[jasoncancio]

Hey, everyone. I just wanted everyone’s input on feeling like giving up or feeling not smart enough.

As of right now, I’m studying for FAR. I’ve gone through the lectures, but when it comes MCQ time, I feel like a complete idiot and feel like I don’t know anything. On top of that, when the software tells you that you got the question wrong, it’s extremely demotivating. Is this normal? Is this part of the process?

Although it may not be realistic, I feel like I should be answering most of the MCQs correctly after watching the lectures, but it’s not really happening like that.

Input, anyone?

[warningbarrel20]

This is completely normal–I don't know your test history but if it's your first expect there to be much more frustration throughout the process. This isn't a test of intelligence, but one of perseverance. Next time you get a question wrong, write it down, and try not to repeat the same ‘error.' Keep plugging along and it will come–it just takes a tremendous amount of effort, discipline, and perseverance. Good luck with your studies!

FAR: 78 (1/31/15)
BEC: 81 (8/30/15)
REG: 77* (10/10/15)
AUD: 76 (11/28/15)

ETHICS - 97

*Failed 2x - 72, 68

IL Candidate

[fuzyfro89]

If you need constant positive reinforcement, the exam process will be very difficult for you.

Don't take getting questions wrong as a bad thing. It's a blessing in disguise. Knowing what you don't understand in real time helps you focus your study efforts and where you need to put in additional effort to understand concepts.

[Anonymous]

It's absolutely normal. It's a part of the learning process and they say so in the Becker lectures. I don't know anyone who could go straight from the lectures to the MCQ and get above a 75%(on the more difficult stuff at least). More than half the time I would get 50% or less on the first time through the MCQ and I felt like a total moron, but as time went on and I went through more and more questions I would gradually notice my average going up and begin realizing a more thorough understanding of the material.

Now if you are a couple of days or less out from the exam and still getting less than 50% on the MCQ, I would suggest pushing back your exam date. In my experience, I have taken the practice exams in Becker and have gotten low 70's and high 60's and passed the actual exam with some comfortable margins, but that also depends if you are lucky come exam day and you get mostly the questions you know best.

I think it also depends on your learning style. Listening to the lectures while struggling to switch between a highlighter and a pen to underline didn't really jive with me. I felt very little retention and very much like I was wasting my time. Instead, I just forgot the pen and highlighter and concentrated on listening and paying attention to what they said while following along, as you have the highlighted/penned notes in the software anyway(Becker). I used the lectures to just dip my toe in the metaphorical pool and the used the MCQ's to dive in and really gain an understanding. After that, I would try and look more into the MCQ I got wrong and sometimes reread the book when necessary. In any case, don't sweat the MCQ early on in the study process.

[Anonymous]

Is this consistent across a few areas only or across the board? How much of the material have you covered?

[okcpa2015]

When I first got on this forum I saw Jeff post something to the affect of, “Let the panic drive you,” to someone with a similar question.

I took that advice and it was the best thing I did. After getting through all the FAR material I went back to review and felt like I knew nothing. FAR was my first exam and seriously started to doubt if this was even for me. But, I used the panic that I had to motivate me to study as much as possible until exam day came.

By the time I walked into the exam I actually felt pretty confident.

So remember… Let the panic drive you

FAR - 91
REG - 88
AUD - 98
BEC - 88

[the LAST Coffee]

What okacpa2015 said, let the panic drive you. Even after going through AUD, BEC, FAR lectures from Roger CPA Review and jumping into Ninja MCQs for review, I kept missing questions after questions after questions until it frustrated me.

Yet, it really is a blessing in disguise. You learn from the missed questions and by the time your near the exam date, you start to kill the questions and become confident in your ability to pass the stupid exam.

FAR 84 (AUG '15)
BEC 83 (AUG '15)
AUD 79 (OCT '15)
REG 71, 78! (NOV '15, FEB '16)

[536FrenchmenStreet]

Man, I really needed this thread right now. Studying for this exam has been extremely humbling.

BEC: Fall 2016
AUD: Spring 2016
REG: Summer 2016
FAR: RETAKE

[Anonymous]

I wanted to quit the entire time I was studying for this test. I passed FAR and then failed my second test which was AUD. I kept at, passed the other two, retook AUD and was done. This forum helped me through the dark times. Keep at it and you will succeed.

To answer your question I think it's completely normal.

[jasoncancio]

You guys are all awesome. Thanks for all of the input and thoughts regarding the topic. Definitely going to keep pushing! I will do this!

[mjbriggs]

I remember saying I wanted to quit. But just keep going. Take FAR and see what happens. A passing score is VERY motivating. Hang in there, you'll do fine.

FAR - 75
AUD - 83
BEC - 85
REG - 72, retake October 2015 - 85 PASS!

And I'm DONE. Praise!

[taxman89]

“I wanted to quit the entire time I was studying for this test”

i mean “doover” nailed it lol

AUD - 75
BEC - 77
FAR - 78
REG - 82

AUD: 61-67-75 (Thanks ninja aud)
BEC: 77
FAR: 78
REG:69-73-70-82

Aud-75 3x I knew i never liked you
Bec-77 1x being in the bubble is stressful
Reg-82 4x its not me its you...and no we cant be friends
Far-78 1x easiest section

[Author]

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