[jenpen]

I am taking REG next Monday. I have been hammering MCQs for the last few weeks. I’m definitely making progress and feel like I understand most of the concepts, but I still have some memorization to do on the thresholds and phaseout limitations.

Anyway, my question is if I should take time to study the simulations, or just continue on with the concepts? For AUD and FAR, the only practice I did on SIMs was the AICPA practice exam, which I plan on completing this week for REG. I keep seeing posts about how terrible the REG simulations are, and now I’m getting worried. But I see a lot of posts about how terrible the AUD and FAR SIMs are, and I didn’t feel like that at all on my tests.

I took this section once 2 years ago and passed (the only one I passed on the first go), but obviously I haven’t taken it since the change.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Wannafree]

@jennifer ,it would be much easier compare to FAR hence relax.Don't worry about phaseout or any cut off with numbers which changes frequently.Revise some calc of Basis (all scenarios ) and have a revise of AMT.Don't expect AMT in SIM but you should expect small one in mcq.REG is all about Basis .
You may also check federal process of appeals (1-2 mcq ) .One sure questions on individual ( long but simple ).Going by what you described on forum you will do good in REG.
All the best.

[PNS2CLT]

Others obviously disagree, but I see little benefit. Practice simulations are generally comprised of original questions, with some AICPA-released. The format of the exam changed circa 2011 to move away from lengthy, involved simulations to short, multiple, focused ones — but much of the study material is comprised of the former. Additionally, with the introduction of DRS/new exam, many of the sample simulations test comprehension skills as much as they do accounting skills (and this was consistent with my exam experience last month) and practice simulations definitely don't reflect that.

I'm spending some time doing the AICPA sample simulations, as well as going over select older ones… but nothing beyond that. I think my time is spent reviewing MCQ, because that's the language that WILL be on the exam. And FWIW… I failed BEC with a 74 (granted, I only studied a week) and my simulations were stronger than passing candidates whereas MCQ was weaker. I NEVER did any practice sims beyond the sample test. Perhaps my experience was unique.

[jenpen]

Thanks for the feedback! I'm feeling a little better about my methods.

I'm not at all worried about the DRS ones – I think those are cake and I'm usually able to quickly navigate the provided documentation.

@WannaFree – I definitely need to work on AMT stuff. I am reallllllly sucking at remembering the stuff for that. I feel like I've got a pretty good handle on basis, but I'm definitely going to refresh that later this week.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Wannafree]

@Jennifer ,AMT otherwise is long topic but MCQ will be very easy so if you have skimmed in last minute you will definitely be able to solve it.also just revisit trust and Gift tax ( easy if you have read recently ).Federal procedure again 1-2 mcq easy one ( like they may ask jurisdiction of a court ) etc.
Debt insolvency and bankruptcy (1 mcq ,max 2). Make sure you skim each chapter of tax for easy points but Basis ,Individual ,tax payer's status are heavily tested.Again much easier than FAR.
( Disclaimer : no violation of AICPA disclosure rules,suggesting based on Blue print documents and AICPA released questions)

[Anonymous]

Hi, Jennifer-for REG, I did a ton of SIMS, and when I got to the exam, I thought well, that was a waste of time! I would definitely practice a couple of DRS SIMS, just to get comfortable with it. Don't spend too much time on phaseouts and limits, those won't be tested in the same way that they are covered. I agree on knowing how to calculate the basis, and entity taxation! Don't ignore estate taxation! 🙂 Good luck!

[jenpen]

@anyatver – Thanks so much for the input! I'm sure that sucked at the time, but your loss is definitely my gain. 🙂

Definitely need to brush up on estate taxation, also. But I feel like as long as I keep pushing on with MCQs I should be ok. I'm planning on switching test banks for at least a little bit this week just to switch it up a little, but at this point I'm so tired of looking at taxation and business law that I'm ready for a break! (A whole week before moving on to BEC. Yuck.)

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Madhav]

I am also taking REG on December and i am definitely hitting sims. Yes we might not get the exact question, seeing difficult sim before exam and going through that hell process will definitely help you calm your nerve down during the exam. For me, i always has difficulty doing sim problems, hence practicing lot of them as well as hitting MCQs would prepare me for the worst. Additionally, practicing research sim would also be helpful as practicing is not a waste of time.

[jenpen]

@Madhav, I will probably spend some time looking at the AL layout for this section. That is something I don't think you can ever be over-prepared for since it will be guaranteed points on the research SIM.

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Author]

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