggest downloading the 1040, 1120, 1120S, and 1065 tax returns, as well as the instructions. You should be very familiar with the forms on how the schedules flow to the main forms, as well as the instructions to the main form and each schedule. I would also recommend lots and lots of MCQs.
I have 15 years in tax, and you can see how many MCQs I did below, and I still didn't pull a 98. I know I made some foolish mistakes.
Also be sure to check out the AICPA sample exam if you aren't already doing that.

https://www.aicpa.org/becomeacpa/cpaexam/elijah-watt-sells-award.html
Nothing here about a one year/12 month rule, so not sure where I heard that, but definitely do your research in depth on timeline just to be safe.

[Anonymous]

When I first clicked on this post I was assuming someone would be reaching out on advice on how to pass as they may be losing some section(s). You EWS people are trying way too hard lol.

[TommyTheCat]

agreed Eric. A perfect score isn't a 99, it's a 75. I overstudied for my exams, not because i was shooting for the award at all, more because I had an infant at home and twins on the way and knew i had maybe a 2 year window to actually get this stinking exam done and behind me. I would rather have studied 30 hours less each exam and gotten a 75 and enjoyed life a bit more if I could do it all over again.

[Anonymous]

Concur Eric:) However, I don't think aiming for a 75 will get you there either…I always felt like high 80s in study mode should get to a passing grade:) I already have a license, no one cares what my scores were:) I am sure I will eventually forget as well:) but I admire those are trying for that extra step.

[Anonymous]

I do agree that it is admirable and kudos to those who pass with such flying colors. Perhaps I should rephrase my thoughts here … Some come off as rather arrogant with posts like this as you have many people here struggling to pass this exam. I am sure that when many of those individuals read these types of posts it can be a bit of a confidence killer. Clearly if you get three scores in the 90's just keep doing what you are doing and I'd bet the house that you will receive another impressive score.

[Recked]

75 would have been perfect for me as well, but only having to do it once was absolutely priceless.
Never ever want to do it again.

[Anonymous]

Never want to do it again as well but for MOST a failing score or two is inevitable and falls within the norm of this exam. Just would like for those struggling to realize that.

[murano]

@Recked
You are right, it's 1 year rather than 18 months 🙂

[MSim]

To be honest , I don't think you really need advice to crush it. You seem to know what you're doing. But maybe, figure out why you didn't do as well on AUD and not make the same mistake? I am using “mistake” lightly obv.
Anyway, any tips on your ways of studying to earn a 98 on FAR would be great 🙂

[turo9992000]

If 75 is a perfect score, then I got 1 perfect score. I think its always good to shoot high though. I wish you luck @GravyBrain.

[CS]

I never cared to get above a 75, what was most important was that I passed each the first time through. The thought of a retake was terrifying so I know I overstudied but don’t regret it since it led to straight passes. However I feel like it’s a fine line, I needed to study however I did to stay confident during he process. Anyway regarding REG I also recommend blasting MCQs, I pretty much did no SIMs. REG was my last one and I finally learned that for me personally SIMs were wasted hours I.e. too much time for too little knowledge. However I do recommend learning to navigate the IRC for sure, good luck

[Anonymous]

@Nate
I read your other post about your studying strategies for all 4 exams and I'm studying for REG right now. I started doing what you said and stopped reading the text and going straight to MCQs and reading through/writing out the explanations, and then using the “See Lecture” tab for skimming the text/taking notes on important areas. Is that mainly what you did for REG, not including Sims? It feels scary working backwards and feeling like there's gaps in my understanding of the chapter and feeling like I'm missing stuff. Any advice?

[Author]

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