[Anonymous]

What do you think is the single (You can only choose one) most helpful tool for exam preparation? Keep in mind the desired outcome is passing! Be general or specific:

I.e., doing all Becker (or Ninja) MCQ until you get every one correct.

I.e., understanding and acing Becker task-based simulations

i.e., watching Roger CPA review videos

I.e., reading the text

[ibCPAsoon]

The most important to me is actually understanding the concept and look into the detail for each option EVEN if you get it right.

This is especially important if you were torn between two answers and guessed right – you might no t be so lucky on the exam. Those questions you guess on – brush back up on the text if you have time. The exam is tricky.

Also – make sure when you set aside study time…you actuallly STUDY. I've spent way too much study time procrastinating on these forums, amazon, youtube, etc.

BEC - PASS JULY 2014
FAR - PASS DEC 2014
AUD - PASS FEB 2015
REG - PASS MAY 2015

[Anonymous]

The single most important study element is a clear mind, followed by critical thinking and dedication.

But out of your list, I'd go with reading the text. Some people do pass on MCQs alone, but they are rare, because the MCQs don't teach you full concepts, just quick “This is what was wrong here”. You can learn from that, but it's harder. In most review courses, though, the textbook goes through everything. That's why I picked book over lectures as well – the lectures, from what I've gathered, usually highlight about 75-85% of the material, and really need the MCQs to reinforce the topics and cover any missed topics. However, the textbooks usually cover everything. If I could pick only one thing out of your list and use it alone for all the exams, I'd use the textbook and I'd read through it twice at least before taking the exam (second time is to make up for not doing any MCQs or other work).

[Anonymous]

Dedication and sacrifice.

You can figure out the rest as you go along; everyone learns differently. I didn't study the same for any two sections as I adjusted according to my experience and strength with the topic. But no matter what I watched all the lectures and read the text.

[greg422]

I always put in 8 weeks per test, watched all Roger videos 1st and then did countless NINJA MC. I studied Mon-Fri before and after work and on my last 4-5 Saturdays, but did not let studying ruin my weekend or social life. I thought it was important to stay sane and just do whatever works for you.

REG - 82
AUD - 97
BEC - 81
FAR - 84
DONE!

[mla1169]

The answer to your question is that it will be different for every single person and every single exam. I passed FAR which is known as “the beast” using only the MCQ on CPAreviewforfree.com. Not everybody will find that effective. For AUD, I read the book, did the MCQ but it wasn't until I added the ninja notes that I passed. You can get 100 answers here that all insist watching the lectures are critical but that doesn't mean that watching the lectures will work for YOU.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[nevertoolate]

Consistency is the big one for me while balancing the perfect ratio of sleep and absurd amounts of caffeine. That's how I hope to continue the trend of passing FAR. Yet, like other posters, it just depends what works for you. I personally tried taking notes, but it just wasn't registering for me.

REG - 68, 81
FAR - June 2016
AUD - 58, 63, 84
BEC - 71, 79

CPAexcel (Gold), Ninja Audio, and Ninja MCQ

"Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful"

[Kettlepot]

a real comfy chair; you're gonna be doing a LOT of sittin'!

Far: 49
BEC: 79 (Expired)
AUD: 51, 67, 64
REG: 59, 64, 59, 69

[imjustafatkid]

Multiple choice questions. You'll have just the small amount of understanding of each topic that is necessary. Understanding the material simply isn't enough and doesn't go far enough into what you need to know. You need to be practicing answering questions the way the exam will ask questions and be prepared for them to try to trick you. Nothing else is more important.

The NINJA MCQ have been the most helpful tool for me. I did not start passing exams until I started using NINJA MCQ. I saw people on this message board sing the praises of NINJA before I bought it but I did not know if I should believe them. I was extremely hesitant to buy a second prep course for the CPA exam because my wife & I really didn't need to spend money on another prep course after the massive amounts I spent on my other prep course. I'm extremely glad I took the leap of faith and bought this program. Yaeger is a great program and the videos are very helpful but the NINJA MCQ helped me gain the points I needed to succeed.

B: 82
A: 78
R: 86
F: 75! All done!!!

I started passing exams when I started using NINJA audio & NINJA MCQ. I have also taken all of the Yaeger CPA Review Courses.

[Anonymous]

Concentration for me. No concentration = no retention.

[Anonymous]

I can prioritise .

I.e., reading the text

I.e., doing all Becker (or Ninja) MCQ until you get every one correct.

I.e., understanding and acing Becker task-based simulations

i.e., watching Roger CPA review videos

2 and 3 are equally important unless its BEC

[Kimboroni]

Come up with a study plan, and then stick to it.

AUD 84 (1/9/14-Wiley books/TB + free materials)
FAR 83 (5/21/14-the above + NINJA 10 Pt Combo Lite)
REG 84 (7/9/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC/Notes)
BEC 76 (10/5/14-Wiley books/TB + NINJA Audio/FC)

Disclaimer: My ninja avatar is not meant to imply that I have any affiliation with this site other than being a forum member. That's a pic of a T-shirt that my daughter gave me for my birthday. 🙂

[Tripp11]

As TMT says repeatedly in everything they do: HARD WORK & DEDICATION.

Unless you work hard and dedicate yourself to passing this exam, nothing will get you over the hump, IMO.

AUD - 93
BEC - 80
REG - 86
FAR - 83

[taxgeek83]

Focus. I can watch lectures, read my books, do MCQs and run flashcards all day, but if I'm not focused on what I'm doing, it all ends up being a giant waste of time.

[Anonymous]

I second consistency.

[Anonymous]

mla & taxgeek make the best points, IMO. Every single person is going to be the different, but the one thing that is constant is that if you don't have quality study time, you might as well not be studying at all.

[Author]

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