[KAM]

Hi everyone,

I studied using NINJA test bank for FAR but received a 70 score this morning. I was hoping to come on this thread and maybe get some tips on how to raise my score to a passing one. I think scheduling for the first week in February would be my best bet and to maybe buy Gleim to supplement my Ninja test bank. What is it going to take to get from a 70 to a passing score of 75? I’m not sure if i want to shell out the $1,000+ cost for Becker…

[wombataholic]

What was your trending score going in? Which sections of FAR were your weakest?

One of the best study tips I can offer, aside from the usual “do MCQs until your brain melts,” is to participate in the Study Group threads. Answer other people's questions and explain how to get to the solution. Get to the point with the material that you can explain it to someone else.

Licensed CPA
Passed each section on the first try with Ninja Notes/MCQ/Audio

[CPA2BEE]

I got a 68 the first time I took FAR and increased to a 80 on my second attempt. My approach was to do EVERYTHING all over again, I studied for 7 more weeks (I believe) and started from scratch. The reason though was because I needed to improve on everything. Like @wombataholic said, look at your weak areas and focus on those. And do so while maintaining your strong areas.

You're so close you can do it!

FAR - 80
AUD - 82
BEC - 80
REG - 85

ETHICS - 90
EXPERIENCE - COMPLETE
Application for California license mailed 8/4/2016

[Tim]

If it's not too expensive I highly recommend studying Gleim's questions. They are brutal and you will need to know the material really well to do well on Gleim's MCQs. Also Gleim is really good about explaining the correct answer and why the wrong choices are wrong. And if you need help on Sims Gleim has a good amount of document review Sims.

[ortega90]

I was able to lift my score 11 points to 75. I started completely from scratch the second time. BIGGEST change was I took notes on basically everything they said in the lecture (Becker). I had over 200 pages of notes when it was all said and done. Sounds like a little much but it was just enough for me to pass. First time I took 0 notes. I also made it a point to try and understand all the sims. I didn't get into too much detail, but many times on the exam the format can be very confusing.

[Accounting Adam]

I just retook FAR and raised my grade from a 60 to a 76. My one MAJOR point of emphasis was to make my worst areas my best areas. For me it was all of the NFP chapters.

I did multiple choice (maybe 10 a day) to maintain my other knowledge but focused all my other time into mastering that weird area of NFP fund accounting.

You may be very surprised what a difference it makes to flip your worst into your best. In a way it makes sense.

[KAM]

Looks like I'll be doing what several of you said to do – which is to take my weak areas and turn them into strong areas.

Hopefully I receive my score notification email soon and then I'll be able to assess my weaker areas, develop a study plan, and go for from there.

I received my NTS and signed up this morning to take my test on February 7th. With the Christmas holiday and New Years around the corner, I don't think I'll be able to get too much studying in December. But I think 5 weeks total will suffice to bring up my score from a 70 to a 75…

I just keep telling myself “1 more” and then I'm done with this and I can get my life back.

[jenpen]

@ortega90 What was your method on BEC? I see that your score increased pretty significantly and would love to hear any tips you might have!

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

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[CPA2BEE]

Here is some additional inspiration for you

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/far-57-to-83-you-can-do-it/

FAR - 80
AUD - 82
BEC - 80
REG - 85

ETHICS - 90
EXPERIENCE - COMPLETE
Application for California license mailed 8/4/2016

[ortega90]

My method for all 3 retakes was the same. Watch the lecture, take lots of notes, then do the MCQ's. As far as SIMs, I didn't even look at them until I completed all sections of the review (lectures & MCQs). Once I got through all the lectures and MCQ's, I redid ALL MCQ's again and this time included the SIMs. I briefly looked at them enough to understand the format and what they were wanting but didn't get into too much detail figuring the answers. As far as Becker goes, on my retakes I didn't spend any time watching the skills practice videos. I just made sure to understand all questions and why I got them wrong/right. I consider myself a fairly decent writer so I spent 0 time on practicing that portion of the exam. With all that said, I walked out of BEC feeling ok, expecting a high 70 maybe, but never thought I would make a 90. But obviously the changes I made helped a ton. I've never been a note taker but I credit the majority of my score on that.

[jenpen]

Thanks @ortega90! I think that was what I did wrong on this last match, so I am going back through now, reading and taking notes on everything instead of relying on last year's notes. Then working the questions. I don't do videos because I don't think they are helpful, and I won't spend much time on SIMs and zero time on writing. I think it is just the MCQs that I am struggling with on this section, so I need to beef it all up.

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

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[Lentilcounter]

@kmedina8

https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/potential-far-simulation-topics-straight-from-the-aicpa/page/5/

Worked for me and @ana

BEC = 72 (6/08/16)
FAR = ?
REG = ?
AUD = ?

[KAM]

@CPA2bee thanks man!
@Lnetilcounter thanks. I wish i could follow the breakdown for sims that you provided but I didn't purchase Becker. As of now, I'm using Gleim and supplementing with Ninja…

[Author]

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