Lost my job, REG retake 2 weeks out with little prep, ALL ADVICE APPRECIATED!

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  • #2406267
    Kyle
    Participant

    Hey guys,

    It’s been a whirlwind for me the past several weeks so I’ll be brief. I signed up for REG retake approx a month ago to take on 5/31 (made 68 back in Dec). I made my way thru reviewing (no MCQ/SIMS) taxes for indiv/property/businesses, but I was surprisingly and unfortunately let go by my firm due to “downsizing”. Really was given no reason besides that, but I’m pretty sure they’re bringing in a seasoned CPA to replace my role. I mean that’s business, I understand- it what is what is…

    However, it’s left my down in the dumps for the past several weeks. I haven’t even thought about studying and focusing all my intention purely on finding another job to support my family. I’ve applied for approx 30 job openings (yikes, I know) and am starting to get interviews..

    ANYWAYS- I wasn’t even going to take my REG retake but now I’ve decided it’s worth a shot. Since June is a dead pd, I really don’t want to have 3 exams to take in the 3 month window that is left for me. So, I’m looking for advice on what I should focus 100% of my attention on?

    It is a positive that I’m free during the day, so studying 10 hours a day until 5/31 won’t be an issue for me. Do you guys think I should purely focus on doing as many MCQs and SIMs that I can handle? I know there will be a few concepts that I’ll need to focus a lot of attention on (AMT tax, etc) but I’m hoping my experience with this previous tax season will compensate for a lot of the “reviewing” that I never got around to.

    Again, any advice (and prayers) will be greatly appreciated! I’m determined to knock this test out and want to focus my attention on the study path that’s going to give me the greatest advantage of earning that 75.

    Thanks and have an awesome day!

Viewing 5 replies - 1 through 5 (of 5 total)
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  • #2406351
    Recked
    Participant

    I would suggest focusing solely on MCQs.
    10 hours a day is not realistic for you to keep learning and retaining any information, but you can probably do a good 6+ hours if you push it.
    I'd try and knock out 2000 MCQs in the remaining time you have. Quality review, trying to learn from each MCQ.

    Hit up the AICPA sample REG at least once for some SIM exposure, but I feel like you time will be better spent focusing on the MCQ.

    Memento Mori - Kingston NY CPA & EA (SUNY Albany 2002)

    FAR-93 11/9/17 (10wks, 250 hrs, Roger 1800+ MCQs, Gleim TB 600+MCQs, SIMs)
    AUD-88 12/7/17 (3 wks, 85 hrs, Roger 1000 MCQs no SIMs hail mary)
    REG-96 1/18/18 (6 wks, 110 hrs, 1400 MCQs, no SIMs)
    BEC-91 2/16/18 (4wks, 90 hrs, 1240 MCQs)

    #2406405
    William
    Participant

    Sorry to hear you lost your job. I've been laid off before and it's not fun. Now that I'm years removed from that situation, it ended up being a good thing (due to surrounding circumstances). I hope you can look back and think of it as a good thing.

    I do not like the advice of doing as many MCQs as possible. I tried that my first attempt at FAR and failed. I memorized answers and didn't take the time to learn why I missed what I missed because I was trying to see as many as possible. I think it's more important to spend time with difficult concepts and the related MCQ than it is to just get in as many as possible.

    I don't think you should spend 100% of your time on one thing. Looking for a job is time consuming and mentally draining. I like Indeed.com because they have a “quick apply” feature. Spend a few (1-3) hours in the morning looking and applying for jobs and then study for the rest of the day.

    Just my 2 cents

    #2407458
    Parthamis
    Participant

    I am sorry you lost your job, I have been in a similar position, it is rough, but it did allow me to study or the CPA.

    With little time left for 8 chapters, I also recommend you binge MCQs. T
    – Initially take it section by section. Complete a list of questions, see your score, review the questions. Know your weak spots, and move on.
    – Towards the end, use MCQs but for the entire REG exam as a whole, not separate chapters.

    Timing:
    since there are 38 multiple choice questions per testlet, and it is recommended to take 2 hours for the MCQ section, you should take an average pace of up to 1.5 minutes per question. In the actual exam, the average time is more, but this will make you more prepared.

    Good luck on your journey.

    Parthamis Prime

    AUD - 73, 75... and done.

    FAR - 80 (UNBELIEVABLE)

    BEC - 78

    REG - 81

    #2435118
    Kyle
    Participant

    THanks for the input guys! Since my last post, I have accepted another job offer that actually turned out having better salary/benefits. Luckily, I didn't have to play the waiting game for too long! As far as REG goes, I will be taking it tomorrow. I think I'm as prepared as I can be. I'll be reviewing a couple of topics today, but otherwise feel as if I have a good feel for the test this time around.

    #2435799
    Tncincy
    Participant

    @kyle, Best of luck to you and congrats on another job. 🙂

    It begins with a 75
    Been here too long as a cheerleader.....time to pass

    It begins with a 75
    Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

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