Do you think the live prep courses are worth the money?
I have always done self-study with Schweser books and 1-time Schweser video but am pondering taking a short revision course in May from one of the local prep providers.
What I think I might get out of it is more the feedback on weak spots that you can’t get from a video or self-grading. But it’s a chunk of cash and time, and I wonder if it is worth it.
Yes - it carves out a few days of uninterrupted study time and then points out what you need to focus on for the next few weeks. Plus it’s a great networking opportunity.
I found them quite useful for levels 1 and 2, plenty of insider tips.
I’m not sure if I’d feel the same if it was coming out of my own pocket though.
Thanks. I hate to spend any more money on the exam, but I am probably going to do it. I am hoping it will help with the AM section especially.
Good to hear you both got something out of it.
Marc LeFebvre is the man. I doubt there is anyone who knows Level 3 better than he does. I came prepared and got a lot out of the experience. Highly recommend.
See I can’t comment on other courses, my method always was to capture notes while studying for first time and then do revision with only my notes. Now what I have done for other students is puting all of this CFA level 3 notes at one place you can find it on Amazon - As pratical tips for cfa level 3.
What I would advise is five steps process
Get Notes - Take PDF print out
Start marking with a pen additions or deletions to those notes
Take tests - go back to notes to refer or edit if you were unable to answer
Do this loop for 3-4 times
5.Your notes will now become your bible, and you don’t have to refer any material till your exam
Let me know if you any other question
I was in a similar position to yours the above method helped me.
No offense Vivekbothra, but I think this forum is for people trying to studying for the exam. It is not a space for advertising products. That’s my understanding at least.
Mar1 – If you are in the NYC area the NYSSA six week condensed review with Nathan Ronen is worth every penny. It meets Sundays starting this weekend. Nathan used to be an exam grader and he is an excellent teacher.
Re: Schweser the best thing about the weekend review is the extra book of practice questions, organized by subject. Very useful.
Good luck.
Yes - if you pre-pred everything and ask questions in class (also if the lecturer is good)
No - for every other case
Live lecture is tough because usually they are not the best lecturers, i don’t think they can find a lot of CFAs to teach the class in every city (clearly bigger cities are better) and even if they are smart and know the material very well, they may not be very good teachers.
Videos however, they usually are screened and they only have to handpick a few lecturers (probablyt he best) to do the videos, so they are usually better equiped and rehearsed.
As well, you get to re-watch the videos and pause if you don’t get something, you may not be able to stop the live lectures and hold everyone back in class.
Something for you to think about.
Thanks for the tip! They have video version of it as well I see. Have you taken the course? I don’t see anywhere on his bio that he was a grader.
Good point! I hadn’t thought of the quality difference b/n live & video instructors. I used Schweser video last year (am a L. 3 retaker), but couldn’t bring myself to watch more than a few. I found almost no value-add in them v. reading the text, except maybe for options. I managed to get Band 10 on my own, but I think I need some extra help to crack the AM session. Have you tried both live and video?
I have tried both.
Lectures is good to keep you motivated to catch up because you can’t go to the class without pre-reading.
Videos i find are great to use as a review or to pre-study the material before reading, it’s something i can listen to when i shower, cook, and sleep, i don’t pay full attention but it’s good to use as a backup - NOT something you can rely on for sure.
It always comes down to the same advice: “know thyself”…
For example I would agree that videos are more polished than the vast majority of classes and offer more flexibility. However that flexibility is precisely what makes me prefer classes over videos: I can watch videos anytime but let’s face it, I just wouldn’t. At least an in-person class gets me out of bed and into a classroom from 9 to 5. To me this forced discipline has a lot of value when I’d much rather spend my weekends sleeping and eating breakfast in bed.
Of course the second huge determinant is the quality of the instructor. As others have alluded to, it runs the whole gamut. If the instructor is weak you’re much better off devoting time and money to self-study and good materials. If he rocks like Nathan does, it can help energize and focus your studies. Most of them offer a sample class or a sample video, so just do your due diligence on the instructor to see if you click with his style or not.
2 problems from what you mentioend: if you are not motivated to study on your own, even going to live lectures every day, it is insufficient to pass. you probably can’t get much info out of lectures without pre-reading on your own.
And like you said, if the instructor is bad, it is hard to say that you can benefit much from going to lectures, only to make yourself “feel better” or give you a false impression that you’ve studied.
Thanks everyone. You’ve given me a few things to consider that I hadn’t thought of, including your recommendations. Much appreciated!
Thanks Nana!
Is he conducting the Kaplan Schweser 3 day review courses?
Not sure. I think in years past he has done other seminars in addition to Creighton (Dallas and Boston?). He is a very nice guy, I’m sure if you emailed him he could tell you what your options are.