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Surgent vs UWorld CPA
Direct comparison of the CPA prep courses from Surgent and UWorld (formerly Roger and Wiley)
When it comes to preparing for the CPA exam, choosing the right review course can make all the difference. Deciding between UWorld and Surgent CPA Review is a tough call. UWorld CPA has built upon the legacy of the Roger and Wiley CPA programs with updated technology and engaging video lectures, while Surgent offers an efficient approach at an affordable price point. So how do you know which course is the right fit for your needs? In this detailed comparison, we evaluate the features, strengths, and weaknesses of both courses so you can determine which one best fits your study needs.
To open this comparison, let’s begin by taking a look at the strengths of UWorld CPA Review (formerly Roger and Wiley).
Stellar Video Lessons
UWorld CPA Review pretty much sets the standard for engaging video lectures. With dynamic instructors like Roger Philipp and Peter Olinto – who spent an impressive 25 years at Becker – these lessons are not only informative but also lively and entertaining (similar to the lessons from Becker).
UWorld CPA problem explanation
Their high-energy approach, complete with animated explanations, whiteboard visuals, and clever mnemonics, makes even the most complex concepts easier to grasp and keeps viewers hooked throughout.
While Surgent’s video lessons are insightful, they don’t quite match the engagement level of Roger’s lectures. Surgent’s content is solid, but the delivery can feel a bit dry in comparison, lacking the same level of enthusiasm and interactive elements that make UWorld’s videos so compelling.
SmartPath Predictive Technology
UWorld’s unique SmartPath technology works by measuring your progress against other successful candidates at similar study points and then predicting your likelihood of passing each individual section. It’s all powered by a simple equation: if you can reach UWorld’s “target” scores across at least 75% of topics, you have a 90% likelihood of passing.
Personally, I found this feature helpful for boosting confidence and quelling test anxiety, although I will say that it wasn’t my favorite aspect of the course. For one thing, they’re relying on self-reported company data, so these predictions definitely aren’t a guarantee.
Still, it does give you a rough idea of where you stand, which can be helpful, especially if you need a little extra motivation or encouragement.
Last-Minute Cram Course
One of the standout features of UWorld CPA Review is its last-minute cram course, which is particularly valuable as exam day approaches. These focused sessions hone in on the most commonly tested topics, offering streamlined lessons that help you grasp the key points quickly.
UWorld CPA instructor Roger Phillip
Tailored for those who need to make the most of their final study hours, these cram courses are designed to boost your score by targeting areas that are almost guaranteed to appear on the exam.
Keep in mind, this isn’t just for those who procrastinate. I found this resource really helpful for brushing up on everything I’d already studied right at the end.
Surgent, on the other hand, doesn’t offer any equivalent last-minute review, which can be a game-changer when time is tight. UWorld’s cram course fills this gap, providing a crucial tool for those looking to solidify their knowledge just before the exam.
Mobile App
UWorld’s mobile app for iOS and Android stands out for its full functionality, providing students with complete access to all course materials. Unlike other test prep apps that might only offer flashcards or a few practice questions, UWorld’s app mirrors the desktop experience, allowing you to study anytime, anywhere.
I found the app to be sleek and user-friendly, and the load times were quick. While Surgent also offers a mobile app, it’s pretty limited. UWorld’s app goes a step further by delivering the entire range of study resources, giving you flexibility without sacrificing content quality.
Now that you have a clear picture of what UWorld has to offer, let’s take a look at the strengths of the Surgent program.
Value Price Point
Surgent and UWorld both offer three different courses for aspiring CPAs to choose from.
The three courses from UWorld (Premier, Elite Unlimited, and Elite Unlimited+) cost between $3,500 and $4,100 (MSRP). The three courses from Surgent, on the other hand, range in price from $800 to $1,700.
So you can expect to save anywhere from $2,400 to $3,300 by going with Surgent for your CPA exam study materials. If you’re on a budget, that’s some pretty significant savings, which is what draws a lot of people to Surgent.
AI Optimizes Study Plan
Surgent’s CPA Review course begins with a thorough assessment, which is no small task. Upon logging in, you’ll take an initial quiz with about 350 questions per section. This isn’t something you can crank out in a few minutes’ time. Surgent requires a little more time investment upfront, which might feel a little frustrating if you’re ready to simply hop in and start studying.
A look inside the Surgent CPA course
However, the extra time you spend on the initial assessment soon pays off, as the program uses your results to chart out your specific strengths and weaknesses and then customize the entire course to you. Powered by AI, the software prioritizes quick wins by focusing on areas where you can easily boost your score, ensuring your study time is used efficiently. Once you’ve mastered a topic, the system moves you forward, preventing unnecessary repetition and making the most of your preparation time – a huge win for busy professionals.
The intelligent design of Surgent’s algorithms is what truly sets this course apart, delivering maximum productivity for your study sessions.
Adaptive Practice Quizzes
Surgent’s “MyMCQ” feature is a standout element in its study plan, offering a personalized approach to multiple-choice questions.
As you work through problems, MyMCQ dynamically adjusts the difficulty based on your performance – challenging you with tougher questions when you’re excelling, and simplifying them when you need to solidify your understanding.
A Surgent CPA quiz question
This feature is crucial for CPA exam prep because it ensures you’re constantly progressing and building confidence without getting stuck on material that’s either too easy or too hard.
By maintaining an upward learning curve, MyMCQ helps make the actual CPA exam feel more manageable, making it an invaluable tool for students aiming to succeed.
Helpful CPA Prep Books
Another key feature of the Surgent CPA Review course is the set of comprehensive books that complement the online materials. Surgent offers both digital and hard copy books.
These books are incredibly thorough, covering every possible topic on the CPA exam (similar to the books from Gleim and Becker), with each volume spanning hundreds of pages – essentially serving as your go-to reference for each section of the test.
Though reading through these detailed books may not be the most thrilling part of your study routine, Surgent’s adaptive study plan ensures you only focus on the areas where you need the most improvement.
This targeted approach means you won’t be overwhelmed with unnecessary content, making the books a valuable resource when you need in-depth review on specific topics. They are clearly written and highly useful for deepening your understanding where it matters most.
While Surgent and UWorld both have their strengths, at the end of the day, our team recommends UWorld CPA Review.
True, some people, like busy professionals and those on a tight budget, might prefer to go with Surgent due to their focus on efficiency and affordability. If you’re looking for a really comprehensive course, however, UWorld delivers. Their engaging video lectures really keep you hooked, and the mobile app provides full course functionality from any device. Plus, their last-minute cram sessions and SmartPath technology really help you feel ready for exam day.
The UWorld course is just a little pricier, but to me, it’s worth the extra investment. If you want the most engaging study materials, or you benefit from working through condensed review sessions in the final weeks before the exam, you can’t go wrong with UWorld.
What is the difference between the CPA prep courses from Surgent and UWorld?
The main difference between Surgent and UWorld CPA prep courses lies in their approach to studying. Surgent focuses on adaptive learning with personalized study plans that target weak areas, while UWorld emphasizes engaging video lectures and offers a last-minute cram course. Additionally, Surgent’s course is designed for efficiency, so it’s ideal for busy professionals, whereas UWorld provides more interactive content and full access through its mobile app.
Which CPA review course is better, Surgent or UWorld?
In our team’s opinion, UWorld is the better overall choice due to their engaging video lectures, mobile app, and last-minute cram sessions. Still, Surgent may be the right choice for busy professionals who need an efficient learning experience targeted to their specific weaknesses.
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