Unfortunately, I have more than one exam to crush (4). I have been at this for a while and really need to get this behind me. I have changed quite a few behaviors and habits to really say I am studying. I am working on Far. I think I should go on and get the beast out of the way first. Then we'll take a deep breathe and get the rest done. My goal is to get it done by second half next year. I have been struggling with what materials to use, how to use them, and how long to study and maintain a life. Well after spending enough money on materials and nts, I realize there is no life. I am not as young or disciplined as when I was in college, but I've had to muster up the all-nighters and no days off regimen. I hope to see some positive results real soon. I am shooting for two tests (far and reg) this window and two beginning 2018 window. I am open for tips and suggestions.
It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass
I've got REG left, and it needs to be crushed so badly it dies. Not looking forward to it as taking these exams are hell, and especially since the consensus seems to be that the AICPA has really upped the anti on REGSIMs.
@David-when they say you have to know the concepts for REG, they aren't joking! I studied all of Becker SIMS, and all of Ninja SIMS (twice) and still felt like an idiot most of the test. Relieved to have gotten just enough to pass….I will take your FAR exam tricks and study tips! We are going to crush it! lol
@anyatver, the worst part is I work in tax and do personal, corporate, partnership, and some estate tax so I feel there's no excuse if I don't pass! Congrats on passing!
For FAR make sure you have a decent understanding of everything because you never know what they will throw at you, and we all know there's a lot they can throw. I studied the crap out of pensions and got like two questions… Definitely know the equity method, government, NFP for the multiple choice section. The SIMs will not be pleasant, but just keep calm because I felt I only had a good grasp on 1 SIM and the research question (and you see how that ended). I think the most important thing is DON'T GET STUCK on a question. The fact is you aren't going to get the enhanced/DRS SIMs 100% right so just do what you can to get whatever points you can. Remember you just need to do better than the other candidates.
Strangely finding it difficult to motivate myself to study right now….I think bc of 1) burnout 2) I feel like I know Audit well and it's highly subjective.
We're so close! It's the 4th quarter, the 9th inning, etc etc.
@QueenCPA, I took far back in March of 2017, before the new exam, so I can't give much info about the new SIMS, and I don't remember a lot about AUD (amazing how quickly the info leaves my brain).
Roger'svideo lectures were AWESOME for audit, he helps break things down and keeps you focused on the bigger picture and understanding the concepts. At the end of the day the strategy is the same for all exams, POUND MCQ and understand why you get questions wrong. That being said, I remember feeling completely brain dead while doing the multiple choice on the actual exam, and felt the SIMs went a lot better, and I can't imagine that's going to be a common feeling with the new exam. Use the AL because I had a couple SIMs where effective use of the AL literally gave me the answer. Know your audit tests, understand materiality, know the audit reports like the back of your hand, and really focus on the other types of engagements (review, compilation etc) and the differences between the reports.
@David-sounds like you will pass with flying colors! I have always operated under the assumption for all of these, that you have to know everything! Ha:) Good luck in your studies for the last one! Having had practical experience in tax, you might actually find the tax SIMS easier than the rest of us!
@pharaoh-b-law is just MCQ and read the book-that one was tough to process because too many words I couldn't remember:) LOL For SIMS-the ones in Becker and Ninja weren't very helpful-I got all DRS except for 3… But I have to say DRS were not difficult, once you get over the multiple tabs. Work from the question to the documents and just know your concepts! all of them, especially property taxation and entity taxation, and estate taxation. I was sure that I was going to fail because of that but squeezed by just enough…
I have FAR left and I really wish I had not left it as the last one. My thinking behind doing so was to start with the easier exam first and acquaint myself with the exam structure. I wish I had used up Q3 to take it but life happened(!) and now, I am just hoping I can take it in Q4 and not have to worry about after.
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