Using Yaeger, I can't answer the “did it get you a pass” because I'm taking my first exam Monday 4/1 (FAR). Last year I used solely NINJA CPA and Wiley book (REG,Failed) but realized I personally needed better structure. So I'm using Yeager mainly and supplementing with Ninja.
After test driving Wiley, Becker and Yaeger. I went with Yaeger because of the cost. All 3 really offered similar formats, especially Yaeger and Becker. It really just came down to cost. Yaeger offers a lot of BOGO deals so you can get the full course (all 4 parts) between 850-1200? I say that because it depends which deal you hit.
In a nutshell with Yaeger, you have content groups 1A,1B 1C, 2A 2B,2C etc. laid out for you (similar to Becker) . Within the course you pull up the content group, and either read the book yourself or just follow along with the video as they read it to you. I personally read the section and then do the videos to reinforce what I just read. As you are watching the videos/reading the book you see all of the CPA exam blueprints and the instructor reads the blue print and goes into the content. Does seeing the blueprints help? eh, maybe? I guess it's just nice to know you are hitting all of the topics? But not a deal breaker when picking a course, I assume every course follows the CPA exam blueprint. But while following the videos they also give additional examples, or tell you things to closely pay attention to (hints) (helps a ton, but I'm sure most courses do this as well). Also, as you finish various topics within the content group you do MCQ's and you can either pause the video and do them or you can follow along with the instructor. They don't do every single multiple choice question but do a good amount with you. It really helps walking through the MCQ's with them because they teach you how to interpret the questions. As you know, some questions just contain fluff and are designed to confuse you, so them walking through the problem with you is helpful. You also have the option to do practice questions with each section, try the quiz generator or do an exam simulation.
I can tell you that I'm understanding the information better. I noticed when I was reading on my own and making notes, then going and doing the videos, the instructors were explaining the content in a different way that was beneficial to understanding what I was reading. So it really just depends on your learning style. Obviously watching a ton of videos can be time consuming. If you are pressed for time there are cram videos or if you are familiar with the subject the cram videos are nice as just a reinforcement.
One last note, I like Mr. Yaeger his voice keeps me engaged but I can see if its not for everyone. He doesn't do all of the videos and I really enjoyed all of the instructors for FAR.
Good Luck!
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