[Spartans92]

So I am currently studying for FAR. For most of the conceptual questions I am doing decent but for the calculation problems I am doing terrible I understand some of the concept but I seem to not get the right answer, I would missed a number or subtract instead of add. I am getting in the 50’s on the MCQ. It just doesn’t seem to click for me. But I read the explanation I get it, it’s like those “dumb errors” people always say they make on exam day. Am I not carved out for Accounting? Does anyone ever feel the same?

BEC- PASS

[MaLoTu]

Completely normal feelings, especially going through FAR. The good news is that the exam tends to ask more basic questions and plenty will be concept based. The bad news is the only way to insure a pass is to have a pretty decent grasp on all the material because FAR does a pretty good job of sprinkling in topics from throughout the study material.

Is this your first exam?

[Spartans92]

Hey MaLo Tu, no it is not my first exam. I took AUD few weeks ago. I am just worried about FAR or any calculation based problems because I didn't do well in those accounting classes. I tend to get 2.5's or 3.0's in my cost and financial classes. I am better with AUD and information system (3.5-4.0 for those). Basically classes that are non computation based. Guess thats where my concerns are coming from. I know it sounds weird.

BEC- PASS

[Senk Tank]

Absolutely normal feelings. My best advise for what you are having problems with is to first off fully understand what the question is asking. Silly mistakes can happen from not realizing what the question is actually asking. Second, identify specific areas your having trouble with and break those areas down to a grandular level. Looking at it too big picture will cause stress. If you can break it down into smaller subsections where you need to improve, it will make the questions easier, build confidence, and overall improve your scored.

Good luck!

Embrace the Pain

"Quality over Quantity" - Tony Horton, P90X

AUD - 84 10/2015
REG - 91 2/2016
BEC - 5/28/2016

[MaLoTu]

As you take the exam you will 1) learn how you learn information best and 2) know how the examiners ask questions on the exam. It took until my third exam to pass. I failed FAR with a 61 and AUD with a 55. I then passed REG and then failed BEC. I went on to pass AUD. However, I failed FAR again, but I did get a 70 with only 12 days of study! lol. Anyone can pass that has the ability to learn and is motivated enough to get through the process. I totally understand your sentiment about being more comfortable with the concepts, I almost bombed AUD because of the sims and the sims also hurt me on my last attempt at FAR (although I know that I completely bombed testlet 2).

[Jdn9201]

I think what you are feeling is normal. We all have different strengths and weaknesses. I'm completely opposite – I ace computations but have a hard time with concepts. Learning AUD was like pulling teeth..or putting me to sleep. Others have given you good advice. I would add that for the computation heavy sections, give yourself more time to get through those. Drill problems over an over until you feel like you can do it in your sleep. That will help you retain it better and will help to build your confidence.

BEC - 88 8/29/15
REG - 82 11/14/15
AUD - 83 1/8/16
FAR - 80 2/29/16

[Spartans92]

All are great responses and advice. Thank you guys! Makes me feel better that this feeling is normal to have. I have always thought I chose the wrong path, maybe accounting isn't the right fit for me due to my grades. I will definitely work over the weak areas as Tim Gearty puts it “bite size pieces” and slowly build my confidence up. I know this exam is a test of discipline more than intelligence and i truly believe that's the case. Good luck to all on this CPA journey!

BEC- PASS

[Author]

Replies