To Those Who Passed: What Study Material?

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bosco

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schweser + qbank, but I think that inline cfa tests should be useful to
 
Use Allensresources Code Red Software. I felt it helped me ALOT!

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Keep it Simple.. Stay Sharp!
 
Schweser to get through the material. Then a lot of practice tests (book 6, BSAS, old exams, online CFAI stuff) and most importantly... A LOT OF THIS FORUM.

It really kept me motivated and that's the key. You can get the material from Stalla, Schweser of the CFA books. But all methods cost time so keeping yourself motivated is the key to success. AF did just that for me, I actually enjoyed going through questions and discussing them here which made the studying itself fun instead of a timeconsuming investment.
 
I used the full Stalla package with classroom, study notes, prep exam, and passmaster questions.

I thought the study notes were good, easy to follow. Explained most concepts well, but had to reference some material elsewhere.

I personally... found the classroom a waste of time. Any time I needed clarification, I found that going through the CD lectures on very specific topics more helpful. Problem with the CD lectures is that oft times they covered out of scope material.

Prep exam... waste of time.

I did not like the Stalla questions. They were relatively easy and did not adequately prepare me for the style and at times, the content of the exam. The stalla exam book questions however did do a good job of approximating what was on the exam though.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at 09:02AM by chasing.
 
If there's one thing that you must cover, that's the 5 online sample exam? I've bought them all and would say they've given me at least 20 more correct answers on the exam day. 250 bucks well worth it.
 
Used the CFAI books for ethics and Schweser notes for everything else.
The Schweser pro q-bank was invaluable, an absolute must for me going forward. I had exposure to about 1600 questions before test day. I also paid for one CFAI test, which looking back was a complete waste of my money.
 
Schweser Notes + Q Bank + Schweser Videos + Secret Sauce
Exam 1 & 2 from Book 6 + 1 BSAS
Used CFAI only for Ethics

Passed all sections 70%+

Overall happy w/ Schweser, though I thought their materials contained far too many errors. This can make learning new material very difficult and to make matters worse, when you reported errors they were very defensive about it and told you that you were wrong (only to then post the error correction weeks later). Don't get me wrong, on the whole I'm a Schweser fan, I just wanted to give both sides of it.

Also, I saw a few of the Stalla videos, and the instructor, Peter Olinto, seemed much better than the Schweser instructors.

My .02
nerdattax
 
> Also, I saw a few of the Stalla videos, and the
> instructor, Peter Olinto, seemed much better than
> the Schweser instructors.

you had both stalla and schweser material?
 
No, didn't have Stalla material - just saw a sample video on hypothesis testing they will send you if you request it. I also did the free stalla seminar that he hosted and was impressed.

The main difference is in style: he points out things that are likely to appear on the test, how they are likely to be tested, and gives tips to remember the concecpt whereas the Schweser Video instructors tend to just teach the material straight up.
 
I used Stalla only and took the live classes with Peter Olinto. I agree with the above comments that Olinto is a good instructor. My colleague used Schweser and past the first two exams and borrowed some old Stalla books for the third. He said that he found the Stalla ones easier to follow. However, given the amount of people who took Schweser and passed there is probably little difference in the books.

I have to disagree about the live exam. I found the questions harder than the actual exam (and I got above 70% on all). But more important was the 2 day review after the exam.
 
Schweser only; no book 6; wrote 4 book 5 practice exams and one CFA practice exam online.

>70 in all categories; proof that Schweser alone produces results.
 
Schweser only; only study notes package. Passed (by thin margin compared to others).
 
Schweser books. Done all tests from Book 6 and 7.

2 online CFAI tests.
 
I only used Schweser books. Studied pretty thoroughly. Did 5 sample exams (schweser) the week before the exams - I think this was the most important part that one cannot skip.
 
Chasing,

Did you use Stalla Passmaster? You say that the questions were quite simple. Are you talking about the questions in PassMaster or in the study material. It is not clear from your post.

Thanks
 
I solely used Stalla for the exam. I put in a little over 300 study hours. I also used the Stalla intensive problem solving module and the flashcards. I did all the Stalla work via their CD program. I really enjoyed listening to Peter Olinto in the study sessions.

I plan on using Stalla again for Level II for next June's exam.
 
stalla stalla stalla stalla stalla...


stalla all the way.

study guides, mock exam, pass master, live classes with peter olinto...


definitely sticking with stalla for lvl 2.
 
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