[Anonymous]

I’m about to take my 4th Exam (FAR). I’ve developed a plan for studying based on my first three tests.

When I first took REG, the SIMs I got on the exam were like nothing I had seen before. I knew that cramming all of those practice SIMs in my head didn’t help much on the actual exam. So, when I took AUD, I basically skipped studying the SIMs, and only focused on the MC. Like, really, really knew all MC questions. On the actual test, I use knowledge from the MC and from the codification/dictionary-thing to lookup any answers I could on the SIMs. I actually did very well on the AUD simulations.

Now, as I’m about to take FAR (in 4 days), I am wondering if anyone has had success with this approach. There seems to be so many different SIMs that could be tested in FAR, and it just seems to me like the best bet is to really nail studying for the MC and hope that some combination of MC knowledge and the codification/lookup will get you through the SIMs.

Any advice?

[Gatorbates]

Do exactly what you're doing. I didn't study for a SIM in all of my sections. I drilled them all. If you know the MCQ and theories behind it, the SIM will be very manageable.

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[Gatorbates]

Do exactly what you're doing. I didn't study for a SIM in all of my sections. I drilled them all. If you know the MCQ and theories behind it, the SIM will be very manageable.

Licensed Florida CPA:
B: 71, 73, 79
A: 83
R: 78 (expired), 77
F: 74, 74, 80

It's finally freaking over.

[acamp]

I did a limited number of sim practices just to be somewhat familiar, but really focused on using the guidance, resulted in average on all sims 🙂

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[acamp]

I did a limited number of sim practices just to be somewhat familiar, but really focused on using the guidance, resulted in average on all sims 🙂

Self proclaimed: Highest ratio of Replies to Others v. Posts Created on A71

California CPA - Big4 Aud Manager Alum - Private Accounting at Startups

FAR, REG and BEC with Ninja Notes + WTB Only

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[huytuan124]

I used exactly the same strategy and somehow it worked for me. I did only one for two sim(s) for every module, just to be familiar with the spreadsheet and research and solidify my MCQ knowledge. Most of my time was spent on MCQ and taking notes from the ones I got wrong.

FAR: 80 02/01/2014
AUD: 53,80 12/09/2014
BEC: TBD
REG: TBD

Yaeger Home Study + Ninja Audio

[huytuan124]

I used exactly the same strategy and somehow it worked for me. I did only one for two sim(s) for every module, just to be familiar with the spreadsheet and research and solidify my MCQ knowledge. Most of my time was spent on MCQ and taking notes from the ones I got wrong.

FAR: 80 02/01/2014
AUD: 53,80 12/09/2014
BEC: TBD
REG: TBD

Yaeger Home Study + Ninja Audio

[fsugirl2005]

@ Gatorbates

Very true. When I took FAR in 2010, I hadn't really done anything with the SIMS while studying. But, when I saw them on the exam, it was easy to figure out because of my MCQ knowledge. The only thing that sucked is that I didn't get to spend a lot of time on Government/NFP.

REG - 78
FAR - 79
AUD - 76
BEC - 75

I have been on this journey off and on for over 10 years. I think it's about time that I wrap this up.

AUD - 10/21/16 (75----07/2010 expired)
FAR - 10/28/16
BEC - 11/2016
REG - 01/2017

Using Gleim CPA Review, Ninja Audio, Ninja Book

[fsugirl2005]

@ Gatorbates

Very true. When I took FAR in 2010, I hadn't really done anything with the SIMS while studying. But, when I saw them on the exam, it was easy to figure out because of my MCQ knowledge. The only thing that sucked is that I didn't get to spend a lot of time on Government/NFP.

REG - 78
FAR - 79
AUD - 76
BEC - 75

I have been on this journey off and on for over 10 years. I think it's about time that I wrap this up.

AUD - 10/21/16 (75----07/2010 expired)
FAR - 10/28/16
BEC - 11/2016
REG - 01/2017

Using Gleim CPA Review, Ninja Audio, Ninja Book

[mla1169]

I just don't think its possible to study SIMS for content. But I do believe its worth a bit of attention just to be familiar with the mechanics (especially becoming proficient with the authoritative literature).

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[mla1169]

I just don't think its possible to study SIMS for content. But I do believe its worth a bit of attention just to be familiar with the mechanics (especially becoming proficient with the authoritative literature).

FAR- 77
AUD -49, 71, 84
REG -56,75!
BEC -75

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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