Intermediate 2 is tough. 1 wasn't as bad. They're both not easy and the intros are definately easier. Too much information in a short time. Granted I took these as summer classes and it was a bitch.

not that hard, especially since you like the Homework. Do all the homework and easy B+ or better

did anyone in this thread study for the CPA exam? if so whats the best way to study for it.. you can pm me the answer if you want.

Thanks, i got it from http://accountingforgovernmentalandn...ties-16th.html )

I have currently pased 3 sections and I'm waiting to retake the Reg portion. You have to know it and I mean really know it. I used the Wiley books and did fine on the first 3; 85,87,82, but got beat up by Reg (69) because too much time had passed since I knew it. I work in government accounting so tax is long gone for me.

The main advice I could give you that also every CPA will say is to take it while you are still in school. Once you start working full time, it is very difficult to get the time to prep. I'm talking study 8 hours a day if you must. This is not a test to be taken lightly.

What wiley books did you use? I'm looking at the 4 volume set of Wiley 2012 edition on amazon. Its like 130 dollars. I'm thinking about buying that. The 2011 edition is cheaper. Is just one book like that enough to pass the cpa exam?

http://www.amazon.com/Wiley-Exam-Rev...pa+review+2012

did you study all 4 parts then take the exams? Or did you study for 1 part, take the exam then the next?

Currently in Intermediate 2, which used to be the best students would get 50% on exams. New prof this semester. She said that ideally her best students would be getting upper 90s or close to 100. I'm a lot less worried. She's more concerned that you know how to think than memorize an accounting problem. She also requires us to analyze unassigned financial statements (especially footnotes/disclosures). I will obv be choosing the company(companies) where I want to be employed.

My school is pretty much a strict 30% A, 40% B, 30% rest. So, essentially I don't give a crap anymore b/c the top 30% get As. Kind of a joke if you ask me. I did, however, work my ass off last year since I have a non-traditional resume (professional online poker player). If you work hard in undergrad, you're going to get As. I don't think there is a huge intellectual difference, but mostly a thought process ability (or lack thereof) and work ethic.

Sorry it took so long, but my computer crashed and I just got it back.

I used the 4 book set you mentioned. I only did the multiple choice and that's all you really need to do in my opinion. However, I was in grad school at the time and was taking block classes to prepare as well. Our block classes were 3 and a half weeks long and focused on one portion of the exam at the time. It was intense,but it really prepared me. I didn't take the Reg portion after that block class and it bit me in the ass. In my opinion you can put all the money you want into study preps,but it's the amount of time you invest that's going to help you pass the CPA exam.

That's a really great question. Because of the way our block classes were set up, we would drill one portion of the exam into our heads and then sit for that portion. I highly recommend this method.

I ordered that set of books off Amazon for $140. I have roughly 100 credits done so I don't believe I can even take the CPA for a while (you need 150/Bachelors to sit right?). Should I cancel my order and wait for the 2013 edition or should I start studying the 2012 editon when it arrives?

Requirements vary state to state, but I believe in some states you can sit with just a bachelors <150hrs. I doubt you'll study much, if at all, until you're ready to sit for the exam. I'd prob return the books if I was you.

depends on the state, i think majority let you sit with 120 but not be "certified" until you have 150

Also def wait for the 2013 editions because **** changes, and if you are still looking at finding an internship if you do find one and they make you a full time offer they will (big 4 at least, possibly the smaller firms) pay for the Becker materials for you

BTW to answer my own question which might help anyone out there down the road, I thought intermediate accounting 2 was easier than 1. However my professor for 1 was terrible and known for being terrible by a lot of students and my teacher for 2 actually gave us review packets before exams on what to study and know so I think 1 is probably actually easier potentially if you have a good professor.

Also does Wiley work for you guys? I bought a Wiley book for BEC and I really don't want to invest in Becker or another learning tool. I'd rather buy a book I can read and do endless multiple choice to learn the material. Is this a great plan as long as I put a ton of time into reading+practice?

What does Wiley cost? Becker also gives you a book to read and endless multiple choice ?'s. As long as you know that you are able to commit yourself to the time required and stick to it, reading + practice is fine imo, you really have to know what works for you because it is a **** ton of material and if you can't learn it on your own you just end up wasting all kinds of your own time and $