From talking to several of my friends who are also studying for the CPA exam, it seems to me as though everyone has been following almost the exact same studying pattern, with only minor variations. The Becker program outlines how one should study for each part of the exam, including tackling three sections at a time of FAR since it is the portion with the most material.
I found the online studing pretty useful. I find making lists useful as well, so before starting to study, I wrote down my entire study plan, including when I was going to read the flashcards, do the homework and the supplementary materials, and even read the appendix. Breaking it down helped a lot, and helped me feel a little sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
This was my typical breakdown, which with each lecture lasted one or two days: watch a section of the lecture, then do the homework until it was finished; read the flashcards for that section; and finally, finish all sections (except for FAR). Then I would go back and review the solutions to the homework sets as well as the chapters in the book. After following this pattern for each section, I would answer the supplementary questions and review the flashcards again.
After following this schedule, I would usually have a week and a half to go. I also purchased the Final Review product from Becker and would spend this extra time listening to its mini lectures and reviewing the summaries of the longer lectures, as well as doing the practice questions and studying the simulations Becker provided. Three or four days before the exam, I took and graded the progress test and completed the two practice exams included in the program.
Whatever study program you do choose, be sure to plan out when and what you will be studying. You don’t need a lot of hours each week as well as you are certain to plan how most effectively to use your time. 
Good luck!
Valbona Bushi
2 Comments
September 11, 2009 at 10:18 am
Have any suggestions for those of use that work full-time as well lol?
I am studying for FAR now, doing the Becker in-class review courses, so by the time the lecture is over (around 10:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays) I am spent. I am planning on taking a couple of vacation days while studying and a few others before taking the exam. While I have found the material to be pretty challenging, this is my favorite portion of the CPA exam, as it what I do on a daily basis (for the most part).
Did you get the results from your last part (was it AUD)? I have yet to get the BEC results – I took the test on August 23rd.
How is New York, are you guys all settled?
I love reading your blog and have lurked a few times.
Good luck with the new job,
Mirela
September 12, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I did not use Becker. I used Yaeger for their DVDs and Wiley books, and Gleim for the testprep CD (Multiple choice questions). I agree that the approach to preparing for the exam is pretty much the same, and I would add, there is little variability in the coverage/material from the various CPA review vendors.
@Mirela – I will just offer my opinion. I work(ed) full time, and long hours. I tried to study before going to work. About an hour. At lunch, about 30-50 minutes, and then at night, about 1 hour. On weekends, when the motivation was there, I would put in a couple of hours. I had down times (weeks) when I didn’t study as well.
I have passed 3 sections and waiting on REG.
I hope that helps.