If I'm going to give NASBA/the AICPA/various other sources credit for one thing in influencing the creation of the four parts that constitute this exam, its got to be for segregating the types of studying a candidate has to do between each section. Here's what I've found about each section (granted, each is a generalization, but there really do seem to be themes to these things):
Financial - know your problems, your formulas, your calculations
Business - know your nuances (how many stockholders can a subchapter s corp have) - its easier than it sounds
Audit - know your general concepts and the few exceptions that each seems to have (90% of the time a paragraph goes here, unless this happens). Also doesn't seem too terrible, but I'll wait until after the exam to give a real review
As it stands I take the audit section in 4 days. I've been averaging 3 to 4 hours a day studying over the past week, which is probably 100-150 multiple choice questions and two simulations. Becker supplies two simulated exams with their materials, and I'll give them a whirl tomorrow and Sunday. Burnout hasn't set in just yet, but it's going to take quite a few red bulls (on second thought - monsters...they're bigger) to keep a breakdown at bay. I should probably mention here that I make myself study much harder than I probably should, so don't even begin to think you have to copy this regiment. Take it slow, don't freak if you don't get it the first time, and try to learn something. It'll all work out in the end.
