@sam
“I can manage to give about 8-10 hours a week
It is almost double the time that even CFAI advises for average candidate based on feedback of successful candidates. There is more than 50 weeks, with average of 10 hrs per week you have at least around 500 hrs of study time while honestly one requires around 300-350 hours to clear Level 3, What you should worry about are:
1. First analyse your strengths and weaknesses based on your performance in 2010. Self-evaluation of these are essentila for effective planning.
2. Then PLAN your schedule and priorities for the full preparation period (preferably book and topic-wise based on exam weightage and your strength & weaknesses) till the exam day. Take your time to finalise the schedule till June 1, 2014 centred on Study Session importance and preference order as decided by you (i.e. if SS 4 is your first topic in your priorities allot no. of hours and days you will need to do first reading and so on) till review of all topics is over , for Level 3 crucial is your practice of Morning session (no short-cuts possible) so around 50% of your study time should be reserved for practice tests and past papers. Finally last two years (2013 & 14) sample and mock exams under actual exam conditions in Masy 2014. Last week for final revision and CFAI Mock of 2014. You are done. While planning keep in your mind your other commitments like family obligations, rest periods etc. for which you may need some days /time ;
3. Once planning is done, stick to it, come what may with as little flexibility as you can afford. Since you will be repeating - 80% of topics will be similar or even same as 2010 - so avoid the tendency to either skip or underestimate it even while first reading. Otherwise you may find that despite all planning your scores in the past papers and Mock (when you do it) will be lower than you wish it to be!
4. You will not only be able to do it well in this available period but also may feel previlaged than the majority who can start this early even if they wish to do so and find that you have more than enough time to face the challenge.
5. Don’t start with any prejudices and biasedness whether it is about time or your capability or even difficulty level, after all around 50% are passing every year. Be positive and consistent in your study approach and avoid rushing thro’ to avoid burning out by April next.
Hope it helps.