Studying now to avoid studying more later

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Frequent reader but first-time poster on the forum. I’m being moved out to Asia in late December/early January to begin a new role and will be extremely pressed for time Jan-April. I’m wondering if anyone has thoughts whether I could get most of Level III studying done between now and year-end, and perhaps very lightly maintain some knowledge (3-6 hours a week tops) then ramp up again in May to pass III. Any thoughts, advice, or experience would be much appreciated.
I’d like to get III over with, and I feel as if I have positive momentum from passing the most recent II. My current workload is very light ahead of my relocation so it should be a good opportunity but I’m concerned that it won’t be time well spent given the time lag to test day.
 
I dont know if this strategy could work, for me , last months are the most productive. but let other L3 successful folks respond
 
My random thoughts on how to use the fall:
  • Focus on making really clear, understandable notes that focus on the core of each reading. Set yourself up to start revising easily Jan-April whenever you have 15 min free.
  • Hit up some AM exams. Don’t even need to test yourself on them, but just read the answers and go into the Jan-April period knowing that aspect so it’s “old knowledge” come May.
  • Try to get one pass through all or most topic tests, so if May is a total cram month, you’re on your second pass then.
  • Possibly, put most of your energy in the Personal and Institutional IPS readings. If you crack those before winter, it’s a good place to be.
Good luck.
 
It’s been shown through studies that the most productive studying happens as the exam nears. So no, I don’t think this strategy will work, especially if the exam is stretched over a couple of months.
 
My personal opinion: I would get all the reading out of the way before you move and then do questions, questions, questions, questions, questions (from all possible source - being EOC, Blue Box, CFAI Qbank, old Mock exams). Try to hit the questions hard, but even if you only have an hour per day, still try to alternate between vignette and essay. Try to learn from the essay questions - not just what the answer to the particular question is, but what pattern the answers follow.
And forget the BS that the Level II passers post out here. They have no fuggin clue, what kind of a madness awaits you guys on the first Saturday of June 2017. Good luck.
 
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