[Anonymous]

I thought I would create this new topic for those that are taking REG in the October/November testing window. I am taking this test on October 19. Anybody have any experience with this section?

[OnePointAway]

JeremyinCA,

How were you able to get a 92 in AUD? I passed the 3 other exams on my first try but then I got a 74 in AUD. How many hours did you spend preparing for it? What study materials did you use?

[jeff]

Someone from the AICPA told me recently that they do read this site to get a feel for how candidates are feeling about things.

[OnePointAway]

Maybe someone from AICPA can explain why it so darn hard to pass AUD? I have now read so many stories of 73's and 74's in AUD. I guess misery loves company. I studied so hard for that, it is the only one I failed.

What can a poor boy do?

[packers54301]

what limitations are people referring to?

FAR - 85
BEC - 90
REG - 10/19

[Anonymous]

Onepointaway,

I used CPAexcel for my study materials. It is not a widely known review course, but I feel that it has prepared me adequately so far, except for REG. Then again, no one seems to feel prepared for REG. Anyway, I would reccomend a ridiculous amount of mc practice. All of the concepts that you need to know will be tested in MC, so, to be honest, there is not really any point to reading each chapter word for word. Do sets of 30 MC practice questions. For every wrong answer you got, look through your study materials, find out why it was wrong, and write it down on a pad of paper (don't type it out). Every day, try to review these concepts for at least an hour. I had about two whole npote pads full of concepts that I ended up being my own condensed version of the whole book. Remember this though, the mind remebers failures much more than successes. Don't be satisfied with the 28 out of 30 that you got right. You should be doing your best to find out why you got the remaining two wrong. You will notice yourself scoring one hundred percent on close to every mc practice exam you take before too long. Keep your head up, you really will do fine.

[Anonymous]

packers, when I said limitations I was referring to income limitations for phaseouts.. in case thats in a question or part of a simulation. basically i just want to memorize all of the formulas and their rules

[ineedadrink]

We are all in good company here. … After a 71 in AUD and a brutal 74 on FAR, I was determined to pass REG on the first try and studied my bum off (with Becker). I took it yesterday, flew threw the MCs, then was completely overwhelmed by the sims. I had over an hour and a half when I started them but finished the test with less than a minute left. So many calculations! In no way does my ability to use a crappy calculator while on a time crunch reflect my knowledge. Good gravy, AICPA.

REG: 76 (would have lost credit 5/31)
AUD: 71, 78
BEC: 74, 81
FAR: 74, 61, 66, 69, 75 DONE

[MA CPA WANNABE]

I am studying for the REG section of the CPA exam. It is my last section, and hopefully my last exam.

My fiance told me that when she took this section back in February that she studied hard and felt confident. That was until she sat down in front of that computer. She called me after she took the exam and was crying at how poorly she felt that she had done. To her surprise, and mine as well (she was very convincing on the phone), she had scored an 86 on REG. Her highest score of all four parts.

Now it is my turn. I have studied the Becker materials which I feel are very conducive to my needs, both in terms of presentation and delivery. However, I don't find these materials to be hard enough (at least for REG). I am a tax consultant, and have been for 2 years now. I have seen everything that they have thrown at us in the Becker materials in practice. I am very nervous that I am getting complacent with my attitude. Does anyone who is a tax professional have any advice for my concern?

[MA CPA WANNABE]

Also, Ktsullivan I have found, by way of studying for the other three sections, again on REG, and in someways in practice, that the best way to defeat memorizing the answers is to memorize the reason why instead. I too have the ability to remember facts, figures, and dates…basically anything that has to do with numbers.

Anyway, from now on when you are working the questions, before you answer, repeat out loud why that answer is the answer. I hope this helps you as much as it has me.

[packers54301]

so tired of studying…just want to take it so i feel like crap and drink 24 hours straight…

FAR - 85
BEC - 90
REG - 10/19

[OnePointAway]

MA CPA WANNABE,

I am also a numbers person. How did you do on the AUD exam? It was very

difficult for me, especially the sims. I got a 74.

[MA CPA WANNABE]

I got an 82. I didn't know what I was doing on the simulations except for the writing and research tabs. I'm pretty sure I was doing an actual audit, where I had no idea as to what to do. But that is a common theme with my simulations. AUD was my first section and I studied so much harder for that section than I have for the rest and I think I was rewarded for it more than anything.

[Anonymous]

Thanks MA CPA Wannabe (Im in MA too!). I will try that. I feel like I do that for the most part, I try not to just click on the answer but go throguh the problem but then I am not sure if I am just memorizing that problem, or I really learned it. I probably really did learn it though, because they say the mind remembers failures easily. But I will try extra hard to re-read the question completely as if i haven't before, and repeat in my head why it is the right answer, thanks!

I've also been trying to wait at least a week before I re-do any of the questions. Its been about 2 weeks since I've done any of the Tax questions, I've been reading and practicing the Law section. Today, I am reviewing the 3 law chapters & questions, then tomorrow is the beginning of my review of all chapters, starting with chapter 1 & 2 tomorrow, so hopefully the questions will feel new to me.

If you don't mind me asking, which testing center do you go to? I went to Burlington, and I felt like I was going crazy with all the people in there tapping their feet & when they moved the chairs squeaked because they were so old haha. I tried the headphones, but my head is too small, so I had to hold it which got uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

Hi all, okay so I am having a down moment. I have been working hard on these exams since May. I took FAR in July and AUD in August. I didn't pass either one. Then, I just took REG yesterday and I just feel like I wasn't prepared. I am not sure what's up. I am using Becker Online review AND the Becker Final Review materials with about a week to 2 weeks of my own review after that. I did very well in my accounting classes but when it all comes together, it's like I can't keep it all straight. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[MA CPA WANNABE]

Ktsullivan…I am living in NC right now. I am transferring to Boston in a month. I have taken all of my sections while in NC. Unfortunately, I have no horror stories to tell about the testing center. But you aren't the first person to complain about the Burlington center. My fiance hated that place too.

CanDoIt…are you close to passing? If that is the case, keep working at it and hopefully you get it next time. If not, try and analyze where you are struggling with the exam; are you poor at mc, is time management a struggle, are the simulations difficult? All of these things can lead to poor scores and a lower confidence level. Sometimes, it can just be luck of the draw with the questions. I've met some very very intelligent people who have had to take multiple sections, multiple times, and I have also met some people who I don't consider to be that intelligent and they have passed all 4 on the first try or only had to retake one section. And, I would consider myself closer to the latter. If you are currently working, try applying what you are learning to your practice. Keep your head up. It's not worth it if it's not hard.

[Author]

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