[needcoffee]

I’m new around here and I would appreciate some advice. I am scheduled to take FAR this week, but I am totally unprepared. I didn’t finish all my lectures and didn’t do too many MCQs so far. I also work full time and have a family, so my study time during the week is quite limited. I know I cannot repeat the same section in the same testing window, but I would like to take BEC sometimes in February (my NTS for FAR is expiring), instead of wasting that month. Do you think I should just cut my losses with FAR and not even focus on it anymore as I can’t do much in 5 days, and start BEC instead, give myself extra time on that one? I know if I make the exam a priority I can pass. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

"It's choice not chance that determines your destiny".

[mla1169]

If you've never taken an exam before and the money is lost either way just go take it to get a feel for these.

Can you push BEC out? If you're having difficulty finding time to study, February is cutting it pretty close. It can be done by February but you're going to need to put in at least 20 hours per week. I fit in 2 hours a night during the week and 5-6 hours on weekends. It's tough with a full time job and family but it's a sacrifice for a short period of time.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Anonymous]

I agree with @mla1169, Feb for BEC is cutting it very close if you have limited study time. Since you have already paid for FAR and cannot reschedule, I say go for it. Get a feel for the testing environment, and if you pass then it's a bonus….

[Anonymous]

Definitely take FAR. Use these next five days studying as much as you can because who knows…you may totally be able to pass. Like the others said though, might as well go in there and see what it's like. Knowing how to take the test is worth at least a few points.

You could probably squeeze BEC in if you took the test the absolute last day of February and started studying right after FAR. You'll just have to get creative on when to study. Do as much as you can during the day (lunch, quick 15 minutes breaks). If public transportation is an option for you start taking that. I did and it gave me 1 hour more of study time per day. I am sure you're completely exhausted after a full day but I think you'll have to find a way to squeeze in an hour of studying after the kiddos are put to sleep. Then, on the weekends, have your partner take them out of the house while you stay back and make it through your lectures.

[fairylite]

I'm going to be the lone dissenter and say give up on FAR. The chances of passing FAR in 5 days is very slim (speaking from personal experience), and you will exhaust yourself mentally in those 5 days of cramming. If you want to try the test experience, then go for it, but if you're already struggling to find time to study, I would say those extra 5 days on BEC will benefit you much more than 5 days on FAR.

BEC 11/12/2015
REG 1/1/2016
AUD 1/22/2016
FAR 2/28/2016

[needcoffee]

Thanks for your advice, everyone! I really appreciate your time.

Fairylite, that's exactly what I am wondering – I am planning to take FAR regardless, at least to get a feel of the test, but should I stop studying for it, and start BEC instead? I am planning to take BEC the last week of Feb, so that should give me about 5 weeks of studying.

"It's choice not chance that determines your destiny".

[mla1169]

How much study time have you put into FAR and how much of the material have you covered? If you've put in significant time already do whatever you can in these last 5 days and I'd focus on the MCQ. If you're not even halfway through the material then start studying BEC now. You may have covered more than you think in FAR.

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

Massachusetts CPA (non reporting) since 3/12.

[Author]

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