[Anonymous]

So I just found out today I failed REG for the SECOND time with a 72. I was in shock because I did my whole review program (Becker) from scratch, all the mcq 2-3 times and all the SIMS once. I was consistently scoring in the 70-90s. I even used the Final Review.

I realized watching lectures is a huge waste of time for me. It is more efficient for me to read and do MCQ. I feel the 1-2 weeks of watching lectures really made me miss those 3 lousy points.

Anyway, I am have been studying for FAR since August 1 and plan to take my test the first week of October. My AUD expired also and my BEC expries 12/31/14.

I really need some advice. I will be starting full-time September 2nd and will most likely be working 9am to 6-7pm, with a 1.5 hour commute home, plus dinner, shower etc. What do you guys think I should do to pass FAR, REG and AUD by the end of November?

I know it is going to be tough, but what should I do? What can I do? I have GLEIM for REG and FAR but only used them for used them for AUD(92) and BEC(80). Should I use Gleim for FAR and REG? Or Just go straight NINJA?

The only positive I can see from this is if i HOPEFULLY pass FAR in October, I can take 3-4 weeks for REG and 3-4 weeks for AUD (I actually enjoyed studying audit)

PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!

[M.O.D.]

Why not continue with Gleim, if they worked for two tests?

I see many jumping around various review programs.

I say choose one that works and memorize the whole damn book if need be.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[thechapman]

Stick with your review program but WRITE THE NOTES BY HAND

Passed - 2014

[Anonymous]

The reason I switched from Gleim to Becker for REG and FAR was that everyone was saying how Gleim gives too many obscure questions. Since FAR and REG had more material, I thought I would need a more organized structure.

All I did for AUD and BEC was read the Gleim outlines and do the mcq for each section. Then did ALL the mcq (writing notes) until a few days before the test, where I would review. That worked for AUD and BEC because those sections had less MCQ. FAR alone has over 2,500 mcq, so I felt overwhelmed.

Now I am just confused as to what review program to use (NO LECTURES THOUGH!). Ninja mcq? Gleim mcq? Not to mention I have a shortened time frame now.

[Anonymous]

I actually stopped watching the lectures also. I would read the chapter and make sure I understood everything, then do the MC. I would then quickly go through the chapter again using the online version to see what Becker had starred (Since I didnt watch lectures and mark up my book), and make sure I nailed anything that gave me trouble in MC. I would then go back through the MC and do any that I got wrong or marked. I would go back and listen to the lecture for a topic if I had a hard time comprehending. I would also take notes of any formulas, mnemonics, starred topics or trouble areas. I found doing the outline took up to much time and I didnt use it enough to justify. Becker actually provides outlines also. With this method it took me 3 to 4 days per chapter (working 9-5) and I could cover 1 chapter if doing it when I was off sat & sun. I did sims after finishing all chapters and my review was based on how much time I had left after finishing, for FAR, AUD & BEC I just reviewed the textbook, but for REG I did all MC again. Becker was awesome, I thought it was worth the extra money, even buying 2 books twice, because it really covers all main areas of each test.

[Anonymous]

“WRITE THE NOTES BY HAND”

^^^^Bingo.

Get a legal pad and go through the MCQs again. Write why the answer is correct but, more importantly, write down why the other three options are incorrect. You will learn more and retain more by writing down why the other answers are incorrect. Redo all the sections until you are getting 95% consistently. Focus on weaknesses until you have none.

That's how I did it. Skipped watching the useless lectures. Never practiced the simulations.

Passed all four sections first time using Becker….GMAT and SATs told me I was an idiot, so anybody should be able to pass this exam.

It can be done.

[M.O.D.]

There is no substitute for knowing the material. The CPA is like a marathon, not a sprint, and you have to slog through all those obscure questions, and learn as many obscurities as you can. It is an endurance trial.

The reason those obscurities are in Gleim is because they were on prior CPA tests. The AICPA is the asshole, not Gleim.

Gleim only tries to prepare you for the test, they don't write the test.

It is wishful thinking to use an easier review system, because that would make the test easier? That is putting the cart before the horse.

The test could care less which review system you used and how easy (or hard) it was.

BA Mathematics, UC Berkeley
Certificates in CPA and EA preparation, College of San Mateo
CMA I 420, II 470
FAR 91, AUD Feb 2015 (Gleim self-study)

[hvansaders]

Get the NINJA Audio. Perfect for your commute. I too have failed REG twice (crammed the first time got a 65, second time put in the effort but fell short with a 73 although improved 8 points from 1st time) and I purchased the rest of the material to complete the 10 pt combo for REG. Already using the Yeager program with WTB and still feel like that is a solid course for me so I am going to yet again start from scratch. Anyway, I started listening to the Audio this week and I'm already hooked on it. My plan instead of re-writing the NINJA notes is to listen to the Audio sections again and take notes from there. Jeff talks slow enough to take notes while listening and I like his examples which can be added to my notes. Even if you just listen to the Audio I feel like his examples are so easy to remember that its something you will recall during the exam.

[Author]

Replies