[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

Currently studying for REG -using BECKER and I feel like I am not retaining the material as much as I did when I was studying for the other 3 parts. Every time I move on to a new chapter I can barely remember what I just did in the last chapter.

Here is how I study (Note: I work in public accounting -shall I say more?)

-Watch Becker lectures

– Take notes during lecture

-Review notes briefly before starting homework problems

-Do homework problems which I am currently averaging 55-60%

So I will say I don’t have a solid knowledge when working the problems as I find myself going back to the book or just guess.

I was thinking of purchasing Roger cram and watch those lectures right after the Becker lectures.. I purchased it for FAR and used it as my review after going through Becker which worked OK I think (waiting on scores for FAR). But for Reg I am thinking of purchasing Roger Cram sooner rather than later.

What do you guys think? For those who passed Reg ..How did you study for it?

Thank you for your response.

[Garion]

Becker user and just finished Reg on Tuesday. I had much of the same difficulties as you except the addition of complete burnout after the last session which led to a complete lack of motivation rendering my first two weeks of study completely useless. Plus, tax is not my strong suit and I rely on my tax dept. to do the heavy lifting here. My advice…

1. Stick to the Becker plan.

2. Do as may MCQs as you can.

3. Focus on gain/loss & basis in each section in Reg 3&4.

4. Find the mnemonics and basis assistance on this site. Write out mnemonics every couple of days until you have them in your sleep.

A. https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/reg-basis-summaries-to-help-with-studying

B. https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/reg-1040-mnemonics

C. https://www.another71.com/cpa-exam-forum/topic/post-your-favorite-reg-mnemonic-lets-see-who-is-the-most-creative

5. Print out tax forms, find where the line items exist on the forms in relation to the material and how to calculate them. This really helps with the individual tax formulas, limitations and phaseouts.

6. Do not skip BLaw… Make sure you know the top level concepts. Becker provides all of these and if you do the work… no problem.

I did all of the homework for Reg 1,2,3,4&5 at at least three times each during a four week period as I just wasn't getting it and despite my unwillingness… things did eventually click but right before the exam. I know that is a common phrase but it will especially if you take your time. Last big piece of advice when doing MCQs… walk through every answer including the wrong selections to know why they are wrong.

Note I did subscribe to Ninja MCQ's and Sims to get extra work in. There is redundancy with the questions but the extra Sims experience did help as Becker's Sims do not prepare you at adequately.

Now with all of that said, things did not click until the last second, I did sacrifice Reg 6,7&8 to address my weak areas too much and might pay for it. Hence, stick to the plan and then supplement. I did the Ninja supplements to soon to focus on weak areas where I ‘wasn't getting it' sacrificing the plan and now may have to take this thing again. Fingers crossed I don't but if so… I will crush it next time.

FAR 84 (7/24/14)
BEC 87 (8/28/14)
REG 84 (10/14/14)
AUD 86 (11/24/14)
Ethics 98 (1/19/15)
Licensed CPA: March 13, 2015

[Author]

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