What a great topic! 

I'm use to being at work with an IPOD screaming in my ears to drown out "sidetalk", phones, etc.  When I went to my first exam in two years last month, the place was so quiet and I was actually very distracted by someone with a nervous hacking cough.  The sound was inconsistant and it drove me nuts! 

I have to practice studying in complete silence because I'm not use to it!  I've learned how to block out the kids, tv, and all that crap, but complete silence except this person with a horrible hack, I wasn't prepared for. 

I have long hair and the next time I go and take the test...I"m considering putting in those heavy duty ear plugs in my ears and putting the headphones on.  I think I'll be okay.

I swear I spent more time looking to see where he was on the exam so I knew that darn inconsistant hack would end!   

moosen34 wrote: I find it best for me to stay after work in a conference room in my office to study. I have access to all the resources that I need here, the conference rooms are large and quiet, and I am still in that professional do-work mode after I'm off of work so if I stay here, my study time is very effective. If I come home after work and change out of my work clothes, I feel like the productive time of the day is over and it's time for some leasure. I find it pretty difficult to study at my place. Plus, I live in downtown LA so it is LOUD! You gotta do what you gotta do though, and if I need to study, I'll pull out my books wherever I'm at. Office is my preference though.

I actually like this idea Moosen.......I am going to try it today and see if I can do it which will save me on gas as well because I don't have to go to the library! 

Hi praeepnetted,

I can't recommend just one review course.  If you want to pass AUD, Becker is your best chance.  I was in extreme time trouble when I sat for AUD in Oct and didn't use my Becker materials.  I was comfortable with Gleim's style of teaching and decided to continue with Gleim for the 2nd time.  I only studied for 48 hours for AUD the second time.  I believe that anyone with half a brain could pass AUD using Becker. 

BEC I would not use Becker.  I like Gleim, but suggest additional studying with IT with Wiley. 

REG I would use Becker and another source.  I like the way Becker covers the tax part and suggests using other resources in addition to what Becker has to offer for BUL. 

FAR....again....Becker is very good.  I'm not saying that people can't pass it the first time, but it's tough to do.  There is so much material.  If you were a C to B student in FAR studies during college, I would suggest doing your very best the first time, but don't get devestated if you can't pass it the first time.  It's a tough exam!  If you have a realistic attitude and don't act like its the end of the world if you have to repeat FAR, I'd suggest Becker.  If money is an issue, go with Gleim. 

I'm not everybody around here....but I will tell you this.  Preparing for the CPA exam has been a miserable process for me.  I haven't liked it.  It takes a lot out of me to have a good attitude to study and I get so excited about a section (last time it was BEC) and believe in my heart I'm going to pass it this time and still received an outrageous grade.  FAR...I studied one week and barely put any effort into it (killed myself studying FAR the first time) and got a semi good grade for the amount of time I put into it.  BEC....I studied for that thing for 3 months, ended the exam an hour early, and bombed it. 

Right now....I don't have the money to sit for the exam again.  I've been dealing with unemployment issues for a long time now.  My experience is in tax.   There are no jobs open for tax, but many for accounting.  I've gone on interviews at some of these Fortune 500 companies and I can't get a job because I've never worked in an accounting department.  I'm willing to accept $40k just so I get that experience and it hasn't been working for me. 

Anyway, good luck to you and I'm sorry I couldn't suggest one system for you.  Different review courses are better at teaching some sections better then others.