[thvcpa650]

Hi everyone!

First off, wanted to say thank you to everybody that posts on these forums, it’s been a tremendous help and motivator reading stories about people in a similar situation, all reaching for the same goal. Some quick info on me, I worked in private for about 3 years after college, mostly in an operations role, doing some accounting, but mostly IT work. I sent in my application and got approved to sit for the exam. My first exam is FAR, and I’m taking it in January. I’m starting my studying next Monday, and this is how I’m thinking of breaking it down.

Monday – 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Tuesday – 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Wednesday – 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Thursday – 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Friday – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday – 10:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday – 10:00am – 3:00pm

I’m hoping to get a total of 28 hours a week, at the very least, for a total of about 350-400 hours to study time until my exam. This does sound like a bit much, but I’m so motivated to pass that I don’t mind that I won’t be doing anything else with my time. I’m also planning on using Yaeger, and complimenting it with the NINJA audio lectures and notes. So all in all, my question is, what do you guys think of that study schedule for FAR? And also, anyone with experience with Yaeger, do you feel like it did a good job in teaching you things you may have forgotten while in school? I’d like a comprehensive review, as well as a course that will re-teach me some of the topics from intermediate 1 & 2 that I’m probably shaky on.

Thanks so much!

[hasy]

I see that you have a very NICE schedule out and I think it's great that you've decided to study for the exam. I can't help but mention that the changes to the exam affect BEC and REG the most. As someone who is studying for REG and has studied for FAR twice, I truly do feel that your best efforts can be put to getting REG and BEC out of the way first… The window barely started and you'll probably have more than enough time to crunch out BEC before the end of the window.

REG is AS MUCH of a beast as FAR, so if you could study for BEC and REG right now, that would be my 2 cents.

However, if you still prefer FAR, take breaks every 3 hours. Trust, it helps. For FAR, it is a test where you simply have to go through each section and make sure you understand the topic. If you forget little details, it's okay. It's more important to understand the material and you can grasp it better when you encounter a problem.

I've taken 3 exams so far and studying for my last one. I can honestly tell you that I don't keep track of time or the hours I've worked in each section. I study until I understand the material and if I don't, I come back to it. What I DO keep track of is the amount of questions and all the wrong answers I've received. I make a point to summarize the amount of MCQs I have for the day and how many I have to do until testing day. Very useful and keeps you accountable. For FAR, I always takes notes on questions I got wrong and I type them up at the end of the day. I compile the notes together and see which areas I'm weak in and start seeing WHY I got the question wrong and why I'm thinking this way.

So my method isn't for everyone. But good luck!

AUD - 83
BEC - 80
FAR - 83
REG - 78

BEC - 80 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

FAR - 72; 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

AUD - 83 (Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB)

REG - 52; 78 (Roger + NINJA MCQ)

Ethics - 68, 96 (how I dislike you)
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This forum is more addictive than drugs. Still returning after licensure.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved - Helen Keller

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BEC 80 (10/23/15)
FAR 72 (4/2/15); 83 (7/11/16)
REG 52 (4/28/15)
AUD (9/9/16)

Roger + NINJA MCQ + WTB

[thvcpa650]

Thank you so much! I was thinking that since FAR is the most difficult, I would get it out of the way quick. My mentality is that if I pass the hardest section, it'll make me more motivated to push on harder and keep putting the time in. Thank you so much for the advice!

[Accountant183748]

I agree about the breaks. Especially on the long days. Look into the Pomodoro method. You basically study for 25mins and then take a 5 minute break to take a quick walk, have a snack, facebook, etc. After two hours you get a longer 15 minute break. I wouldn't necessarily take the long break on the 3hr days, but on the longer days it helps a lot! The trick is though during those 25 minutes you focus 100% and absolutely no distractions. If you remember something you need to do, write it down and do it after!

[Substantive Testing]

You do not work on Friday? Also, if you can run 5 hours studying and retain everything perfectly, then that's great, but most of us take breaks in between. I usually reserve myself at least 8 hours on Saturday and Sunday each and study 6 hours with a total of 2 hours break spread out.

AUD - 75
BEC - 75
FAR - 81
REG - 78

 

CPA ex-auditor

 

[thvcpa650]

I don't work at all on Fridays, I was thinking of doing 10am-12:00pm, then maybe going to the gym and getting some lunch, following 2pm-6pm, that way I don't get too fried.

[Author]

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