Read the readings, made notes and did the EOC Schweser questions, as well as some of the QBANK questions.
Looking at the weights, the big sections are obviously Ethics, FRA, FI and Equtiy. My Strategy, a simple one, was to really focus on these four sections. My approach is to do as many exam style questions as possible, as well as the end of chapter CFA questions on the topics that I am struggling with. Not to mention to try and pump out as many practice exams under exam conditions as possible.
I will of course practice the other sections as much possible. Having said that, Alt Inv, Port Mgt and Derivatives are all relatively fresh and straightforward (but I am not underestimating the diffculty of any topic).
For Practice: CFA online practice test, CFA EOC questions and WIley qbank (as MackenzieRoss has studied with them or for others i’d say another qbank which they have) are a must.
I did all the Ethics questions form the Wiley qbank (barring Research Objectivity which i haven’t done yet). Got an overall of 67%. Then i did all the CFA online vignettes. Got an overall of 61%. According to the difficulty and the style of asking questions, i have recommended the 3rd choice (cant say for other qbank providers) Also bcoz Wiley has 900+ questions in all. I hope they have the same level of difficulty as they did for Ethics. I’ll know better when i answer the rest of the topics. Going to do full FI today.
For Mocks: Obviously, how many ever u feel u should do. But, at least one CFAI mock should be given.
Going through all of the practice questions on the CFAI website in detail seems to have been a good idea. They tend to highlight areas where I’m weak and also give examples of where the CFAI may slightly change a question or add something in to confuse you which I expect they will be doing on the actual exam. In addition, they are in the same format as the exam questions (I think) so can get you used to the style.
Just do something each day. I’ve covered all the material 2, even 3 times. Practice questions, reviewing note cards… just making sure I’m constantly triggering stuff I know.
First mock this weekend, plan to do about 4 total. I have the last two weeks off from work before the exam so that will be devoted entirely to practice questions and mocks… and sleep. Glorious sleep.
ltj brought up a good point. Through all the cramming, reviewing, quizing… have some balance. People can spend hours upon hours going through the same material, however making it “stick” is so much easier when you’re well rested. Retention improves dramatically. Don’t forget to SLEEP!!! Your brain will thank you and reward you come June 6.
