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Pastimes : The CFA: Conversations, Ideas, and Approach -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Ken W who wrote (39)	1/25/1999 9:18:00 PM
From: HeyRainier	Respond to of 70

Let's see... Upon taking a closer look at my pace, I estimated that I am about two months ahead of schedule for the test. That's good, since it will allow me plenty of time to iron out the inevitable wrinkles that come from studying at such an intense pace. When I had met with the Seattle Society of Financial Analysts last month, they had recommended that you try and finish about one month ahead of schedule to give you the time to do your "ironing." The best advice I could recommend is to be fiercely loyal to the time you have set aside for your studies--let nothing distract you, because it seems that the CFA process is more a battle of discipline than anything else. In my opinion, the 300-hour study time recommended is grossly understated. I try to do at least 4 hours a day, and that is on the weekdays. On weekends, that can extend to about 7-8 hours. In the meeting with the SSFA, I was surprised to note that quite a number of people don't read the whole material. Supplementary texts that help summarize the content are often used. I would recommend the two items I have previously mentioned as an effective 1-2 punch: the Allen Resources Test Bank disk, and the JKE Key Concept Notes. The key concept notes are refundable if you don't like it, according to my understanding. The book is essentially your answer guide to the whole CFA exam, because it will give you lots of background for each LOS mentioned in your Study Guide, plus it gives you a rating system to give you an indication of how much AIMR in the past has tended to focus on such LOS. Plus, it gives you exam hints for that section, and it gives you a test portion that covers historical examinations that have tested that particular LOS. It's impressive. Currently, I try to read about 20 pages a day to keep on track of my accelerated schedule. But having started in January, you might try to bump that up , but that's tough given time constraints. Definitely keep notes on the margins; you will find them very helpful when it's time to gather all your knowledge about the subject you are about to be tested on. I'm trying to make sure I review the material every once in a while, because the forgetting curve can be surprisingly steep if what you're studying isn't reinforced on a daily basis in your career field. The test bank disk from Allen Resources helps fill those gaps for me. Good luck. Rainier