[Stevedouga]

Hi All,

I’m using CPAExcel online self- study and my current routine for each section is the following:

-Watch Video

-Read Study Text

-Take exam in study mode, review any i get wrong

-Take exam again in exam mode

-Review Proficiency Questions

-Review Flashcards

Is this the best way to study using CPAExcel? Do I need to read the study text, or watch the video, or what? Any input is appreciated. Seems like I’m taking longer than the average time to get through the lessons. THANKS!

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[tbird27ut]

It really depends on the type of study habits that most benefits you. I used CPA Excel, and essentially went through each section twice. The first time, I read the Study Notes and Powerpoint slides, did the proficiency questions, and did the MC questions. After I completed the entire section, I went back over every individual section and handwrote every section's Study Notes and re-did all the MCQ's, as well as glanced over all the flashcards. Only after I did all this did I take the comprehensive practice exam – which pinpointed any areas I needed to go back over. I really didn't watch the videos, because I like reading/working out problems myself.

This may seem very time consuming and burdonsome (especially writing out ALL the notes) – but I went into every exam well prepared…and not to mention passing all 4 parts on 1st try within 5 months.

AUD 10/2012 - 98
REG 11/2012 - 86
BEC 01/2013 - 83
FAR 02/2013 - 95

USED CPA EXCEL

[tbird27ut]

It really depends on the type of study habits that most benefits you. I used CPA Excel, and essentially went through each section twice. The first time, I read the Study Notes and Powerpoint slides, did the proficiency questions, and did the MC questions. After I completed the entire section, I went back over every individual section and handwrote every section's Study Notes and re-did all the MCQ's, as well as glanced over all the flashcards. Only after I did all this did I take the comprehensive practice exam – which pinpointed any areas I needed to go back over. I really didn't watch the videos, because I like reading/working out problems myself.

This may seem very time consuming and burdonsome (especially writing out ALL the notes) – but I went into every exam well prepared…and not to mention passing all 4 parts on 1st try within 5 months.

AUD 10/2012 - 98
REG 11/2012 - 86
BEC 01/2013 - 83
FAR 02/2013 - 95

USED CPA EXCEL

[Getting a CPA]

Skipping videos seems to be the general consensus for CPAExcel. I am the opposite…moving forward I won't read the entire book or study text, but watch the videos and do only the MCQs/SIMS. If you like to read over watching videos, then skip the videos. It's all redundant information (Textbook > Study Text > Videos). I am a visual learner, so I like the videos.

I think the proficiency questions (T/F) are pointless, and better time could be spent elsewhere. BUT we should both be taking advice from the person who passed – tbird27ut 🙂

@tbird27ut – 98 on AUD huh? Wow! Can I do it in 6 weeks you think? Wanna avoid the July changes…

[Getting a CPA]

Skipping videos seems to be the general consensus for CPAExcel. I am the opposite…moving forward I won't read the entire book or study text, but watch the videos and do only the MCQs/SIMS. If you like to read over watching videos, then skip the videos. It's all redundant information (Textbook > Study Text > Videos). I am a visual learner, so I like the videos.

I think the proficiency questions (T/F) are pointless, and better time could be spent elsewhere. BUT we should both be taking advice from the person who passed – tbird27ut 🙂

@tbird27ut – 98 on AUD huh? Wow! Can I do it in 6 weeks you think? Wanna avoid the July changes…

[tsokoberst]

I used CPA Excel on my CPA journey.

Video>Study Text>PQ>Exam mode(or Study mode, depends upon level of confidence on the topic

I personally wrote notes of the study text in a very easy to see format like concept maps and diagrams. I've always skipped those flashcards because of my personal notes.

"It's not about the hours you put in, It's about what you put in the hours."

F-94,A-93,R-91,B-88 ->HELL!

PH CPA exam -87.57 -> DEEPER HELL!!

[tsokoberst]

I used CPA Excel on my CPA journey.

Video>Study Text>PQ>Exam mode(or Study mode, depends upon level of confidence on the topic

I personally wrote notes of the study text in a very easy to see format like concept maps and diagrams. I've always skipped those flashcards because of my personal notes.

"It's not about the hours you put in, It's about what you put in the hours."

F-94,A-93,R-91,B-88 ->HELL!

PH CPA exam -87.57 -> DEEPER HELL!!

[Fading Novel]

I think another thing you need to consider that no one touched on is how well do you know the material?

If you are starting from scratch I think there is so much material to learn that you are better served to read (and take good notes) all the material first before going back to do the questions. I am speaking from personal experience however.

When I used CPAExcel to study for FAR and AUD I already had a good base to work off of since I had just completed my accounting classes and found it better to do the questions after the lesson. I am studying for REG currently and am starting from scratch and I know that even if I did the questions after the lesson I would forget the material by the time I am done with everything. After going through the material I am going through the sections again but just the MCQ and the info is reeeeally sinking in.

Regardless of your choice, the consensus here, which I agree with, is to go back a second time through the material.

FAR - 85 (CPAExcel with Ninja Notes), 71 (CPAExcel)
AUD - 79 (CPAExcel w/Ninja Notes)
BEC - 77 (CPAExcel w/Ninja Notes)
REG - July/August 2013, 74 (CPAExcel w/Ninja Notes & NO COFFEE during the AM test!)

[Fading Novel]

I think another thing you need to consider that no one touched on is how well do you know the material?

If you are starting from scratch I think there is so much material to learn that you are better served to read (and take good notes) all the material first before going back to do the questions. I am speaking from personal experience however.

When I used CPAExcel to study for FAR and AUD I already had a good base to work off of since I had just completed my accounting classes and found it better to do the questions after the lesson. I am studying for REG currently and am starting from scratch and I know that even if I did the questions after the lesson I would forget the material by the time I am done with everything. After going through the material I am going through the sections again but just the MCQ and the info is reeeeally sinking in.

Regardless of your choice, the consensus here, which I agree with, is to go back a second time through the material.

FAR - 85 (CPAExcel with Ninja Notes), 71 (CPAExcel)
AUD - 79 (CPAExcel w/Ninja Notes)
BEC - 77 (CPAExcel w/Ninja Notes)
REG - July/August 2013, 74 (CPAExcel w/Ninja Notes & NO COFFEE during the AM test!)

[Getting a CPA]

So I am taking FAR on April 2 (5 days!). I have already gone through the MCQs twice and I know most of the answers. What can I do in my last few days? I don't have Wiley or another test bank…

[Getting a CPA]

So I am taking FAR on April 2 (5 days!). I have already gone through the MCQs twice and I know most of the answers. What can I do in my last few days? I don't have Wiley or another test bank…

[Jaimcpa]

If you are skipping the study text (which is just the online version of the book), I would still write out those powerpoints after watching the lectures (the lectures regurgitate the slides especially in the government section). This will help with memory retention.

FAR- 73, 10/07/2013
REG- 8/31/2013
AUD- TBD
BEC- TBD

MAcc
Main: Becker Self-Study 2013. Supplements: Ninja / Wiley TB / CPAExcel (Bought before I received an offer).

[Jaimcpa]

If you are skipping the study text (which is just the online version of the book), I would still write out those powerpoints after watching the lectures (the lectures regurgitate the slides especially in the government section). This will help with memory retention.

FAR- 73, 10/07/2013
REG- 8/31/2013
AUD- TBD
BEC- TBD

MAcc
Main: Becker Self-Study 2013. Supplements: Ninja / Wiley TB / CPAExcel (Bought before I received an offer).

[tbird27ut]

@Getting a CPA

6 weeks for AUD is very doable. AUD was my first section, as I have no experience (other than taking 1 class in college) and figured this would've been my most difficult section. I spent 6 weeks doing my study plan for AUD and went into the test very prepared.

AUD 10/2012 - 98
REG 11/2012 - 86
BEC 01/2013 - 83
FAR 02/2013 - 95

USED CPA EXCEL

[tbird27ut]

@Getting a CPA

6 weeks for AUD is very doable. AUD was my first section, as I have no experience (other than taking 1 class in college) and figured this would've been my most difficult section. I spent 6 weeks doing my study plan for AUD and went into the test very prepared.

AUD 10/2012 - 98
REG 11/2012 - 86
BEC 01/2013 - 83
FAR 02/2013 - 95

USED CPA EXCEL

[Getting a CPA]

Thanks tbird…I am taking FAR on Tuesday. I am sick (and puked) from doing MCQs. I am going over the sections for a third time, after reading both books (1127 pages). I have been out of school for a few years, so I spent a few months working on FAR…

[Author]

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