(1) Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and Federal Tax Procedures.

Business Law.

(2) Federal Taxation of Property Transactions.
(3) Federal Taxation of Individuals.
(4) Federal Taxation of Entities.
(5) Business Law.

Like all CPA exam sections, a strategy should be in place when attacking regulation. Remember that although REG is a tax heavy exam, the conceptual components (e.g. ethics & business law) should not be disregarded. Often students find themselves disappointed with their 71% come score release day, and the first question I ask them is “how much did you study for business law?”

Studying for business law is an annoying task because although this section is not weighted very heavily compared to other sections (approximately 10-20% according to the AICPA), there is still a large volume of information that needs to be absorbed.

Yes, corporate and entity taxation is considered the “meat and potatoes” of this exam, but if you’re sitting in the 70-80% range, 10-12 points can go a long, long way. My plan of attack when studying for regulation is as follows:

(1) Individual Taxation – Go heavy on the mnemonics and create your own. Make sure to know the differences between adjustments and miscellaneous itemized deductions. In addition, make sure to know which individual credits are refundable and which are non-refundable.
(2) Entity and Corporate Taxation – Make sure to know the key differences between C-Corps, S-Corps and Partnerships. How to calculate basis, what are the differences between distributions and liquidations, and what are their respective taxable income items and deductions.
(3) Business Law – Read and do as many practice questions as possible.

Universal CPA Review offers 4,200 additional multiple-choice questions and 200+ practice simulations to supplement your study for just $99.

• Be well prepared

The best way to avoid negative marking is by solving the questions accurately. To be able to solve the questions efficiently, it is important to be thorough with all the CAT syllabus topics and be well acquainted with the different question variations. Also, take several mocks before the exam for self-analysis and develop problem-solving abilities in the exam.

• Read the questions thoroughly

Read questions properly

It is important that each question should be read properly before starting to solve. In many cases, candidates misread a value or a unit and end up solving the question incorrectly. So, it is suggested to read the questions effectively and then start solving.

• Avoid guessing

It is one of the most common practices that many individuals do in the competitive exams. As there is a -1 negative marking in CAT, even 1 incorrect guess can end up reducing the overall percentile to a great extent. It is always suggested to answer accurately and not guess in the CAT exam.

• Be calm and concentrated

There are several instances where candidates mark the incorrect option in a hurry without noticing. This mainly happens when candidates states of minds are not composed and they get distracted. This is one of the common mistakes which can be easily avoided by staying calm and composed.

• Avoid last-minute attempts

The duration of the CAT exam is 3 hours and the total questions are 100. So, it is really difficult for an individual to attempt all the questions in that time. But, CAT is all about getting the answers right and not solving all the questions. So, it is important to attempt the questions accurately and avoid last minute answers as it may lead to an incorrect attempt.

• Have proper test-taking strategies

In the exam, managing time and solving accurately is very important. To be able to confidently attempt the questions, one needs personal test-taking strategies. The problem-solving abilities differ from person to person and so, it is important to have individual strategies. It is advised to start attempting with the easy questions from the more confident topics (according to self-preference) and then move to the difficult and time-consuming ones.

These were a few tips that can help the CAT aspirants avoid getting negative marking in the exam. It is important to have proper preparation and be confident with the syllabus. Candidates are suggested to take mock tests which are provided by the IIMs on the official website. The mock tests are generally released after the CAT registration is over and are available for all the registered candidates.

CAT aspirants can also check out BYJU’S video lessons on different CAT exam topics to learn and prepare more effectively. Subscribe to BYJU’S YouTube channel to check out more video lessons and download the app to get complete assistance.

Contrary to the multi-tasking lifestyle that we lead, studying demands focusing on one thing at a time. Constant devotion of time and attention to a singularly tracked study material, often gets difficult due to the existence of distracting electronics and the restlessness induced due to overuse of social media. Social media constantly distracts us by being so current and finicky. Though, the biggest boon of social media is the sheer accessibility of opportunities to succeed, to meet new people, and to stay updated, it is of utmost importance that we first learn to prioritize our time.

So, in order to help you stay focused and get the most out of your devoted study time, here are 5 fool-proof hacks:

1. Meditate your way to A+B=C

Not only is meditation a way to guarantee superhuman concentration levels, but it also calms the nervous system. It stimulates the brain to achieve better cognitive and intellectual performance. Studies have shown that meditation is responsible for changes in brain functions, increasing students’ practical intelligence and creative thinking. It is the sure shot way to sharpening your memory as well as keeping away restlessness and insomnia, which are very common symptoms of stress.

2. Eat to nourish your brain

We have been told that since walnuts look like miniature brains, they are good for the brains. Well, turns out, they really are excellent for maintaining optimum brain health. Foods containing essential fatty acids like Omega-3, copper, polyphenols are excellent for increased brain power. Wondering which foods contain these wonder components, look no further, here’s a list:

• Vegan Options – Nuts (walnuts, almonds), turmeric, blueberries, broccoli, avocado, spinach, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, coconut oil.
• Non-vegan Options – Salmon, eggs, dark chocolate.

3. Study with a partner

Studies show that humans function better in a group, or with a partner, in general. Due to our social nature, we tend to look for safety and a sense of team to be performing at our optimum level. More than that, studying with a partner ensures that we complete what we aimed to do. It encourages us to focus better, and in case we are stuck at a particular problem, our study partner can always help out. It is in fact, one of the most fruitful ways to ensure successful study sessions.

4. Exercise for a sharper memory

Exercise guarantees a healthy body, and an even healthier brain. It stimulates the production of endorphins (a chemical naturally released in the brain to reduce pain, that in large amounts can make you feel relaxed or full of energy). Endorphins lower cortisol levels (a hormone produced as response to stress), and increases energy levels. Studying gets easier as you feel motivated, confident, and happier.

5. Organization is key

Organize your study space, your time table, your exam day, and your life in general. The more ordered your timeline is, the easier it is to escape chaos and focus. The time tables that you set, should be a doable allocation of study material to the time in question. A clutter-free desk results in a clutter-free mind. You can easily find your required materials, and start studying without having to waste time searching for everything in a mess.

6. Originality is inspirational

Study in the way you find comfortable. You shouldn’t be bothered if it takes you a little while longer than your friend to study a particular topic. Set your own time table, and device your own study techniques like writing down pointers, making flashcards, or just plain highlighting the text. It is always best to trust your own gut when it comes to planning for your future.

Now, that you have a few pointers as guidelines, don’t just stick to them. Be innovative, and find ways to add your own twist to these hacks. It is after all your study sessions. And the most important of all is to always believe in yourself and the dream you want to achieve. All the best!

Here are 5 hacks that will ensure better understanding of the Quants section:

1. Numbers are your friends.

Usually, big calculations can throw us off our game, and we end up blundering. That’s because the complex string of numbers often makes us forget that we know numbers. In order to get better at numbers, consider 20 random calculations (can be addition, subtraction, multiplication or division  – whichever you’re most uncomfortable with) and solve it within a set period of time. This will increase your focus and deal with numbers better. You’ll also start figuring out shortcuts for big calculations, and remember tables easier.

2. The formula to become the formulae wizard

Take down a list of the important formulae, and take a long, hard look at them. You don’t need to rote learn the formulae. Once you know how they were derived, or even the logic behind their output, it gets much easier to keep track of them. Every morning, before you begin your studies, take aside a couple of minutes to just look at your list of formulae. This stimulates learning by visual memory. If you’re an auditory learner, then record a tape of yourself reciting those formulae and play it whenever you wish to.

3. Analyse to Maximize

More important than any other hack is this age old tradition. The reason why mock tests exist is so that we can prepare for the real ones. But, instead of directly beginning with timing yourself, for the first couple of tests, don’t. Once, you get the idea of how long it’s taking you to figure out the question, you can work on minimizing that time. Analysis after a test will help you see which areas require work.

4. Strengthen your language

Understanding the problem question is the biggest hurdle. The longer it takes you to figure out the data, the more marks you lose. Having a strong understanding of the language that the test is in, will encourage you to focus wholly on the data provided instead of decoding. That means more time to actually work with the data, and solve more questions.

5. Keep all options open

Ah no, this doesn’t mean that all options are correct. It just means that sometimes there are more than one interpretations of a question. You need to consider the entire data given, pay attention to the footnotes or the conversion values given. These areas usually require you to be thinking laterally instead of factually. So, for the sake of the question given, you have to forget what you think is factually correct.

The most important point here is, that constant practice and being in touch with the subject will get you closer to your target score. Unless your test has negative marking, attempt everything. But, if you’re unfortunate enough to be attempting a test with negative marking, you need to learn to choose which topics you’re the strongest at, and decide which questions you will solve.

You can always connect with a Study Partner to help you stay focused and keep you motivated. You can register at www.StudyPal.co to connect with a prep buddy nearby.

 Why STUDYPAL APP?

So, with Facebook feeds clogging your phone and the twitter updates  running crazy; you wonder why to download yet another app on your phone. So, let us get this straight. This is NOT YET ANOTHER app. It is STUDYPAL.CO; the new name trending on app lists!

                        It is here to help you find a study partner; and sail you through the test prep!

http://www.studypal.co/blog/studypal-co-app-the-first-look/

                                                     So what can you expect?

Why STUDYPAL.CO?

                                  Because, it works on the location based principle.

Like if you are in New York City looking for a study partner for your upcoming CFA; Studypal.Co will figure out your location and eventually bring to you a list of people (Both Studypals and Studygurus) tailor made for your demands. And besides you get insider tips in acing exams and access to a list of exclusive and awesome study spots in your city absolutely free!

So, what are you waiting for? If you got a test ahead; and you don’t want to tread the waters all alone, STUDYPAL.Co is the way to go!

The Allard Hall Building
Spacious and breezy; this building, also famous as the Law Library; is perhaps one of the best places to study in the area. The jaw dropping background of the beautiful mountains and the silent library provides just the ideal setting for settling down and get some serious work done.

Calhoun’s Bakery – 3035 West Broadway
Open twenty four hours a day; it is the perfect place for pulling an all-nighter with lots of fooding options at your beck and call. The WiFi is great; though you have to buy something every three hours to continue using it. The seating is plush and comfy and is perfect for those extra-long study sessions.

The Basement of Koerner Library
If rumours have it, this place is definitely the quietest one on the campus. If you have some really difficult cramming to be done or if you are one of those lovers of complete silence; this is the perfect escapade for you!

The Atrium of the Forestry Building
A perfect escapade for the hustle and bustle of the campus; the atrium is a great place to settle down with your books and get some serious prep done. There is a Tim Horton’s just below it; to fuel your caffeine demands every once in a while. The place is closed by 6pm though; and is apt for the day hangouts only.

Marine Drive Common’s Block
From group study rooms to silent study areas, high top tables and comfy couches-you name it and this awesome place has it! Depending on how you prefer your studying; there is an option for everyone. If you prefer studying with a partner, it is one of those places where you can easily find yourself a spot to discuss and study.

The list doesn’t end here. Vancouver is a vibrant city, and there are many discoveries to be made. We brought to you a list that we found great enough, but as the saying goes, “there is always that one more place left to go!” So, what exactly are you waiting for? Grab your books and step out in the town. Who knows, you might find your own study spot or find inspiration from one in the list that improves your test scores like you never imagined!

Need  a study buddy? Signup at www.studypal.co today!

Study tips for TOEFL

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is probably the most convoluted test you will take in your life; given the hugely varying test patterns and questions you have to attempt. To be prepared at your very best is the only key to a top score. Though there is nothing like “FAILING TOEFL”; it isn’t very easy to get the required score either. So, we bring to you a guide of 5 tips to obtain a great TOEFL score and help you realize the dream of studying at an English speaking University:

1. Understand what TOEFL is about
It is very important to understand the format of TOEFL. It is a test designed to assess your reading, writing and spoken abilities and it is always a great idea to keep a target score in mind when you appear for the test. It will help you figure out how to proceed with your preparation.

2. Get yourself some help

NEVER prepare for TOEFL alone. Getting textbook is the least you can do, and it is advisable to get a tutor or a friend for help. Prepare for the test with a group.

Need help with a study partner/ study guru? Sign up at www.studypal.co today!

3. Practice with your own methods

Movie buff? Watch English language movies with subtitles to get a track of how the language is supposed to be spoken. Your listening and speaking skills are sure to improve by tons! You can try other little tricks like speaking to your future self in English, record them and figure out the mistakes later. There is always a scope for a new method and you might as well develop something entirely new all by yourself!

4. Read , Read and Read

From developing a good vocabulary to learning the nuances of English, there is nothing like reading. Begin with children’s fairy tales if you are completely new to the language, but there is no escape from the reading. If you want to ace TOEFL, you have to have a reading habit because that goes a long way during your test.

5. Get used to typing long essays

TOEFL-Learn typing

Another issue that might boggle you down is the lengthy stuff you need to type while attempting the Writing Section of the test. A pathetic typing speed should be the least of your worries, so, practice typing well in advance. Type in your thoughts on a daily basis or pen a blog if necessary. Whatever you do, make sure you are used to typing on the QWERTY keyboard.
.

So what are you waiting for? Go and grab yourself a book and start practicing. TOEFL is all about how well you understand English, and that isn’t going to be a cakewalk until you really work hard for it.

For preparation related tips from our StudyGurus or to find a Study partner for yourself ( any test like JEE, GMAT, SAT,PMP and others) ; SignUp at www.studypal.co today and explore a world of undiscovered friends and guides, just near you!

IIT Kanpur student writes how having study partners made IIT a lot easier target.
A student of the Department of Mathematics at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Gorank Dudeja writes why group study has been a boon to him while preparing for his IIT entrance.

Hi, friends! I am Gorank Dudeja, a student at IIT Kanpur studying B.Sc. in Mathematics. IIT-JEE is perhaps one of the toughest exams in the world, not only in India. So naturally, the preparation for the examination had to start early, and it was as early as the standard 9th (four years before the actual exam) that I systematically began my study prep.
Early years of preparation was a complete mess, as I used to study alone for JEE because my peers had no idea what they wanted to do in their life, so they were content with performing well in school. Caught in the crisis, my attempts seemed all at loss. I tried my best to solve questions from books like Concepts of Physics by HC Verma, but some of those questions used concepts that were out of my scope and with no one to consult or discuss my problems, most of my efforts went in vain. I was trying hard, but being alone in my endeavor was beginning to discourage and frustrate me.
After completing my 10th standard board examinations, the decision to switch schools proved to be a turning point for me. With new people around and less than two years of time at hand, I finally found few people who were determined and willing to crack the JEE.
We were six friends – I, Rahul, Shoaib, Neha, Himanshi, and Vansh formed a study group to meet our study goals. Rahul was quite proficient in Biology which was a sore subject for the rest 6 of us because JEE doesn’t have biology. So, he used to basically teach us Biology. I helped with the Mathematics, and in the process of teaching my friends, I discovered many tips and tricks which helped maximize my performance in the exams.
In short, group study helped each of us overcoming our difficulties and strengthened our concept fundamentals. Had it not been for it, I would never have breached the average line to become an IITian.

Inspired by this story? Wondering how to find a study friend? Gorank had to wait for two long years to find his ideal study partners, but now we have made that a lot easier. Forming study group is a lot easier now with StudyPal.co! With its free easy signup and search features which allow you to sort out study partners based on study time preference, level of preparedness, test date etc.; StudyPal is the perfect way to find yourself a study partner or form a study group to ace all your exams together. Sign up to find your perfect Study Partner today !

Study Partner: Another important weapon to have while preparing for FRM is a study partner. Be it offline or online, a study partner helps you at any & every difficulty. You might be struggling with juggling and learning various formulas and your study partner might have figured out a smarter way to do the same. So the efficiency of your learning is equal to the best of all study partners.
What more? Try doing the preparation in a study group. Assuming the study group members involves all serious candidates, there is nothing like it.

Preparation Timeline:

4-6 months: Start the preparation 4-6 months before the exam date

60 days: Make sure you have read every topic by the time you have 2 months on hand. It may not be important that you remember every formula at this point of time.

30 days: By this time you should be in a position of using every formula as and when required. The key to doing so, as mentioned in the starting, is practicing. It is like setting your favorite song on repeat till you memorize it completely.

15 days: A fortnight to go to the critical exam date and all you need to focus now are the practice tests. Attempt one practice a day, and analyze how you perform in each one of them. The most important thing to do is to re-attempt the practice test questions that you didn’t attempt well.

7 days: This marks the deadline for learning new topics. When you have just a week left, focus only on finalizing what strategy suits you best for good scores. Keep on with the practice tests.

1 day: Take rest and have a good sleep as there is nothing drastic that this day can do. Chill. Relax and rock it the next day – the day.

Study buddy cfa

Social Studying in New York

We often make studying for the CFA unnecessarily hard and lonesome. Let’s take the CFA for example. There are many ways to change that.

For starters, get out of the house

Lets start with Coffee Shops. New York has plenty of coffee options. Birch coffee-Located in the Gaudi-esque Gershwin Hotel. Seating by the counters are often occupied, however walk into the Gershwin lobby and up some dark stairs you would spot their library, tucked in a small loft. Finish an hour of questions on that Schweser guide, followed with ten minutes of people watching on a Sunday afternoon and the study experience for the CFA does not seem that much of a chore any longer.

Housing work bookstore café offers a new experience and feel to study. You could spend days in the bookstore studying and discussing with your studypal with breaks for caffeine, baked goods and savories. This bookstore even has an upper level with smaller tables to hide from the crowd so that you can make an escape into serenity.

D’Espresso would make you feel as if the world had turned sideways, with its crazy interiors. With floors and ceilings appearing to be lined with books, you can get an additional motivation for studying.

Then, there are the libraries. For starters, the New York library with 53 million items and many branches it is a great place to be surrounded by motivated people. With other public libraries such as the Adams free Library, Afton free library offer free internet access as well  as a crèche for learners with children.

So in summary, find your ideal study spot outside the house, find your ideal study buddy and you will enjoy studying for the CFA.

Enjoying the studying  experience and  motivation will bring better results and focus

Don’t just study hard, study smart!