[Hieutnguyen22]

Hey, so just finished taking one of my test this past week (praying that its a 75 or above) and this week I am starting off fresh for FAR, the beast of the bunch. Been hearing so many people talked about how there is so much materials and was wondering how people managed to get through 1 chapter per day because it took me 10 hours to finish 4 modules with taking notes and thats without doing MCQs for Becker. Does anyone have any idea to how I can approach and improve this slow pace?

[PTBP2018]

Just like Peter Olinto says, “slow and steady wins the race.” I have approached all of my previous exams this way, except for FAR. I think that's why I failed! I can only do a chapter or MAYBE 1.5 chapters a week. For me, going slow is the only option while working well over full-time and having a family. With other test sections, I always made sure that I really understood the material before moving on. For FAR, I didn't have enough time – so I just blew through it. I failed. Twice! I went back to my original strategy for my 3rd attempt, and I am really hoping it sealed the deal.

Here is the key with FAR: Do a progress test or 2 after each chapter. You won't feel like you have the time for it, but you need to do it. Even if it pushes you off schedule (or if you feel like you are already off-schedule) – do it. If you don't, you are paying yourself a huge disservice.

It's easy to forget what you learned in earlier chapters. Doing the progress tests will help to avoid this!

[Hieutnguyen22]

Thanks Yackemo17, you give me hope. I believe that if you can pass multiple tests with one study method along with passing three part already is pretty good. You have a good understanding of what it takes, I think the first mistake most first time taker has is not trying their best to retain the info, Im definitely going to try my best from now on and take your advice on the progress test!

Oh and btw my girlfriend said the same thing! “Slow and steady wins the race!”

[Superdude3000]

I think the ‘mile wide, inch deep' thing is accurate. Understanding the minor details helps but you really only need to understand the core concepts well enough to pass. If you have a general understanding of each chapter you should have enough knowledge to get the 75. If you have time to review the whole book again/do a cram course before you sit like I did, that will push you way over – going through the material twice is overkill but in a good way

[Anonymous]

Referring to your original post of one chapter per day, this is ridiculous for most people. Depending on how much time have and what other commitments you have, I would probably plan on devoting at least twice as much time to FAR as you do the other exams, especially if the first one you took was BEC or AUD. In my opinion, the material in FAR is not that much harder than the rest of the exams, there is just so much of it.You will be glad to knock it out early- I saved it for last and definitely regretted doing so.

[Hieutnguyen22]

Wow Superdude3000, you seriously nailed it! You make a valid point on reviewing the entire material over. Maybe thats why Ninja suggest we all rewrite our notes the week before our test? I guess the point is its always a good idea to review and be more prepare. After my first tests for BEC I realize I wasn't as fully prepare as I wanted to be and forgot some of the formulas and concepts. Thank you for the feedback guys, I know what I have to do now!

[Anonymous]

I just took FAR for the second time. This time, I only did MCQ's and looked over a few sims. If this if your first time, get through the material in under 2 months and make sure you give yourself 2-3 weeks of MCQ review at the end. The biggest tip I have for exam day is to USE THE AUTHORITATIVE LITERATURE FOR SIMS. I found answers to 3 sims word for word by doing that. Good luck! Don't get too overwhelmed by FAR either… You have had multiple courses in undergrad that relate to material in FAR and a lot of it will come back to you while reviewing.

[Hieutnguyen22]

Hey Chandler, thanks for the feedback. Yea I am full time studying for the CPA Exam. After my first attempt I feel like I should have no excuses in passing especially if I have a lot of time. Yes and knowing how much materials there is for FAR I feel it in my gut that I have to go that extra mile to be fully prepare for the next one.

[Hieutnguyen22]

The People's Champ, that is exactly what I was thinking, getting through all the materials with all the time that I have so I can work on more MCQs and for the AL I will definitely take your advice on that! My strategy was to fully utilize my Becker review course knowing its the most expensive one (can't go back on it now). If all else fail I would have my stack of notes on the side to recap on the materials if needed for my retakes.

[Anonymous]

Do AICPA practice test SIMs.

[Author]

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