December 2015 Level 1 prep

Started quants a week ago, after 4 readings I can say it’s not so hard if u have any economic background. 

Just registered on Friday, I am also interested in hearing a response to this

For level 1 I would highly recommend doing Quant Methods first as lots of the other study sessions rely on knowing time value of money etc. Personally, except for leaving ethics until last, I think the way the study sessions are laid out in the curriculum is the best way to learn the material. Of course you don’t have to follow it this way….but they didn’t just put the sessions in random order….in some ways they lead on from eachother. 

In in summary though, I think as long as you do QM first, do it in whichever order keeps you entertained 😉

has someone looked at quants? what do you think?

anyone? 

700 hours is not needed. I’m taking the June 15 exam and I started studying on 11/8. To date I’ve put in 345 hours of solid, true study time.  In the end I’ll be at approximately 525 hours which for me is perfect.

I started with Economics as it matched my degree. Then, I decided to hit the 1 study session topics: Alternative investments, portfolio management, Derivatives, corporate finance. This kept up my motivation as i completed topics.

Focus on Quant and FRA last and spend the most time doing them. fRA being the highest weighted and Quant being the hardest to score well on. Personally, I spent a whole leaning how to calculate npv and irr on my calculator. I spent another full day learning Bayes theorem. Quant can be slow. If you have knocked off 7 topics, then the slow pace is ok. If you start Quant in the beginning, then it can demotivate you and there goes your study plan.  

Save ethics for 20min-1hr reading by your night stand 2 months from exam day.

With 3-4 weeks to go till exam, reread all your notes and redo end of chapter questions plus start doing q bank questions and 3hr exams in morning and reviewing missed questions in the afternoon. 

I liked hard copy in the beginning, but never disvalue any method of learning. I have used book, ipad, phone, YouTube, Etc. Sometimes home is too distracting so I take my laptop to a cafe and study there; on the train to and from work I’m reviewing YouTube vids; lunchtime at work I’m using my phone; weekends back to the hard copy. 

I also completed registraction process for Dec Level 1. But Im unemployed student and I got plenty of time. I estimated that I can sacrifice even 700h for preparation…. And do you guys think it might be too much and I might get bored and lose my motivation during this time?  

Should I start later and spend 300-400h like most of candidates?

I’m definitely interested for any input on this subject too. Thanks guys!

hie guys which are the best books to buy for cfa level 1 I’m registered for the december 2015 exam. where can i buy them.