[Anonymous]

Just took REG, failed with a 70. I will admit I was a bit weak in entity taxation, but performed very well on all other sections. I received a comparable score on the MC, but struggled with the SIMS. I nailed the research, probably got about 80% on the first question, and was utterly lost on the other four. Three of them harped on a concept that Becker devoted one page to which I understood and remembered fully, but did not go into enough depth or detail. I am worried they are going to throw more random questions at me that I am unfamiliar with. How do I prepare for the SIMS? I went through every SIM Becker had in the review material, and they didn’t even come close to what I was given on the test. I honestly studied my ass off, read through the book twice, took notes twice, did EVERY MC question twice, was scoring in the 90s on progress tests, scored 80-90s on both practice exams. If I could go back, I would have devoted a bit more time to entity taxation, but I think I only missed a few questions, not sure if it would be enough to push me to a 75. I was able to pass AUD and FAR with ease, and had no problems with the SIMS. Was it bad luck, or am I doing something wrong?

[Anonymous]

Anyone?

[Mom2two]

Hi Brantley! I failed REG with a 72 and came back with an 86. My approach that was different was to make my own flashcards and study them constantly. I am using Yaeger homestudy, Wiley online test bank, and NINJA notes. I basically started over when I failed. Rewatched the lectures, which was painful! Took very detailed notes this time and made flash cards as I went over every section. For me it was the flashcards. I reviewed them everywhere I went. I think some people on here have said do the MC and know the concepts and if you do that, you can apply it to the SIMS. I tend to agree. I never did the practice SIMS, just MC over and over…made sure I understood why the answer was right and why the one's the others were wrong. When I got to the SIMS, I knew what to do because I had the theory down. Also, I utilized the research tab for each SIM to help if I was stuck. I don't think it was bad luck. Also if you don't think Becker does a great job on certain topics spend $40 and get the Wiley book to cross reference topics. Or the Ninja notes. I did supplement the Yaeger lectures with the Becker book so when Phil would lecture, if I didn't feel like I understood it, I paused the video and would read Wiley first, make notes, and then read Becker and add to my notes if needed. I know it is a lot but I had to do it and I think that is why I passed. Good luck, you are half way done! I have FAR next so if you have advice on that one, I will take it! 🙂

B: 81 (3X) May 2012
A: 76 (1X) Nov 2011
R: 86 (2X) Feb 2012
F: 64, April 2011, retake 10.01.12 - 75!!!!!!!!!!

[jokami]

@Brantley

My story is the other way around… I also got a 70, but I was weaker in MC and comparable with the SIMS. My score report read as follows:

Ethics & Legal Responsibility (15-19%) Weaker

Business Law (17-21%) Weaker

Federal Tax Process (11-15%) Weaker

Taxation on Property Transactions (12-16%) Weaker

Taxation on Individual (13-19%) Comparable

Taxation on Entities (18-24%) Comparable

Multiple Choice 60% Weaker

Simulations 40% Comparable

Ok… To be fair and honest I could not have been given a better test… I only read the material once and didn't have time to review.

B - 62, 70, 72, 79!!!
A - 68, 81
R - 70, 82
F - 84

"The limit to your abilities is where you place them" - Fortune Cookies

[Author]

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