I have conducted an extensive search to find out whether Kaplan or Wiley is better. I like watching videos for lectures as I did find those helpful in college. I am aiming for June 2016 exam and I will be starting MSF program in January - so I will get some coverage from the program as well. Looks like Wiley has it for $995 after discount for the Platinum package, and Kaplan has it for $1499 before student discount I can get I think, about 25%.
Personally, I would like to practice with hard materials so when I am taking the actual exam, it is at least par or easier than what I’ve practiced. Also, I am not a big fan of reading books and thus watching lectures will help me in the preparation.
What do you guys recommend? If you like Wiley, which package would you recommend? Is Platinum package too much? Same question as to Kaplan, if you recommend Kaplan, which package would you recommend?
I use Wiley and I’ve been very happy with the videos. The instructors are awesome, Peter Olinto is one of them, and they do more than just read the LOS text from the books back to you. If videos work well for you, I would go with Wiley.
i do think it’s a good value. I essentially ended up buying the platinum package after I bought the 11th Hour review course separately which, BTW was really good as well.
I’m sorry, but I have to give an honest review of Wiley. It’s mostly garbage. The videos are nice and I am a visual type of person, so it helps, but 90% of it is a word for word rehash of the CFAI books. I’m not looking to read the CFAI books. If i was, I wouldn’t have bought the $1000 product. I used Schweser last year for Level 2 and Level 1 and enjoyed their material and videos. Should have stayed with them. I looked at the Wiley books and essentially its the exact same as the videos. I’m not sure what the point is of providing both. Also, the fact that half the material wasn’t available when promised is frustrating. Was never provided a tracking number when the books were provided and then was told all material would be made available come December. Of course they don’t give a specific date so that they can provide it at the last possible moment in December to “meet their expected time”. Truly, you can’t start on all material until January. Already feel behind the 8 ball.
