CFA Level 1 Crunch: How to Prep for May Exam with No Prior Study?

Help needed urgently!

I’m in a tough spot. Just realized my CFA Level 1 exam is coming up in mid-May and I haven’t cracked open a single book yet. I’m a recent engineering grad and life got in the way. Now I’m scrambling.

This exam is super important to me. I saved up for ages to pay for it and I can’t afford to fail. I’m jobless right now so I can dedicate all my time to studying. But I need a game plan ASAP.

I’ve got QuintEdge recorded lectures but that’s all. What’s the bare minimum I need to do to have a shot at passing? Has anyone here been in a similar pickle and made it through?

I’m open to any tips or strategies. Even a basic study outline would be a lifesaver. Thanks in advance for any help!

Charlotte, I’ve been in your shoes before. With limited time, your best bet is to prioritize strategically. Focus on high-yield topics like Ethics, Financial Reporting and Analysis, and Quantitative Methods, as they have a strong impact on your score. Dive into practice questions right away—using the CFA Institute’s end-of-chapter questions and mock exams can help you quickly identify and address your weak areas. Consider using a condensed guide like Schweser’s Secret Sauce for a streamlined review. Lastly, make sure to take regular breaks and get enough sleep to maintain your focus. Stay determined and good luck!

Hey Charlotte91, wow, that’s quite a challenge you’ve got there! :sweat_smile: But don’t worry, we’ve all had those ‘oh crap’ moments. Have you thought about using any study apps? I found Anki flashcards super helpful for quick reviews on the go.

Curious - what’s your background in finance like? Depending on your strengths, you might be able to breeze through some sections faster.

Oh, and don’t forget about YouTube! There are some great CFA crash course videos out there that can give you a quick overview of tricky topics.

How are you holding up mentally? Remember to take breaks and maybe squeeze in some exercise - it really helps with stress and info retention.

Keep us posted on your progress, yeah? Rooting for you! :raised_hands:

hey charlotte, been there done that! ur not alone. my advice: focus on ethics, fra, and quant. theyre huge. skip the depth, go for breadth. hammer practice qs like crazy. schweser qbank saved my butt. get some sleep n dont panic. u got this!