[rmm77]

I am planning on taking far in 10 weeks. I am a finance major and have a basic foundation in accounting. Which review course would be best for FAR to get me up to speed on the details rather than just a gloss over of topics? Thanks

FAR-74,92
BEC-85
AUD-8/8
REG-83

[spatel15]

I”ve read some reviews that Kaplan is pretty detail heavy; some review said that if you consider Becker a dictionary, Kaplan is an encyclopedia. Which may be too much in all honesty. If you really like to fact check while you read(like me), it may be a bit better, because there are a lot of inconsistencies in Becker. I'm using Becker, and well frankly I'm not the biggest fan. A lot of gaps leaving me constantly googling. It's all about the MCQ's to be honest.

Plus the lectures kind of blow. Some cool tips(mnemonics), but 30% of it is either glanced over and spent telling you to “circle this and highlight that” <–Seems like not a big deal, but jesus I want to punch my computer at this point because of it.

I don't have Kaplan so I can't say, but I used them for my CFA Level 1 exam, and I was a lot more content with their teachings than I am right now. Then again, CPA exams/profession is disgusting(just my opinion, I hope not to offend) compared to the CFA: hence the testing institution doesn't provide you with any books to use even if they were wordy and complicated; plus all the authoritative literature is pay-to-see which just really makes you feel good about the CPA profession as a whole. Gotta love a profession that hides the “generally acceptable” stuff you should know. Sorry I'm ranting….

[rp 12]

In my opinion Gleim (Premium) is good. It doesn't expire until you pass your exam. Becker, and Roger's expire after 18 months (Regular). Gleim's video lecture isn't that bad. But their MCQ's are harder than real exams. What I like is that their access doesn't expire – which helps a lot for candidates not able to pass quickly or with in 18 months window.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

AUD - 67, 62, 77 (lost credit), TBA

FAR - 53, 48, 58, 62, XX

BEC - 53, XX

 

"Success in life comes when you simply refuse to give up, with goals so strong that obstacles, failure, and loss act only as motivation"

AUD: 68, 62, 77✔ (expires 10/31/16)
FAR: 53, 48, XX (retake 6/16)
REG:
BEC: 53

[Anonymous]

Gleim rocks. Very detailed, though I wouldn't necessarily say harder than the actual exam except for a few isolated questions in REG. It DOES expire, though, but their renewal policy is far superior to Becker's.

[rmm77]

What about Wiley CPA excel?

FAR-74,92
BEC-85
AUD-8/8
REG-83

[kyle.brown]

CPAExcel provides a ton of detail. I found out studying for it the first time that i got lost in the detail.

FAR - Passed 4/2016
AUD - Passed 11/2015
REG - ?
BEC - 05/28/2016

[rmm77]

@kyle.brown…I ended up purchasing CPAExcel last night for FAR the platinum course. How would you suggest studying instead of getting too caught up in the details? Should I watch the videos, read the text or both?

FAR-74,92
BEC-85
AUD-8/8
REG-83

[garciarb]

Gleim is ridiculously detailed. I mainly learn from Ninja MCQs and supplement w/Gleim.

BEC - 81
AUD - 79
REG - June 2016 (Thanks Nasba!)
FAR - ugh

[rmm77]

should I use Ninja MCQs to supplement Wiley test bank?

FAR-74,92
BEC-85
AUD-8/8
REG-83

[garciarb]

@rmm77 – I really like Ninja MCQ. The data it gives you is great for focusing on your weak spots. I like it much better than the Gleim test bank.

BEC - 81
AUD - 79
REG - June 2016 (Thanks Nasba!)
FAR - ugh

[kyle.brown]

@rmm77 I would recommend getting through the material as fast as possible to start doing MCQ. What i have been doing this time around is using the Ninja Book/Notes/MCQ and as i finish a section of the book i read the Ninja Notes and start to work MCQ from that section. I am almost done with the second section of the book but need more explanation on some items like Investments and Bonds so i will review my CPAExcel book for that. I would say the main thing is to practice MCQ like most people have said you will learn the most from practicing the problems and writing down what you don't understand.

FAR - Passed 4/2016
AUD - Passed 11/2015
REG - ?
BEC - 05/28/2016

[rmm77]

@kyle.brown-so getting through the material in a month and then focusing on mcqs for the second month would be a good approach?

FAR-74,92
BEC-85
AUD-8/8
REG-83

[kyle.brown]

@rmm77 I would say so, I felt way more prepared for AUD doing it that way. Since FAR is so much information i would go back and review also. Thats why i am currently doing some MCQ after i get done with a section to help me retain information and also show what i need to focus more on.

FAR - Passed 4/2016
AUD - Passed 11/2015
REG - ?
BEC - 05/28/2016

[rmm77]

@kyle.brown-did you not do the mcqs and sims after each section in CPAExcel before? or was that what you were referring to in getting to caught up in the details?

FAR-74,92
BEC-85
AUD-8/8
REG-83

[kyle.brown]

@rmm77 No my first time around i read the material 2 times then started working MCQ, this was my down fail. That and trying to take 6 months to study for this thing. I really like the way Ninja MCQ breaks the explanation down for you.

FAR - Passed 4/2016
AUD - Passed 11/2015
REG - ?
BEC - 05/28/2016

[ruggercpa2b]

CPAexcel has bite sized lectures and when you open up the lectures it can seem overwhelming for some. I would watch the videos for each section and then complete the questions and TBS for said section. And as you complete more sections do cumulative reviews pulling information from previous sections.

Everyone's experience is going to be different. Some people will tell you CPAexcel is the best and others will tell you its the worst. You will have to invest some time and see if this is the right course for you. Other people will completely ditch the videos and just read the book and work questions.

As you go along you will figure out what works best for you as you study. Have a plan and stick to it and stay consistent with your studying.

AUD - NINJA in Training
BEC - NINJA in Training
FAR - NINJA in Training
REG - NINJA in Training

AUD - 1/6/18
FAR - TBD
REG - TBD
BEC - TBD

AUD - 73, 72 retake 7/2/2016
BEC - 8/20/2016
REG - TBD
FAR - TBD

I am so ready for this nightmare to be over. Been at this way too long.

[Author]

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