[Anonymous]

Becker Question –

Did anyone find the lectures, reading, and/or flash cards to be an effective learning resource? I went into the homework questions with great confidence and scored around 40% with majority of those guessed. I feel like the formula questions are brand new. I’m in the process of teaching myself those questions directly from the answers.

If anyone did find them effective, what was your study technique?

[leglock]

I used Becker and was not totally pleased with their presentation of some of the material. I felt there were areas that left alot to be desired, and I peppered them with questions anytime I did not understand something or needed more clarity. I always point to their explanation of nonrecourse and recourse loans for s corps and the effects on basis and at risk as material that is easy but is not presented well.

Having said that, I watched the lectures one chapter at a time, and then would read the same chapter, and I would send in questions to Becker on anything I didn't understand. Then I attempted the homework. I scored about 87 percent on avg on each of the REG chapter's mult choice questions. I left the exam swearing I did no better than 40, knowing for sure I completely bombed 3 of the sims (one because Becker's presentation of the material is inadequate/wrong) and I ended up with a 94 on the exam.

I would still recommend Becker for this section of the exam.

[ksfc2727]

Lectures were terrible. Gearty has you highlight the whole book and it became pointless for me. Now the MCQ were very much helpful and I've crammed those over and over for 3 for 3 so far with just FAR remaining.

[Anonymous]

That's the way I feel right now with BEC. I watch the lecture, read the chapter, and make flash cards of easily forgotten material. I then attempt the MCQ and my percent correct is between 58% to 71% correct. I am so damn frustrated with BEC right now that I could throw my computer through the wall! I am trying to master the process but it just seems like the Becker MCQ are just plain hard or I just don't get it.. To be honest I have never liked cost accounting anyway so that makes it 10 times worse lol!

[jcan9703]

I usually do the lectures, read, and then do the hw. I usually don't do well but the hw is really where you do most of the learning. I like to get through all the questions at least once and then again during the week they designate as review. I also use the flash cards. Ill go through the chapters flash cards before I do the questions for a second time. The second time through, I write down why I got the question wrong if i get it wrong again. So far this strategy has worked for me.

AUD - 89 07/02/14 (Becker practice exam: 74, 83)
REG - 92 08/18/14 (Becker practice exam: 75, 84)
BEC - 83 10/03/14 (Becker practice exam: 83, 70)
FAR - 91 11/24/14 (Becker practice exams: 64, 77)
*also utilized Becker Final Review after seeing practice scores for FAR*

[umkcfuturecpa]

Honestly, the only reason I watch the lectures is to catch the little notes they make in the book, or any memory tips they have. Most of what I've retained has been from MCQs like others have said, and reviewing the book when I got something wrong. The first go round with MCQs I usually get a pretty low score as well, and just work them until I get at least 90% right.

REG - 87 (Becker)
AUD - 96 (Becker & Ninja MCQs)
FAR - 85 (Becker, Ninja MCQs, Audio and Blitz)
BEC - Last one! Waiting on score release 11/24!

Remember: a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step

[ShelahV]

I read the chapter first in Becker and then listen to the lectures. I usually watch/listen to the lectures while I do something else like fold clothes or wash dishes. I get the little details that help tie everything together and it's not quite so dull. Then I do the HW.

BEC 8.14.14 - 87!
FAR 1.8.15 - 89!
REG 4.15.15 - 86!
AUD 7.2.15 - 90!

Application submitted 8.6.15
Licensed CPA 8.19.15

Benefit in living in a small state SD!

[playonwards]

I haven't met anyone who has legitimately used Becker and didn't pass. You can say it was boring and pointless but if it helps you pass then I don't get the issue. All review courses have holes and are going to suck to complete. I think if you can't pass using Becker then you aren't trying hard enough. No one said it was perfect, but it does what it is supposed to do if you put in the effort. Do what they say and you will pass. I'm 2 for 2 using Becker with scores in the 90's.

FAR- 92 (7/25/2014)
AUD- 93 (8/30/2014)
REG- 93 (10/10/2014)
BEC- 91 (11/10/2014)

Using Becker self-study only. Working full-time.

[Rocky123]

@playonwards

I concur. If you use Becker and put in the time you will pass. They may cover a lot of material, but there are no surprises on exam day.

Studying for this exam is not fun. No matter what study material you use.

The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.

AUD-PASS
BEC-PASS
REG-PASS
FAR-PASS

Rocky123, CPA

[Anonymous]

Are Becker's lectures even recent? I've seen samples of their videos and it reminds me of grade school teaching videos back in the 90's. It looks so dated.

[Anonymous]

I used Becker for my first attempt and hated the lectures. As ksfc2727 pointed out, you basically end up highlighting the entire book if you actually follow along.

I much preferred CPAExcel, which is what I used my second time through.

[Graham_3]

@DunkinDonuts I thought the same thing when I watched the first couple videos, but they are up to date. They make reference to 2014 in some of the videos (especially REG). Now, some of them may be older if information hasn't changed, but the new videos still look old school making it hard to tell. Their style I guess?

FAR-78
AUD-89
REG-88
BEC-85

Done!!

[Author]

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