Hey everyone,
I’m feeling pretty down after my recent CFA Level 1 attempt. I studied hard for two months but fell just short of passing. It’s really tough to swallow because I was so sure I’d make it through.
Now I’m signed up for the May 2025 exam, but I can’t shake this worry about failing again. Has anyone else been in this boat? How did you change your approach for round two?
I’d love to hear some tips or strategies that worked for you. Maybe study methods, time management tricks, or ways to deal with exam anxiety? Anything that helped you succeed on your second try would be super helpful.
Thanks in advance for any advice you can share!
hey, been there. failed my first try too. for me, rigorous practice questions and schwaser notes helped me get through.
study group kept me motivated. you’ve got plenty of time til 2025, so stick with it and keep a steady pace. you’ll rock it next try!
I’ve been in your shoes, and it’s a tough spot. After my initial CFA Level 1 setback, I completely overhauled my approach. I extended my study timeline to six months, giving myself ample time to thoroughly cover all topics. I found that creating a structured study schedule and sticking to it religiously made a huge difference. I allocated specific hours each day, treating it like a part-time job. This consistency helped reinforce concepts over time.
Another game-changer was focusing on my weak areas. I analyzed my previous exam performance and doubled down on topics where I struggled. Utilizing the CFA Institute’s online question bank extensively helped me gauge my progress and identify areas needing more attention.
Lastly, I incorporated regular mock exams into my routine, simulating exam conditions. This not only improved my time management but also reduced anxiety on the actual test day.
Stay determined and remember, many successful charterholders have been where you are now. You’ve got this!
Hey there, ExploringOcean!
I know how tough it can be to push through after a setback like that. I went through a similar experience with Level 1 myself, so I totally get the mix of emotions you’re feeling right now. Instead of just re-reading the material, I shifted my focus to doing a ton of practice questions, which really helped me understand the concepts on a deeper level.
I also tried connecting with others through an online study group. It was really refreshing to share thoughts and challenge each other—it made the whole process less isolating. Plus, simulating real exam conditions with timed mock exams helped me get comfortable with the exam pressure.
How are you feeling about the extra time you have until May 2025? Is there a particular area that felt more challenging the last time around? I’d be really interested to hear what your thoughts are.
Keep your head up—you’ve got this! 