[Anonymous]

Hello!

Using Becker Self Study.

I have a question about strategies to get through a lecture in a reasonable amount of time.

I listen to the lecture and take notes at the same time, pausing to re-read pages, make flashcards, etc.

Currently, I’m studying BEC and it takes me quite awhile to get through 1 lecture. Approximately 4hrs per day 4 days per week. I take a lot of notes and make a lot of flashcards. I score 80% or above on my first time through MCQs, and I have a very good grasp on the material, so it definitely pays off, but it’s a SLOW process.

This study strategy will work for BEC because I have the time (I take on July 15th and I’m over half way done, started on May 28th).

BUT, I will be taking REG on August 30th, and will begin studying July 30th (wedding and honeymoon in July, no study time).

Even though I’m not working, and all my time will be devoted to studying REG, I’m concerned about getting through 2 lectures per week with enough time to crank out MCQs.

Any suggestions, on how to get through a lecture in a decent amount of time without sacrificing too much on learning the concepts (which has proven to be a very critical piece evidenced by high MCQ scores)??

Thanks!

BEC July 15th

REG August 30th

FAR October 3rd

AUD ???

[Mamabear]

If you're going to watch lectures then I suggest watching them without taking notes and only taking notes as you go through the MCQ. However, your plan seems solid considering you are scoring in the 80s on your first pass with the MCQ. I couldn't go through the lectures like that because my attention span isn't that great when doing the same thing over and over and over, but I wish it was. I skip the lectures and books and use the MCQ to actually learn the material and to review. I read a section of notes (Ninja, CPAExcel, becker Outline–whatever I have available) and then start working the MCQ and taking more notes. I'm only averaging around 50% on my first pass, but I am almost done going through all the MCQ once and I have 4 weeks until my test. I only allotted 6 weeks for REG because my NTS will expire. With 4 weeks to review I should be able to get through all the MCQ and SIMS at least twice and more for my problem areas. It really depends on how you study best. If your method is working then I think you should keep going with it. I started out like you but didn't think the lectures were really helping that much because I don't learn as well that way. Go with what works for you. Everyone is different.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the advice!

[Amay]

I watch the lectures and take notes while I watch them. Yes, it is time consuming, but worth it for me to grab all the basic concepts before applying them in questions. Then, after I am done watching ALL the lectures, I start working the MCQs. Ever since I re-discovered this site, I no longer do the MCQ's right after each chapter.I noticed a BIG difference in my retention and in my test results when I switched to the NINJA method so I swear by it!

BEC: 73, 81
AUD: 85
FAR: 71, 77
REG: 74, 75...finally DONE! 😀

*This is my 2nd attempt at the CPA exam. For all of you who have failed this exam many times, given up on it, or taken a break like me, remember that it is still possible to finish what you started...failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently 🙂

[Author]

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