[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

So I’m down to only a FAR exam and I studying using CpaExcel and I feel like I’m making no progress with the software. Now don’t get me wrong, I think CpaExcel is the best software around but I feel like there’s no point to half assiing my way through these assignments and waiting to knock out all 76 lessons. I’ve been thinking of going straight to only reading the material and going into study mode for the mcqs and tbs and just reciewing the answer. After that I would get the wiley test bank (maybe ninja mcq testbank ) and pairing it with the ninja notes to just crank out about a billion mcqs and tbs.

Can away who’s done or is currently taking FAR let me now is this a sound plan?

[JamesBJames]

You're talking about skipping lectures and focusing heavily on MCQs, right? It could work. FAR doesn't have a lot of cohesion between topics once you get past basic journal entries, so if you're good at compartmentalizing the information and learning from your mistakes on MCQs, you'll be fine. I think you'll be able to feel if it's working for you based on your previous scores.

FAR: May 1st, 2014 - 91
AUD: May 29th, 2014 - 97!
BEC: July 16th, 2014 - 91
REG: August 29th, 2014 - 88

Licensed December 2015

Feel free to add me on LinkedIn by clicking my username!

[Mjganier]

That is how I'm studying for it as well. At first, I was doing everything Cpaexcel had to offer: videos, rewriting study text, flashcards, PowerPoint and EQ's. Doing it this way was so long and drawn out that I felt like I was getting nowhere at all fast. Just last week I tried just reading the study text and then doing tons of MCQ using Cpaexcel's EQ and Ninja MCQ and I've gained a ton of ground compared to the old way. I take FAR on Aug 25th and doing it this way will give me an extra week to review everything: MCQ's, SIMS and Ninja notes. So far, I've retained everything.

FAR 8/18/2014--87
AUD 10/18/2014--78
REG 11/24/2014--76
BEC 2/28/2015--76

"If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough"-Albert Einstein

Study Mats: Cpaexcel study text and EQ, Ninja MCQ, Ninja notes

[Mamabear]

I skipped lectures and only read half of the Wiley book for FAR. I got most of my learning from ninja materials and the WTB, since Ninja MCQ wasn't out then. You can do it.

CPA Exam - Finally DONE (November 2014)
BEC (08/10/13) 80
AUD (08/24/13) 65 (11/13/13) 85
FAR (04/12/14) 81
REG (07/19/14) 69 (11/29/14) 87!!

[jrw1990]

I too use CPAexcel and that's essentially the same thing I did after going through the book once, and I think drilling MCQ's did work for me. The only thing that I would say is that doing the MCQ on that software doesn't do a very good job of replicating the types of IFRS questions that you will find on the exam, so make sure you prepare for that separately.

FAR - 63 71 74 76.... thank god
AUD - 68 75
BEC - 78
REG - 78

[Excel14]

I feel the same way many of you do, that are using CPAexcel. I test on 8/31, and have yet to do ONE review question for the earlier sections. I've been way too busy trying to keep up with current lessons. I am going to have to force myself to “try” and fit in time for hammering MCQ from the old sections. I'm not feeling good at all about my chances. If I started cranking out nothing but MCQ after trying to get current lessons done, do you all think I can get through this stuff and pass?

What do they call an accounting person, who only managed a 75 on all four parts of the CPA exam....you got it, CPA!!!

BEC (2/28/16) ----- 78
FAR (09/10/16)-----
AUD
REG

CIA, CGAP, CFE

[Anonymous]

I use CPAExcel and it really goes into every crevice and crack of every detail. Not to say this is a bad thing though because it will prepare you for every little thing that can be thrown at you exam day but it can be overwhelming at times.

I'm in full on review mode right now cranking MCQs non-stop interchanging CPAExcel, Gleim, and CPAreviewforfree for my Aug 8th battle. You might want to try the Mamabear route mentioned above. Just make sure you understand the logic behind why the answers are right/wrong.

[Excel14]

@Bobcat:

Thanks. I'm guessing you like many others, are smarter than I am in that you have been reviewing all along? I certainly haven't had the time, with my work schedule. I am barely keeping up with my nightly lessons! When did you begin your review of all of the old material? I'm hoping you won't tell me from the beginning. lol

What do they call an accounting person, who only managed a 75 on all four parts of the CPA exam....you got it, CPA!!!

BEC (2/28/16) ----- 78
FAR (09/10/16)-----
AUD
REG

CIA, CGAP, CFE

[Anonymous]

@Excel —

Haha I'm afraid to tell you yes I have in some degree. In mainly came in the basic form of: text & MCQ chapters 1,2,3 move on to 4, 5, 6 then review 1, 2, 3. It definitely has a way of wearing you out and obviously through this method the later the chapter the less time you have reviewing so for example NFP/GOVT in this scenario would have the least review (if you follow CPAExcels format because it's last). So when I started my “final” review stage I'm working backwards in order for everything to get their due time.

With REG I felt like I could do one thing then come back to it much later and it still was stuck in my brain. With FAR… no freakin' way. There is so much material I have to constantly see it. I'm feeling pretty good right now but I do have my weaker areas that I have to make sure I drive the concepts home on.

Your test is 8/31… that is a hell of a lot of time to go. In my opinion these exams are all about confidence. You have to read the question and when you finish readingbe able to call BS on one answer immediately then it usually comes down to a 50/50.

YOU GOT THIS!

[Excel14]

So you think that with my test being at that date, I can still swing this if I start a review very soon (if not immediately)? I have the NINJA MCQ, which I plan to utilize if I can ever breathe with these current CPAexcel tasks.

What do they call an accounting person, who only managed a 75 on all four parts of the CPA exam....you got it, CPA!!!

BEC (2/28/16) ----- 78
FAR (09/10/16)-----
AUD
REG

CIA, CGAP, CFE

[Anonymous]

CPAexcel was a waste of my time! Becker all the way.

[Excel14]

@CPABound:

Why do you say that the program was a waste of time? I've heard that despite the rigorous amount of material (isn't that just the case with FAR?), it prepares people as well as Becker, for much less cost. Just curious as to what about it you didn't like.

What do they call an accounting person, who only managed a 75 on all four parts of the CPA exam....you got it, CPA!!!

BEC (2/28/16) ----- 78
FAR (09/10/16)-----
AUD
REG

CIA, CGAP, CFE

[Anonymous]

Sorry. Maybe that was a little too harsh. Everyone is different, so if it works for you then that is what matters! I just felt like CPAexcel lectures were not very well done. And the books don't have as great of organization as the Becker books. I feel like Becker hits the important pieces very well. I was 1 for 4 with CPAexcel and so far with Becker I'm 1 for 1 (different exam…first try and I passed).

[Monkey Wrench]

I am going with the Ninja Method for FAR with CPAexcel. I started studying 2 weeks ago and giving myself 3 weeks to get thru all the videos, then 3 weeks to drill MCQ then 2 weeks I think for review before my test on the 28th of august. I unfortunately got behind on my videos so now I am having to crank out a lot more than I wanted to, It is taking quite a while, but I am taking very detailed notes. I am giving myself till next sunday for videos, if I am still not thru them then I may just have to go on with MCQ and read the book (or videos) when I get to the sections I missed in my video phase.

[Monkey Wrench]

I feel CPAexcel teaches you how to be a good accountant.

Becker teaches you how to be a good highlighter.

🙂 (just a little generalization!)

[Anonymous]

Working in real life teaches you how to be an accountant. Not studying for exams Monkey Wrench.

[Author]

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