[SWANG]

Hey guys! I was hoping to get some insight from those that have passed a retake of FAR in a short period of time.

So I began studying for FAR full time in November and got a huge shock when the AICPA issued their score release schedule for Q2. My credit for REG expires 07/09/17 so I was going to try to avoid the new Q2 format altogether, which meant putting two exams in one window. So I sat for FAR on 01/25/17 and got a 67. I then spent about 5 weeks on Audit and took it on 03/07/17, but ended up with a 64.

Since my REG exam score was expiring in July I felt that if I waited to take either Audit or FAR in Q3 there would be no basis to petition an extended score release for REG. I figured if I was given a six month extension I would have until 01/07/18 potentially giving me another three windows to try and pass my remaining exams. I decided to try a hail mary pass and sit for Audit and FAR in the same window…again. I just took Audit on 04/24/17 then took a rest day and sat down for five weeks of FAR on 05/31/17.

My initial goal was to do all of the Rogers Lectures, Books, and MCQs all over again since I had not touched on some of the materials for six months and I had also not been able to read much of the NINJA Book the first time around. At the end of my review I planned to purchase Ninja MCQs to supplement the review. Now we’re down to about four weeks out and I am about 12 sections in. Full panic mode has officially set in thinking that I am wasting time attacking FAR this way.

Does anyone have any suggestions, opinions, or experiences on the how to properly restudy for an exam that they could share?

Currently have: Rogers, Ninja Notes, and NINJA book.

[IwannabeaCPA2017]

Best of luck to you Swang. I am on a similar boat with score dropping in OCT and got 2 parts left. I really hate how its a time crunch kinda thing where we need to fit x and y in certain time before Z goes away. I understand if we put in time and study we will pass. Sometimes I think luck is involved. I personally dont have any suggestions for ya except saying Good luck! Hoping both scores will be a 75+ Id say try your best and be confident. Most of the time are mentality towards these exams r as important as what we know or not know..

One of my fave quote is “If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do us no harm.” Relax and take the rest of the time to hit your weakest topic. Not sure if you still studying full time still but really try hitting it hard these next few weeks.

[SWANG]

Thank you for the motivational quote! It definitely has been just a mind game studying for these exams. I was more upset that the notice was so late and there was no definitive answer on extensions even from my state board. I will literally be at their mercy on this one. After taking Audit on the new format I definitely feel luck is an even larger factor. Just praying for easier sims for us!

[Anonymous]

Is there a reason that you want to get FAR done at the end of this month (other than being done with studying for the time being)? I have a friend in a similar situation. My understanding is that as along as you take the exam before that credit expires (7/9), you are in the clear. So with FAR being very large and you needing to pass, would it be beneficial to take it in beginning of July? It's not going to matter since everyone finds out the scores in August. I guess you would be wasting sitting for it in Q3 but with scores released mid-August, doesn't give you much time to re-study before the end of Q3. Pushing it to July will optimize your study time and make sure you are as ready as possible. Sometimes pushing it back does not help people. But I gave my friend the same advice that this is a kinda do or die situation and you HAVE to pass AUD and FAR (unless your state is lenient). Sounds like you have a solid review plan in place, but if you're on time crunch maybe consider pushing it back to give yourself a little bit more time. Best of luck! I hail mary'd FAR during Q1 and was so relieved to see a 76!

[SWANG]

The only reason I was trying to take Audit and FAR in Q2 instead of in Q3 is because if I take the exam in July it would be the week before REG expires. I was under the impression that if I took FAR in July and failed any State Board would not extend my expiration date as I failed anyway and I would have lost credit regardless of the delayed score release or not since both are in Q3. I would not have a “missed opportunity” to take the exam due to score release under those circumstances. Also, right now I am not working during this month so I spend about 8-10 hours a day everyday on CPA studying.

I guess that I am hopeful that I can keep studying over the summer for FAR in case I do fail then perhaps be ready to reapply for a new NTS and take it before Q3 is over then have a Final opportunity to pass them in December. I am only guessing that the best they would offer would be a 6 month extension, but this is all speculation as it will all be reviewed on a case by case basis.

That must truly be the best feeling seeing that 76. Probably the exact opposite of 74 lol.

[Author]

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