Hey everyone,
I’m in a bit of a pickle. I signed up for the CFA Level 1 exam in May, but I haven’t started studying yet. I’ve got access to a ton of lecture videos, but they’re super long and I’m running out of time.
I’m looking for tips on how to tackle this monster of a test. How should I approach the 10 subjects? For example, I know I need to watch the quant videos, but what about the other topics? Can I just read the curriculum for Ethics, or should I watch lectures too?
If anyone’s been in a similar situation or has some solid advice, I’d really appreciate it. I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed and could use some guidance on how to make the most of the time I have left. Thanks in advance!
Hey there ExploringStars! 
Whew, that’s quite a challenge you’ve got there! I totally get the overwhelm - CFA Level 1 is no joke. But don’t panic, you’ve still got some time to make it work!
Have you thought about focusing on the high-yield topics first? From what I’ve heard, Ethics, Financial Reporting & Analysis, and Equity Investments tend to be pretty heavy hitters. Maybe start there?
Quick question - how’s your background in finance? If you’re already solid in some areas, you might be able to skim those and dive deeper into the trickier stuff.
Oh, and for Ethics, I’ve heard the curriculum is actually pretty readable. Maybe give that a shot before diving into videos? Could save you some precious time!
Anyone else here tackled CFA with a time crunch? What worked for you? I’m super curious to hear more strategies!
hey man, dont stress too much. ive been there. focus on the big topics like ethics and financial stuff first. for ethics, just read the book its pretty clear. for other stuff, watch vids at 1.5x speed and do practice qs. mocks r key too. you got this bro, just grind smart not hard!
As someone who’s been through the CFA grind, I can tell you that time management is crucial. Focus on the weightiest sections first: Ethics, Financial Reporting & Analysis, and Equity Investments. These typically account for a significant portion of the exam.
For Ethics, the curriculum is indeed comprehensive. Read it thoroughly and supplement with practice questions. You can probably skip the videos for this section.
For other topics, I’d suggest a hybrid approach. Skim the curriculum, then watch lectures at 1.5x speed, focusing on areas you find challenging. Use practice questions to gauge your understanding and identify weak spots.
Don’t neglect mock exams. They’re invaluable for time management practice and identifying knowledge gaps. Aim to complete at least two full mocks before the exam.
Remember, it’s about smart studying, not just hours logged. Good luck!