[quid_pro_quo]

Hi everyone,

I need some advice on changing my CPA study strategy. I am studying using Becker which I received for free from my Big 4. I took audit and found out that I failed with a 61 last night. I am slated to take FAR on 9/6 and I don’t think I will pass.

I think that I am not clicking with the Becker Method. I do not have a strong background in accounting (it’s my second career) and I have taken my courses in a piecemeal fashion over the past few years to obtain the coursework necessary to get a job. I know that there are a lot of gaps in my knowledge of fundamental accounting concepts.

My impression of Becker is such that it seems to be an excellent “review” tool for those that have a stronger background in accounting. Maybe it is better suited for students who just completed an undergrad or masters degree program in accounting. I find that when I am attempting a topic I have never seen before in Becker, I gain very little from the material provided. For instance, I never took Government Acct. I find Becker’s treatment of this topic to be horrific. I don’t find the lectures useful as it seems it is just Tim/Peter telling me to highlight certain items and underline other items. I also find Tim and Peter from Becker to be insufferable in general.

Since my foundation in the material is weak, I regularly score in the 40-50% in homework. Sure the explanations are helpful, but I feel that the explanations help me understand that specific question but don’t help generally.

My overall strategy has been to follow Becker’s process. I do the lecture, review the material and then do the questions.

I need some help determining a better way to study since my scores indicate that this is not working for me.

I also found Roger CPA on youtube and felt that he “teaches” material as opposed to “reviewing” the highlights. Are there any Roger users out there who can attest to his course being more about teaching the principles of the topics?

Are there any programs that teach the principles well? I am open to using a different program as Becker was free and I don’t find it to be well suited to my style.

I truly appreciate any help as I continue this process.

Thank You!

[suzieemac]

Hello,

I am definitely one of those who needs additional explanation to understand a topic, especially accounting. I keep saying that if the average person needs one hour to study, I need three. All of my college courses usually consist of me trying to come up with answers in my head while the professor talks, and finding out I'm not even close. If you asked me three years ago of the CPA exam was something I could pass, I would tell you absolutely not.

That's when I found Roger CPA's sample lectures on you tube while studying for one of my grad courses. He has this energetic way of explaining the material in a simplified manner that makes sense to me. Also his lectures are divided into short little bits that keep me interested. He also jokes around and makes me laugh out loud at least once a day, which is not easy to do when teaching material that can be really dry.

I ultimately signed up for his review program but really for his lectures and homework. I knew I would need a supplement, so I use Roger combined with the ninja 10 pt combo and utilize mostly all of the ninja materials in addition. I did the entire Roger program, followed by the ninja notes, MCQ and Sim practice, then reviewed tough topics with Roger again. I did hundreds of Ninja MCQs every day the week of my test. I took AUD on 8/12, my first test of this process and passed. I only passed with a 76 which to me was way too close for comfort but I have zero real life experience in AUD and I don't think I would have stood a chance without Roger and Ninja.

I have been studying REG now for almost 2 weeks, which is the area I work in, and I already find myself using the stuff I am learning through Roger at work which will only help me more during test time.

I hope that I was able to give you a little more insight, I know everyone uses different learning techniques but I felt like this worked for me. Good luck!!

AUD - 8/12/16
REG - 10/7/16
BEC - 11/18/16
FAR - TBD

#300before30 - Pass the CPA exam before my 30th Birthday.

[Finally_a_CPA]

I am also using Roger program as my only study source. I honestly do feel like he does a great job in explaining concepts. I'm not very familiar with Becker but I have seen a few of their videos and I cannot imagine being able to stay awake. It does feel like all they ask you to do is highlight certain things on your book. I don't think there's a way for anyone to stay wide awake when studying for the CPA but Roger sure makes it bearable.
You got a 61 so you're not that far off. You might want to try again using Becker before investing in a review course. If you do decide to try something else, I would definitely recommend Roger program.

[Author]

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