[Pepper]

I am trying to decide whether or not I can fit in two master’s accounting classes in addition to studying for FAR or if I should just stick to one (I am not working but have two teens). It seems like I spend more time studying for the CPA than most people. It is such a hard balance between getting through the exam and classes while still having some sense of life balance and sanity. Any suggestions or tips on how to make study time efficient or how to make the decision?

[Globetrotter]

Pepper,
Life balance and sanity, what's that? 😉
Since you asked for an opinion…
If I were in your shoes, I would consider the following:
1. You have passed AUD. Congrats, BTW. I do not know WHEN you passed it, but you need to keep 18 months rule in mind.
2. If you are in grad school, do you have to take classes every semester in order to stay in the program?
3. What kind of classes are your taking in your Master's program? If it's something like Governmental or Advanced, it will definitely help you to prepare for FAR.
4. Since you mentioned that you do not work, I would consider studying for FAR and classes as a full-time University load.
5. There is not dead-line for you to take FAR. You could sign up when you are ready.
6. Since you have the teens, it might be easier than having small kids as they are potty trained and can make their own sandwich. 🙂

If I were you, I would do both (FAR and classes) and hang out on campus full-time. It would be like being 22 again.

[jombe]

This depends on each individual, so you just have to come up w/ what works for you.
–
I, myself, took 3 months to study on average per section. Looking back, I don't think I'd change anything. Could I maybe have done 2 months per section? Sure, but I would've been so much more stressed out.
–
My colleague, on the other hand, took all 4 sections in 3 months and passed. Another one passed all 4 in 9 months. etc, etc, etc.

FAR - 94 (10/4/15), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
AUD - 99 (1/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
REG - 96 (4/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ
BEC - 91 (7/19/16), Local Prep Online Lectures, BISK & NINJA MCQ

581 days of listening to lectures, reading texts & 10,000+ MCQs...

[SuperAccountingGod]

@Jombe Geezes look at all those 90s scores. You must be an accounting genius or be gifted with a photographic memory.

[Pepper]

Thank you for the replies. Both Master's classes are in accounting (Corporate Taxation and Advanced Acctg Theory), are on the same night, and they are my last two accounting classes. I think the biggest hurdle is staying focused and motivated for the CPA exam. FAR is overwhelming and I worry about not remembering the details, exceptions, or nuances that sometime show up on the exam. I was super stressed about Audit when I took it and have been struggling with procrastination. The key for me is going to the library, coming up with a short daily review plan, and taking it one step at a time. I've decided to take both classes after talking to the professor. I need to finish so that I can get back to work!

[Anonymous]

@Pepper, I think you made the right decision to take both classes. For the vast majority of us, there is never a “perfect” time to study for these exams. There will always be something in the way. Knocking out FAR is big by the way- it should get easier after you finish it. It's an intimidating exam (took me twice as long as the other to study for). I saved it for last because I wanted to wait until after busy season, but if I had it to do over again I would have done FAR first.

[Recked]

I spent about 250 hours on FAR, but it was also my first exam, and 15+ years since college.
I had to relearn how to study effectively/efficiently, etc.
Those 2 classes might coincide nicely with your FAR review. Or if you decide to postpone FAR until after the classes, they should give you a head start.

[Author]

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