Hi Folks, Wanted to start a discussion for all who will be taking CFA level 1 exam June 2016. Let's use this thread to get in touch with other CFA aspirants, discuss study strategies, and share tips, advices, etc. I think we don't have much time left. How's everyone's preparation coming along? I've just finished readings 1 to 4 on CFA codes of ethics & standards and GIPS standards and now moving on Quantitative methods.

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Calling all CFA (Level 1) Exam Takers: (June 2016)

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Celestial09

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20 Apr 2016, 10:51

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Note:
There are many apps (at least on android) these days for cfa level 1 , covering numerous quizes at low prices. Worth trying.
Good Luck
Celestial

Celestial09

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26 Apr 2016, 04:46

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Hi Folks!
We have read a lot of debriefs for successful GMAT stories, so its time for some motivational ones for CFA (any levels pass-outs) to discuss same.
Looking for someone to share the experience for clearing of level(s).
Best
Celestial

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29 Apr 2016, 20:24

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Celestial09

Hi,

For all those appearing for for CFA level 1, well i am not yet a charter holder but yes, i'd still share my experience.
The 4 most imp topics are:
FRAs, Ethics, Quant and economics.
Try for acing these 4, rest will do even if one scores 50 types in others.

Now is the time to revise all your prep and Throughout the prep period sleep atleast 6 hours .
Keep taking mocks but remeber, take them for full 6 hr. Keep a track of timing.-->You dont want to end up like a mess.
AND dont forget your calculator batteries-->Yup, calculator failures are a common issue in exam room.

Good luck all!

Celestial09

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30 Apr 2016, 01:01

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Hi!
Good to know we have a successful CFA Level 1 pass-out with us. Could you lay some pros and cons of CFA material?
Which are the best material or atleast you found best for reading and preparing?
Thanks
Celestial

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30 Apr 2016, 04:12

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Celestial09

Hi Celestial,

CFA material is the best in my honest opinion, but the problem is that it's too lengthy. Very difficult to retain that much tbh.
Schweser and wiley are the min prep providers and i personally prefer Wiley not only because of their notes but also because of the Presentation and Q bank.
Ananlyt notes is also a good options and costs only 69$---Such a huge bargain.

Regards

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10 May 2016, 01:43

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I am planning to take CFA in December'16. Is 8 months enough for Level 1 Preparation?

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04 Jul 2016, 22:33

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sana28102810

I am planning to take CFA in December'16. Is 8 months enough for Level 1 Preparation?

CFA Level 3 Candidate here.

Yes 8 Months will do. But try to keep your preparations to 4 months. 8 Months is too long and you will forget information by the time you write the exam in DEC.

Main thing is that you need to do a hell lot of questions. Try Scheweser Q bank Volume 1 and Volume 2 and Finquiz papers. A lot of guys stress on EOCs ( End of chapter questions ) on forums but personally I felt attempting old mock papers was better. There are 3 phases. 1st Phase - you read the materials or watch videos along with reading materials . In this phase you will understand only 50-60 percent of what is going on. 2nd phase- Attempt as many questions as possible ( Schweser , Finquiz and Past Mock papers ). Here you will get to 90 percent depth. Phase 3- Hardcore revision. Have a template for every question type.

Study Ethics 4 weeks and then 2 weeks before the exam so that it is still fresh in you memory. In level 1 I left Economics and Quant- I could hardly understand what was in areas such as Regression Analysis. But I was perfect in Ethics, FRA, Fixed Income, Corp Fin and Equity ( These are the main determinants of your score ). Alternative Investments I was okeyish.

All the best.

Al

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10 Aug 2016, 10:01

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Guys,

Any idea on how adcoms will look at CFA LEVEL 3 Passed guy?

Im 24 now and I started my CFA program at 21. I took close to 3 years to complete all three levels and ,in the process, I forgot about hobbies and all other stuff.
Most of my evenings and weekends were spent on studying for the CFA program ( And now the GMAT ).

Will they even consider the hardwork? Or will they be like 'Eh just another credential'?

Please let me how they would think.

Thanks,
Al

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10 Aug 2016, 12:50

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Alchemist14

It will definitely be considered by the adcoms but MBA applications nowadays are more about the holistic picture rather than these 'certifications'. Passing CFA all 3 levels and your GMAT of 710 will only check off a box against "ability to do well in an academic setting". But apart from this, there are other aspects such as what has your work exp been like? What have you done outside your work/certifications? How will you add to the discussions at the school?

Thus, there are other variables in play here that you need to take care of in your applications.

Good luck.

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