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* Decide On Live Class vs... Self-Study *
Many candidates choose Becker CPA review course because of the live classes that promise interaction and instant explanation of questions and problems.
But please beware -- not all Becker CPA review courses are created equal. What I mean is, there are many places where a Becker live class is simply a classroom of students watching the Becker DVD together, and the teaching assistant's main role is to check attendance rate and answer very basic questions.
What you can do is to call Becker and find out whether this applies to the classes in your area. If so, I strong recommend you take the self-study course instead. I had the experience of taking such live classes and I hope nobody will repeat my mistake. - 2
* Take Good Notes *
The Becker lecture notes are pretty good -- it is comprehensive yet concise, and very user-friendly. However, in order to make full use of the Becker notes, I strongly recommend you take your own notes.
Why? Because it helps a lot to have the concepts sink in. By reading / listening to the notes and then write it out again in your own style, it makes sure the concepts go through your brain (and hopefully stay there) and stop the never-ending loop or revising and then forgetting.
Also, your notes becomes your perfect cram notes you absolutely need during the final week of the exam. There a lots of fancy flash cards and cram courses out there, but none suits you more than your own stake of notes, written in your own words and your style. - 3
* Do Your Homework Right After Each Class *
Again, this is a very effective way in reinforcing the concepts. You may make quite a lot of mistakes right after the study, and this may disappoint you. Don't worry, as it happens to many of us but at least you know where your weakest area and you can do a quick revision again while the concept is still fresh in your mind.
It works for me beautifully and I passed all 4 exams on my first attempt! - 4
* Try Your Best To Pass All Exams Within One Year *
You may not realize, but the Becker class is valid for only 12 months. This means that if you purchase the 4 exams in one go and fail to take any of the classes within this period, you have to pay again. Yikes!
Given various commitments many candidates cannot finish the 4 exams within one year. My advice is that if you foresee this happening to you, please don't take the discount of the bundle offer, but buy only as you need. Another benefit: this also gives you a chance to test the Becker course and see if you like their materials and teaching style.
Best of luck to you!
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