[Panda Love]

Ok here is my story i’m so screwed, I received my AUD score yesterday and i got a 74 >.< This means i freaking need to retake it some time in Jan and then i have FAR schedule for the last day of February. This is where it gets bad though, if i don’t pass FAR i will have one more chance at the beg of the next window before my REG expires. I would literarlly have to take it the first day of April or else my REG is gone and i freaking worked so hard for that one. What would be the best strategy to conquer both AUD and FAR for this upcoming window?? How did you guys do it?? Working full time, plus this is going to be my first busy season so I’m a little bit nervous about that too. For the materials, I am using Becker and will buy Ninja for FAR. Your advice or guidance will be greatly appreciated.

[MOAC]

You would be working full time and it's going to be a busy season so it's going to be tough no doubt but with a bit of planning you can succeed. I took AUD and BEC in the same window and passed both while working full time. Many people believe that they have to study at least X number of hours to pass and X being at least 150 hours for FAR and 100 hours for AUD. It's not important how many hours you put what important is how much you concentrate, Don't wander off. If your mind isn't there, stop, go back and reread/listen to the lecture. Don't keep moving forward just for the sake of finishing the material.

FAR May 2012 81 (lost credit, didn't sit for other sections.)
FAR 86 Aug 2015
AUD 85 Nov 2015
BEC 84 Dec 2015
REG 78 Mar 2016

Passed ALL sections in first attempt!!

[wombataholic]

You're close to passing AUD, so plan to take that sometime in early January. Schedule FAR for as late in February as you can.

Next, cut out everything and everyone that isn't absolutely important or doesn't support your study progress.

Every waking, non-working moment is an opportunity to get better at AUD/FAR. Listen to Ninja Audio in the shower and during your commute. Take notes and do MCQs on your lunch break. Hit the library after work and on weekends. You've got to stay disciplined. If this is important to you, you'll make time to study.

I knocked out all 4 sections in 2 windows while working full time, and this is more or less what I did.

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

[Pork Flavored Bacon]

I agree with MOAC and wombataholic. It will not be easy but it's absolutely possible. You're going to have to plan your weeks and use every free moment (within reason, it's okay to take breaks!) and just really nail down the concepts. Wake up earlier (somehow) and go to sleep later. With busy season, it just compounds the stress but you can do it.

Utilize all the tools you have whether they are flash cards, audio lectures, etc.

I took FAR and REG back to back on the same day when I finally passed all my tests (not busy season). It took a lot of effort but if I can do it, anyone can. I used Becker and Wiley.

FAR - 75 | REG - 87 | AUD - 82 | LAW - 81

[Hammer]

Are you sure about your expiration date? Some states it's a strict 18 months others it's 6 full windows. May want to look into that.

I want you to pass, so, please take this advice seriously. FAR is a bitch and I think trying to pass both FAR and AUD in the same window while working in public accounting during tax season is going to be…..very very hard. Be realistic, especially with it being your first busy season, you just don't know yet. I don't know if you are in Big4, MidSize, or Small, or in audit or tax, but here is what I would do:

Study like a mother effing crack addict starting right now for FAR. Like insane studying. Work, Sleep, Study, maybe Eat. You have enough time to study now and pass FAR before busy season realllly ramps up and shoot to take FAR last week of January.

Then, your life is going to be absolute hell. But, AUD isn't that bad of a test and if you got a 74, you will totally pass your next try. Start studying IMMEDIATELY after you are done taking FAR, don't wait for your score. Study from FEB – MAR and take AUD on day 1 of the April – May window. You may have to cut out eating though and you will probably shed tears at some point. But, if you succeed, April 15th will literally be the greatest day of your life. Good luck.

FAR - 70, 81
AUD - 83
BEC - 77
REG - 70, 78

Licensed in Ohio.

Now what the hell do I do?

[Missy]

Heres something you need to know, a lot of what goes into success with these exams is your attitude. People that approach such challenges freaked out about busy season and the time crunch you're less likely to succeed than someone who takes a deep breath and says “buckle up, this is going to be a bumpy ride”

Yes, it will be hard. Yes you'll likely be burning the candle at both ends and may get a lot less sleep than you're used to. Its ok, its for about 10 weeks, then its a memory.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Panda Love]

Thank you so much guys!!! I really appreciate your input. I know this is going to be hard specially mentally since i have to pass FAR on my first try and this is something i was not able to accomplish with any of my previous exams but I am determined to pass. I have been doing this for sooo long and i need to just get it over with.


@MCHammer unfortunately it does expire at the beg of April, i have just been all over the place but need to get my ishhh together now. I am working at a small firm so i don't think my busy season would compare to a big4 busy season but it will still be my first time at this so i'm a little bit nervous about that as well.

I read all of your responses and i was wondering if you guys recommend to studying for both sections at the same time?? I am currently reviewing for AUD but unfortunately i won't get my NTS until sometime on the second week of Jan since i'm in CA. I feel like that's a lot of time for a re-take. As of today, I am already done with one chapter and have five more to go but i think i can conquer those within the next 2.5 weeks or less at the pace i'm going specially since it is a re-take. On the other hand, FAR has so much info that i feel i will ran out of time if i start studying around mid Jan and take it the last day of FEB so do you think is it a good idea to study for example AUD in the AM before work and FAR after work? Has anyone done this successfully?? What do you guys think?

[Author]

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