[ChicagoJess]

OK first my question:

Is it possible to start studying today, 03/19, and pass FAR on 04/02?

I have not studied at all yet – and I work 40+ hours per week. I cannot take time off as we are in the middle of several projects (I am Director of Finance for a small Non-Profit).

Any chance of pulling it off focusing on only MCQ’s & notes??

I have searched the forums & I saw people that have gotten through the lectures & will review for 2 weeks, I saw Jeff’s blog post on passing with 20 days to study – but I have 14 days to study part-time. Doable?? I am not confident.

For the details, I will summarize a very long story:

1. I am a procrastinator and bad at studying – I never really needed to before and could just cram for a day or two and pass exams, etc. I work 40+ hours a week and find it hard to concentrate on studying in the evening when I am exhausted.

2. In June 2015 got my NTS for all 4 parts – was sure I would pass all by November. Did not study regularly.

3. Took REG after studying for 3 weeks & failed with 39. After studying BEC for 2 weeks, cancelled because I was not feeling ready. Then I was so discouraged I just took FAR without even reviewing & failed with a 50.

4. In January 2016 got my NTS for all 4 again, determined to actually do it. Yeah, right.

5. Spent 2 weeks studying Audit, focusing on getting through the lectures and did no MCQ’s. I actually really felt like I understood it but failed with a 49. That really threw me off – I was sure I would get at least in the 70’s – truly thought I may pass.

Now comes my dilemma:

I am scheduled for FAR on 04/02 -and today 03/19 will be first day studying *insert eye roll here*

I have REG scheduled for 05/07, so I could reschedule FAR to July 2nd & turn to REG – which would give me 7 weeks to study before May 7th.

Then I would have 6 weeks to study for FAR on July 2nd. (BEC is 05/21 – if I can get a study rhythm going I can leave that as is & pass it)

Or stick with FAR now & plan on taking that 05/07 & reschedule REG for July 2nd.

My dream of being done by summer is obviously not going to happen, as I still have to reapply & re-take AUD.

Basically it sums up to original question: Can I pass FAR by studying for 2 weeks (I got a 50 last time, so I need to earn 25 more points through study)? Or should I reschedule? (since there is time in my NTS)

REG - (05/07/2016)
BEC - (05/21/2016)
AUD - 49
FAR - 50, retaking 04/02/16

[Missy]

I'd say no its not possible based on the fact that you've taken it once and got a 50. Please don't think you need 25 more points, that's the fast route to failure. You need 75 more points. Give yourself adequate time to prepare, as if you've NEVER taken it before. How much did you study for the two sections you already took, because you should probably study even more than that this time.

Really give some thought to how much you want to get this done, you don't have to be the smartest to pass but you do need to be committed to it, enough to put in the work that needs to be done. Even working 40+ hours a week you need to be studying no less than 20 hours per week, it's hard but you will adjust to studying after work.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Spartans92]

ChicagoJess, I too made the mistake of scheduling all parts at once and I had to move FAR back to April 22 (original 4/7) so I could practice more MCQ (just purchased ROGER CRAM and will get Ninja after becker is done). I suggest you take your time and put in the effort. These exams are not rocket science it just takes time and commitment as mla mentioned. I was struggling with bonds last week but by doing more mcq I think I have a better understanding now than I did. I would move FAR back to May and REG to July if I were you. Because you already have an understanding of FAR material so all you need is more practice and brush up. Where as REG is completely new, if you take FAR in July you prob forget a lot of stuff.

Lesson Learned for the mistake

BEC- PASS

[ChicagoJess]

Ok – I'm convinced. LOL
I will reschedule. I would rather be confident when I walk into the exam. In the time since I posted this, the spots are no longer available according to prometric. So I will have to go with rescheduling FAR to the 07/02 date. I haven't started studying yet – so there is nothing to forget between now & May when I start studying.:)

On to REG!! Oh, what joy!

REG - (05/07/2016)
BEC - (05/21/2016)
AUD - 49
FAR - 50, retaking 04/02/16

[MaLoTu]

I would say no, also. I studied it in 12 days and got a 70, but that was dedicating 12 hours a day and it was a retake (albeit the last time I studied it was a year prior). Just reschedule, you can probably have a pretty good chance of cramming if you set your test for the end of April. You can get 100 hours in if you can dedicate 3.5 hours a day for 30 days. I think you need, at least, 100 hours of study for FAR. I would consider that schedule cramming, lol.

[Jdn9201]

ChicagoJess, I'd reschedule and focus on REG. REG in 6 wks is definitely doable; FAR in 2 is next to impossible. I knocked out FAR in 3 weeks studying about 80 hours, but I was going into the exam thinking I was realistically going to have to retake it in May. I think you've learned the hard way to only sign up for NTS based on the exams you think you will be prepared for, realistically. I gave myself tight deadlines because I do better under high pressure when I don't have the option of putting it off, but you have to give yourself a realistic amount of time to do that – everyone has their limits. So yeah, focus on REG and knock them out one at a time. You can do it – good luck!

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

[Anonymous]

I don't understand why you would set aside FAR only because Prometric has no available dates earlier than the other section's (REG) previously scheduled date (5/7).

Heck take FAR anywhere in the US or middle east. We go in the testing center and sit for each test based on our readiness not on when Prometric is ready for us.

[Tncincy]

Amor D: great point. I might have to go to Chicago in May and was just thinking of finding a location in Chicago or the surrounding area. great point. Have test/seat will travel :-))

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[Anonymous]

@tncincy, from what state are you from?

Once you figure out the testing center nearest your area, go ahead and schedule it. Test schedules and opening keep changing in Prometric almost every hour. I'd check to reschedule it in the morning or at the end of the day to see if your nearest or most favorite testing center has an opening for your section. You can even reschedule it at no cost if you do it with more than 30 left before the existing schedule.

[Author]

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