[MaLoTu]

I am trying to study, but after many weeks of studying (i would say about 10 weeks at least 25 hours a week) I just feel like I know what I know and the other stuff I can’t really master with less than 24 hours left.

I am going to do my second Becker exam. I feel that the first one helped me to see where I really understood and where I had to focus a little more energy.

[okcpa2015]

@MaLoTu, I've been there and completely agree.

Although, and quick review of a one page cheat sheet before you go into a test can be very beneficial. It always you to use both your short-term and long-term memory.

FAR - 91
REG - 88
AUD - 98
BEC - 88

[Anonymous]

A good night's rest.

[Missy]

Day before the exam I tried to master ONE concept even if it seemed insignificant could be the difference between a 74 and a 75.

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

[MaLoTu]

@mla – what would you recommend for REG?

[Anonymous]

I always gained a LOT from the last day before the exam. I'm one of those needs the short-term memory as well as the long. So for me, I drilled MCQs the day before – not practice exam style, just in groups of 5-10 out of the test bank, and reviewed the answers as I went (so do one, view the answer, do the next, etc.). I really think that “last minute” review helped me substantially. However, day of the exam I always kept it light – about 30 MCQs that morning, maybe a couple SIMs, then on the 1 1/2 hour drive I usually just listened to music or tried in other ways to keep my mind from working. (Tried listening to NINJA Audio on the way, but my car didn't have A/C, so the sound of the highway with the window open for air drowned out Jeff's voice…in hindsight, I think the mental break was more beneficial for me at that point, but that's personal preference.)

[Anonymous]

Yes, do!

I was studying the dollar-value LIFO while waiting at the CPA exam center and 5 minutes before the exam. Don't listen to people who say rest before exam.

When you take the exam you actually will be awake and your eyes wide open and your brain will be at its highest.

So, if you're tired, exam will make you energetic.

BUT do not do MCQ. There is no point in doing MCQ the night before.

[golfball7773]

Why is there no point of doing MCQ's the night before? I respectfully disagree with that.

FAR: 63, 55, 62
REG: 65, 77*
AUD: Fail, 64, 71
BEC: 72, 74, 81

*expired

[Rodney Ruxin]

FAR - 75
AUD - 82
REG - 83
BEC - 79

[Sleep Optional]

I skated by with a 78 for FAR. The morning of the exam I had my dad drive me to the test site which was 45 minutes away. I spent that time reviewing my flashcards and re-reading Ninja notes in the car. In that 45 minutes I remembered a few key concepts that I had previously forgotten.

Lo and behold, on the exam there were 2 MCQs that were on the stuff I had previously forgotten and 1 simulation as well. If I didn't study for that 45 minutes, I most likely would have failed.

Never give up until your testing clock hits zero. That could mean the difference between a 74 and a 75.

BEC: ☑ x1 attempt(s)
REG: ☑ x2 ''
AUD: ☑ x1 ''
FAR: ☑ x2 ''

Done!

[Anonymous]

Two days before (Saturday), I would spend pretty much all day doing MCQs and SIMs. The day before (Sunday) I would do about 30 MCQs and 1 or 2 SIMs in the morning, and then relax the rest of the day. The morning of (Monday), I was up around 5 AM, did 20-30 MCQs, had a couple cups of coffee, and hit the road for my test at 8.

[Anonymous]

I sure hope so because I'm feeling a bit unprepared when it comes to my BEC exam tomorrow. At the same time I don' t want to burn out though

[zoctoman]

For me, I always took the night off before a CPA exam….or any exam for that manner. Before each CPA exam I went out to dinner with my wife and toddler. I focused on my son, ate good food, and laughed all night. The morning of the exam I would review my nuggets for an hour or so and go take the exam at 8am.

Everyone does what is best for them. If you are going to be super nervous if you don't study the night before than it is better to study. If you can truly relax like I did the night before the exam without studying, I would recommend that.

Best of luck!

Audit(11/5/13) - 89
Reg(5/16/14) - 86
FAR(7/18/14) - 82
BEC(11/14) - 85

[mrgriff21]

I would generally do a set of 20 MCQs, go do something fun, do another set of 20 and so on until maybe 6pm and then I would just relax the rest of the night.

A - 84
R - 81
B - 77
F - 81

[More_Coffee]

I've always been someone that needs a quick cram session before taking a test. I know it's not the “best” strategy, but it has always worked well for me. I feel like I gain a lot from the day before the exam. I never do MC's, but instead I will go over my notes on all the modules. I also prefer taking my tests in the afternoon so that I have time in the morning to do a quick run-through of my notes. I generally remember things better when I write them, so I make sure to write formulas over and over until I can do it without thinking too much about it.

I think it's just all about finding what works for you. 🙂

REG - 86 (4/11/15)
BEC - 92 (5/29/15)
AUD - 99 (7/23/15)
FAR - 89 (11/23/15) It's over!!!
>> Becker Self Study

[josh81808]

I'm testing “hopefully” my last CPA exam tomorrow with AUD and my strategy for the day before the exam is to review MC lightly (not to the point of exhaustion) and to review my notes of areas I thought were tricky. I try to make it more laid back day that way I am fully energized for the exam.

Good luck!

REG 79 1/15
BEC 82 2/15
FAR 84 4/15
AUD 78 5/15

Using Becker Self-study

[Author]

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