[Anonymous]

Hey all, I started studying FAR a week ago and am probably 20% through the material. I just took and passed Audit in July, and have FAR scheduled for August 29th, so I don’t have too much time to prepare.

I have used CPAexcel to pass my first three exams, and for FAR I’m also using the Ninja Notes to supplement. I’m just looking for any general tips/advice you guys may have for my situation. Obviously, I know I don’t have a lot of time left, and FAR has the most material…but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[taxgeek83]

Get the Ninja flashcards, write them out, and drill like crazy. Find a friend and buy him/her a beverage of choice in exchange for helping you if you have to. Get the Ninja test bank and work your way through it. At least 100+ questions per day/night. Rewrite the Ninja notes. Twice if you can fit it in (not sure if you are working or not). Stuck on a car ride or train? Take your laptop/book/flashcards/whatever you have room for, ignore everyone in said car/on said train, and drill like crazy. Use the internet or any other resource you have to research topics you aren't sure about. Use this forum – there are a lot of bright folks on here that are more than willing to help. It's going to be 3 weeks of hell, but it's possible. I managed to pull it off in about 3, 4 weeks in Q2….

[Anonymous]

@taxgeek83 Is this done after he gets through his review course? Or are you recommending he dive straight into the ninja notes/mcq?

[jcube]

I did it in 4 weeks. I had Advance Financial Accounting as a 6 week class in May and June so I didn't start studying FAR until the last week in June. I follow the NINJA method, somewhat, and watched the videos (Gleim) first. Skipped the notes (I don't learn from taking notes) and then hit the mcq. For FAR I did 1,700 mcq, I listened to ninja audio to/from work, and at work I listen to ninja blitz.

AUD - 4/14/14 - 83
BEC - 5/21/14 - 81
FAR - 7/14/14 - 85
REG - 8/18/14 - 68 - 11/10/14 - 86

[jcube]

I did it in 4 weeks. I had Advance Financial Accounting as a 6 week class in May and June so I didn't start studying FAR until the last week in June. I follow the NINJA method, somewhat, and watched the videos (Gleim) first. Skipped the notes (I don't learn from taking notes) and then hit the mcq. For FAR I did 1,700 mcq, I listened to ninja audio to/from work, and at work I listen to ninja blitz.

AUD - 4/14/14 - 83
BEC - 5/21/14 - 81
FAR - 7/14/14 - 85
REG - 8/18/14 - 68 - 11/10/14 - 86

[taxgeek83]

I dove straight in. I studied for about a week and a half for my first attempt – all Wiley test bank, Ninja Blitz, selected videos from the Yaeger Cram series and the Wiley textbook. Pulled a 72, so I knew I was close. Tried making a plan and going through the whole Yaeger course for my second attempt, but I couldn't stand watching those videos. Cindy and Phil are something else, not to mention the material bored me. So I grabbed some extra Ninja materials and drilled drilled drilled. It's not ideal and I wouldn't recommend it if you have the luxury of extra time on your NTS and aren't about to lose any credits, but if your back's up against the wall, it's possible!

[jstay]

I've been studying all summer for this bitch (oops i mean beast) and have 20 days off of work before the exam..so just drill drill drill and i should be “ok”

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the input!

I work full-time so I study 3-4 hours after work, then go HAM during the weekends. I probably won't finish the CPAexcel material until a week before my exam, but I printed and binded the Ninja Notes so I'll continually review sections I've already covered.

I'm taking it early in the hopes I'll have all this over with soon…but I can retake in the last window if necessary b/c my first score doesn't expire until November 20th.

[Anonymous]

I want to graciously thank all of you for your advice, encouragement, and input.

I took a ballsy route and waited to take FAR until early October….I just found out I passed and am finally done!

Thanks again!

[Author]

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