[jeff]

Watch this Video (you will need to enter a valid email address for it to launch):

Official Rules:

-No purchase necessary

-Valid from 2/13/14 to 2/14/14

-Run by NINJA CPA Review, LLC

1100 SW Wanamaker, Suite 2

Topeka, KS 66604

-Three (3) iPad Minis (16 GB / WiFi / $299 retail price)

– Prize will be awarded via a $299 Apple Gift Card

-Winners will be selected using a RANDBETWEEN Excel formula, which will choose a random post within the thread. This post is post #1 and the final post will be the final post # in the formula.

-A posting of the winners will be within this thread by Monday February 17, 2014

-Void where prohibited

-U.S. Residents Only

-Must be 18 to Enter

-One entry per person. Participants with multiple usernames/entries will be disqualified.

Update – Winners: https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/ipad-mini-giveaway-x-3-official-thread/page/15#post-402516

[Winnie]

The best CPA studying tip I can give is to set your study schedule so that you are done studying all your material one week before your exam. In the last week leading up to your exam work MCQ like a mad-man (or woman). Don't stop and don't get discouraged, just keep working those questions. Work them until you don't think you can stare at another question, take a break, and work some more.

One other thing I'm going to add is a bit of career advice. When you go for a job interview, dress the part. I recently interviewed six candidates for a position at work, and I was surprised that half of the candidates did not dress up for the interview. Granted, they didn't wear jeans and a t-shirt, but within 10 seconds of them walking in the room, my boss already had discounted their experience because they didn't look like they put the time and effort to ‘appear' for the interview. It may seem superficial, but it's the reality of an interview. You have to be better than the other people applying for the job. Do whatever you can to make yourself stand out.

[Winnie]

The best CPA studying tip I can give is to set your study schedule so that you are done studying all your material one week before your exam. In the last week leading up to your exam work MCQ like a mad-man (or woman). Don't stop and don't get discouraged, just keep working those questions. Work them until you don't think you can stare at another question, take a break, and work some more.

One other thing I'm going to add is a bit of career advice. When you go for a job interview, dress the part. I recently interviewed six candidates for a position at work, and I was surprised that half of the candidates did not dress up for the interview. Granted, they didn't wear jeans and a t-shirt, but within 10 seconds of them walking in the room, my boss already had discounted their experience because they didn't look like they put the time and effort to ‘appear' for the interview. It may seem superficial, but it's the reality of an interview. You have to be better than the other people applying for the job. Do whatever you can to make yourself stand out.

[Pandarama]

My first tip is specifically for the AUD section. Previously I was looking for the “right answer”. I've learned that with every single question, I have to ask myself “what is the best answer?” I've noticed when practicing and actively asking myself this question, my average of correct answers has substantially improved.

Overall study tips:

1. Know what works for you.

My first two exams were failures. This was a result of multiple issues. First, I wasn't studying in a fashion that worked best for me. It took me weeks to determine what worked best to make things stick. Second, I signed up for what I felt were the two hardest tests and gave myself a deadline before I had began to really study. This meant that I was putting added pressure on myself and even if I wasn't ready, I still had to sit for the exam. On the other hand, this strategy helped me recognize that I would need more time to study. This leads me to tip #2.

2. If you are studying for the exams using Wiley or CPAexcel, obviously you have tons of MCQ and Sims you can practice. After finishing lectures and moving on to questions…. make sure you are averaging 75+ % (I'm personally shooting for 80%). I've read countless times on this forum how people find the test banks to be reasonably comparable to the actual exam. Before I took my exams, I was averaging 50-60 and then I scored low 60s on both my exams so I am definitely a believer in this theory.

2A. Use the test banks to determine what areas you are weak.

Instead of creating a random test, I have created a practice test for each section. I select as many questions as possible for that section and practice the questions. Afterwards I have a great idea of what areas I really need to go back and take a look at.

3. Motivation tip: Every time you're tired of studying and feel like your eyes are going to bleed, take a break and browse this forum or look up inspirations. Afterwards, I feel more motivated and it also means I didn't go off browsing social media or watch TV. I feel that looking at more CPA stuff when I'm not studying helps keep me in that “CPA study mode”.

BEC - 80
AUD - 64, 75 - credit lost, 90!!
REG - 73, 74, 83
FAR - 61, 72, 85

Feels good finishing on my best note. Time to watch the mailbox.

[Pandarama]

My first tip is specifically for the AUD section. Previously I was looking for the “right answer”. I've learned that with every single question, I have to ask myself “what is the best answer?” I've noticed when practicing and actively asking myself this question, my average of correct answers has substantially improved.

Overall study tips:

1. Know what works for you.

My first two exams were failures. This was a result of multiple issues. First, I wasn't studying in a fashion that worked best for me. It took me weeks to determine what worked best to make things stick. Second, I signed up for what I felt were the two hardest tests and gave myself a deadline before I had began to really study. This meant that I was putting added pressure on myself and even if I wasn't ready, I still had to sit for the exam. On the other hand, this strategy helped me recognize that I would need more time to study. This leads me to tip #2.

2. If you are studying for the exams using Wiley or CPAexcel, obviously you have tons of MCQ and Sims you can practice. After finishing lectures and moving on to questions…. make sure you are averaging 75+ % (I'm personally shooting for 80%). I've read countless times on this forum how people find the test banks to be reasonably comparable to the actual exam. Before I took my exams, I was averaging 50-60 and then I scored low 60s on both my exams so I am definitely a believer in this theory.

2A. Use the test banks to determine what areas you are weak.

Instead of creating a random test, I have created a practice test for each section. I select as many questions as possible for that section and practice the questions. Afterwards I have a great idea of what areas I really need to go back and take a look at.

3. Motivation tip: Every time you're tired of studying and feel like your eyes are going to bleed, take a break and browse this forum or look up inspirations. Afterwards, I feel more motivated and it also means I didn't go off browsing social media or watch TV. I feel that looking at more CPA stuff when I'm not studying helps keep me in that “CPA study mode”.

BEC - 80
AUD - 64, 75 - credit lost, 90!!
REG - 73, 74, 83
FAR - 61, 72, 85

Feels good finishing on my best note. Time to watch the mailbox.

[phdo2089]

Study Tip:

Working the multiple choice questions and thoroughly take notes. Use the ebook and lecture buttons at the top when you get an answer wrong ( or maybe even when you are right) to figure out why.

Watching the lecture videos is not very interactive so you get bored. Skip the lectures and try the MCQ first. If it's beyond comprehension then go watch the video.

And a quick nap – 15 to 30 min can be super refreshing if you can fit it in.

[phdo2089]

Study Tip:

Working the multiple choice questions and thoroughly take notes. Use the ebook and lecture buttons at the top when you get an answer wrong ( or maybe even when you are right) to figure out why.

Watching the lecture videos is not very interactive so you get bored. Skip the lectures and try the MCQ first. If it's beyond comprehension then go watch the video.

And a quick nap – 15 to 30 min can be super refreshing if you can fit it in.

[rjbini2]

My exam tip:

When reviewing focus mainly on the MCQs. Do not get bogged down in trying to complete all of the simulations. I have found that in doing this I was more than prepared for the simulations on my exam. Also, it is impossible to know everything, and in my experience the exams have been easier than the review material!

CPA, Kentucky

REG- 72, 85(expired), 83 --FINALLY FINISHED
AUD- 80(expired), 83
FAR- 86
BEC- 82

All with Becker self study

[rjbini2]

My exam tip:

When reviewing focus mainly on the MCQs. Do not get bogged down in trying to complete all of the simulations. I have found that in doing this I was more than prepared for the simulations on my exam. Also, it is impossible to know everything, and in my experience the exams have been easier than the review material!

CPA, Kentucky

REG- 72, 85(expired), 83 --FINALLY FINISHED
AUD- 80(expired), 83
FAR- 86
BEC- 82

All with Becker self study

[Anonymous]

do sets of 20 questions practice sessions in wiley test bank, and also use the ninja notes and ninja flash cards to read on the train to work

[Anonymous]

do sets of 20 questions practice sessions in wiley test bank, and also use the ninja notes and ninja flash cards to read on the train to work

[nascar95]

I've only just started studying for FAR, but the best advice I can give so FAR (get it?) is to set a study schedule and stick to it. No matter which materials you're using, make sure you get to know them front cover to the last page. I'm juggling work and studying, which I'm sure many others are doing, but taking the exams right out of college substantially helps your ability to retain what you're reading.

[nascar95]

I've only just started studying for FAR, but the best advice I can give so FAR (get it?) is to set a study schedule and stick to it. No matter which materials you're using, make sure you get to know them front cover to the last page. I'm juggling work and studying, which I'm sure many others are doing, but taking the exams right out of college substantially helps your ability to retain what you're reading.

[lomotosho]

My advice will be to stay strong. Reading some peoples stories makes me realize that I have it good. I have only been studying for almost a year now. I have failed 3 of the exams I have taken so far. Got a 65 in FAR the first time I took it, a 55 in AUD and a 70 in BEC. But I have a new sense of motivation which is to finish and pass all my exams before October ends. I would advice anyone to focus on the goal ahead. Where are you trying to go? What are you shooting for and focus on that? Jeff's email this week about studying 20hrs even with a busy work schedule has challenged me even more. Ive been doing 14hrs but I know I can do more! Good luck everyone! Ill be back in October with some good news :)J

AUD- 4/4/14

BEC- April End

FAR- July Beginning

REG- October Beginning

[lomotosho]

My advice will be to stay strong. Reading some peoples stories makes me realize that I have it good. I have only been studying for almost a year now. I have failed 3 of the exams I have taken so far. Got a 65 in FAR the first time I took it, a 55 in AUD and a 70 in BEC. But I have a new sense of motivation which is to finish and pass all my exams before October ends. I would advice anyone to focus on the goal ahead. Where are you trying to go? What are you shooting for and focus on that? Jeff's email this week about studying 20hrs even with a busy work schedule has challenged me even more. Ive been doing 14hrs but I know I can do more! Good luck everyone! Ill be back in October with some good news :)J

AUD- 4/4/14

BEC- April End

FAR- July Beginning

REG- October Beginning

[Anonymous]

My study tip is to never give up. Sounds simple, except studying for the CPA exam can be long, tiring and frustrating. My study tip is to never give up and continue to push because there will be times were u don’t want to study, and you will want to give up. It is important to make the best use of your time. This will include studying every moment you have free time, rewriting notes and doing multiple choice questions. This will help to pass the CPA exam. Hard work and dedication pays off, so never give up so you can achieve your goals.

[Author]

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