The December 2010 to June 2011 grind was brutal but I just got the level 3 materials today and I’m looking forward to starting in November. Best of luck!
Hello all. I passed L1 and L2 on the first try, L1 in Dec and L2 the same June. However, I failed L3 last June. Do not underestimate this test. They say L2 is the hardest, but I think it’s the hardest material, and L3 is the hardest test.
Hey, passed level 2 this summer…was debating whether I wanted to do level 3 nexxt year or not….am on the fence, but now thinking i will go ahead and register JUST before September 21st..
Probably won’t study much before christmas, but would like to skim through some parts for curiosity’s sake
I know level 3 is very difficult…so I figure i’ll try it out, and worse comes to worse I fail and make the following year that much easier
passed lv1 dec 10, and lv2 june 11.. looking to go 3/3 next june. plan to start studying nov.
500 hr ill plan to put in. no chance im gonna lack effort and go into the exam half ass, iv came so far in the last year and its now at my finger tips!!!
@Dimash - I would have to disagree with any specific strategy being the best. I have two friends that used only Schweser for all three levels and passed on the first try. One didn’t even do the practice tests for level 3…
Passed L1 Jun ‘10, L2 Jun ‘11 and also hope for 3/3. Since I’m moving to London, I won’t register until I arrive there. Will start reading around January.
Passed level 1 in Dec 10 and Level 2 last June.
I plan to start studying in September but only 5 to 6 hours a week : I just want to read and take a few notes. The real start would be in January I guess.
I am from France. Graduated one year ago, I work full time in a French bank, no kids but girlfriend wish I did not enroll in CFA program.
Hey everyone, similar story here - passed LI in Dec 2010 and LII in June 2011, both on first try. I recognize some of the other posters here fro LII. DEF motivated to go 3/3, and having more time than i did for LII will be nice. Also looking to put in 400-500hrs now that i can start as early as I want. Anyone here from the DC area?
Passed L1, L2. Really would like to put in 500 hours but I work full + doing MBA part time so hopefully I can do 200 hours and get lucky like in L2 otherwise I’ll be back in ‘13. Unfortunately there are only so many hours in a day.
jdough Wrote:
——————————————————-
> The December 2010 to June 2011 grind was brutal
> but I just got the level 3 materials today and I’m
> looking forward to starting in November. Best of
> luck!
I’m in the same boat. If i can knock out L3 in Jun’12 it’ll be one of my proudest accomplishments. I also have a bet going with my brother who is pursuing CPA to see who can get their respective charter first.
I’m a retaker and like many who have posted above will warn any newbies to level III not to underestimate the test. It may have the highest pass rate, but that population includes most of the people that failed last year plus most of the people that passed level II last year. Both of these groups consist of intelligent people (and only approx. 50% of those will pass!)
Unlike level I where the population consists of people of all financial intelligence levels, and level II where some of the candidates may have gotten lucky from level I, the people included within the level III population are ALL people of higher financial intelligence.
Even though I’m taking this test over again I’m planning on starting in sept. so I can give myself enough time to do the EOC’s and all the practice questions I can get my hands on. I’m not saying everyone needs to start this early, there are people out there that have done it in less time. However, there are also 49% of the candidates from last year who are all of above average intelligence in finance that didn’t.
FinNinja Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I’m a retaker and like many who have posted above
> will warn any newbies to level III not to
> underestimate the test. It may have the highest
> pass rate, but that population includes most of
> the people that failed last year plus most of the
> people that passed level II last year. Both of
> these groups consist of intelligent people (and
> only approx. 50% of those will pass!)
>
> Unlike level I where the population consists of
> people of all financial intelligence levels, and
> level II where some of the candidates may have
> gotten lucky from level I, the people included
> within the level III population are ALL people of
> higher financial intelligence.
>
> Even though I’m taking this test over again I’m
> planning on starting in sept. so I can give myself
> enough time to do the EOC’s and all the practice
> questions I can get my hands on. I’m not saying
> everyone needs to start this early, there are
> people out there that have done it in less time.
> However, there are also 49% of the candidates from
> last year who are all of above average
> intelligence in finance that didn’t.
>
> Just a warning - take it as you want.
I passed the level I in Dec 2009, sat out the level II in June 2010 and passed it June 2011. Looking at the comments and scores of level III takers has given me a healthy fear of the essay test, so I’m planning on overkill for the level III test, starting pretty much now.
I’m older than most of you guys, 53 with kids and mortgage and the whole lot.
Damil4real Wrote:
——————————————————-
> FinNinja Wrote:
> ————————————————–
> —–
> > I’m a retaker and like many who have posted
> above
> > will warn any newbies to level III not to
> > underestimate the test. It may have the highest
> > pass rate, but that population includes most of
> > the people that failed last year plus most of
> the
> > people that passed level II last year. Both of
> > these groups consist of intelligent people (and
> > only approx. 50% of those will pass!)
> >
> > Unlike level I where the population consists of
> > people of all financial intelligence levels,
> and
> > level II where some of the candidates may have
> > gotten lucky from level I, the people included
> > within the level III population are ALL people
> of
> > higher financial intelligence.
> >
> > Even though I’m taking this test over again I’m
> > planning on starting in sept. so I can give
> myself
> > enough time to do the EOC’s and all the
> practice
> > questions I can get my hands on. I’m not saying
> > everyone needs to start this early, there are
> > people out there that have done it in less
> time.
> > However, there are also 49% of the candidates
> from
> > last year who are all of above average
> > intelligence in finance that didn’t.
> >
> > Just a warning - take it as you want.
>
>
> +100K
Absolutely true…the concepts may appear easier than Level II if you flip through the pages of the curriculum once or twice, but you’ve got to know it to a level of detail that you have not experienced yet.
dimash Wrote:
——————————————————-
> guys my 2 cents for L3…It doesn’t matter how
> many hours you spend, what matters is what you are
> spending those hours on….
>
> for L3, its a must that you do ALL EOC
> questions„,some of them show up in the exam..You
> should keep practicing them until you master
> them..
>
> second, you should do all the past AM exams that
> are available….
>
> These two things are a must and will help you
> cross over the passing line…..
>
> good luck
In the same boat as you mathlete, working and going back to get my MBA part-time. We have finals next week so I’m hoping to knock out 2-3 of the books before classes start end of sept. best wishes on everyone’s studies, i look forward to sharing and gaining insight between now and june.
hhummel Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I passed the level I in Dec 2009, sat out the
> level II in June 2010 and passed it June 2011.
> Looking at the comments and scores of level III
> takers has given me a healthy fear of the essay
> test, so I’m planning on overkill for the level
> III test, starting pretty much now.
>
> I’m older than most of you guys, 53 with kids and
> mortgage and the whole lot.
i’m near 30. and i have a lot of respect for people like you.
Failed L1 in Dec 08 (Band 7), Passed in June 09, Failed L2 in June 10 (Band 3), Passed in June 11. Hoping to end my every other streak but understanding the pains of failing and the excitement of passing. Received my books last week look to get started Sept 1.
My wife gave birth to our first child at 8 am (ET) on July 26th, so that was quite an exciting day for me, but now am looking for any and all advice for moms and dads of young children on study, work, and home balance. 25 years old and have been working as an asset allocation analyst for almost 4 years in Milwaukee, hoping my experience in asset allocation helps my cause in L3, equity and FSA were not my friends in L1 and L2.
I have been a passive AF user in the past and looking to get more involved this year seeing how I can use all the help I can get.
I would just echo some of the other posters on here. I thought this test was going to be the easiest and was sorely mistaken. I studied a ton, took a weekly review course, took 3 practice exams, read every word of the CFA texts, did nearly every EOC question….and failed band 10. You need to understand the material and concepts much deeper on this exam than the first 2. You’re also competing against a much more difficult field so the slightly higher pass rate is misleading.
Long time lurker, first time poster. I took L1 straight out f school back in 2004 and passed. Signed up in 2005 and 2009 but didn’t end up taking L2 until June 2011. Passed (just barely I think). Just registered for L3 yesterday and ordered all the Schweser materials. Not sure if I should start in the fall or not. Don’t want to burn out.
My advice is to bend over backwards to support your wife. It’s the best thing that will ever happen to you, but it can be very difficult on new moms.
Thanks for the kind words to outlier_1201. I see it as a life-long process: new interests and opportunities come up, but you have to work to make them pay off. It’s important to pass the test and complete the program–don’t get me wrong–but it’s even more important to avoid being the dumbest guy in the room. I’ve been him enough times to know.
hey SMJ. looking to go 3/3 here. crushed L1 Dec ‘10, L2 June ‘11.
been lurking, but ready to begin cranking in November/December.
band 10, here i come
Studying With
The December 2010 to June 2011 grind was brutal but I just got the level 3 materials today and I’m looking forward to starting in November. Best of luck!
Won’t register till the last date in september. When are yoou planning on starting? Originally planned on starting Sept 1st, now don’t feel like it.
Cities teem with evil and decay, let’s give it a good shake and see what falls out!!
Hello all. I passed L1 and L2 on the first try, L1 in Dec and L2 the same June. However, I failed L3 last June. Do not underestimate this test. They say L2 is the hardest, but I think it’s the hardest material, and L3 is the hardest test.
I also pass L1 and L2 on the first try. I take a look on the L3 book and they are difficult and hard to understand!!!!
Yeah I agree with those who mentioned L3 is the toughest.
I breezed through L1, L2 was kind of hard but I passed, L3 was just a shocker. I thought I’d done better than L2 in L3 but I ended up failing badly!
So I will be giving it again next June. I spent about 350hrs for L1, 450 for L2, and 230 for L3 (maybe that explains it)
Target is 500hrs to knock L3 the F*** out. Tentative start date November 1st.
Hey, passed level 2 this summer…was debating whether I wanted to do level 3 nexxt year or not….am on the fence, but now thinking i will go ahead and register JUST before September 21st..
Probably won’t study much before christmas, but would like to skim through some parts for curiosity’s sake
I know level 3 is very difficult…so I figure i’ll try it out, and worse comes to worse I fail and make the following year that much easier
guys my 2 cents for L3…It doesn’t matter how many hours you spend, what matters is what you are spending those hours on….
for L3, its a must that you do ALL EOC questions„,some of them show up in the exam..You should keep practicing them until you master them..
second, you should do all the past AM exams that are available….
These two things are a must and will help you cross over the passing line…..
good luck
Studying With
passed lv1 dec 10, and lv2 june 11.. looking to go 3/3 next june. plan to start studying nov.
500 hr ill plan to put in. no chance im gonna lack effort and go into the exam half ass, iv came so far in the last year and its now at my finger tips!!!
NO EXCUSES!
@Dimash - I would have to disagree with any specific strategy being the best. I have two friends that used only Schweser for all three levels and passed on the first try. One didn’t even do the practice tests for level 3…
Passed L1 Jun ‘10, L2 Jun ‘11 and also hope for 3/3. Since I’m moving to London, I won’t register until I arrive there. Will start reading around January.
Hey guys,
Passed level 1 in Dec 10 and Level 2 last June.
I plan to start studying in September but only 5 to 6 hours a week : I just want to read and take a few notes. The real start would be in January I guess.
I am from France. Graduated one year ago, I work full time in a French bank, no kids but girlfriend wish I did not enroll in CFA program.
Going for 3/3 and will enroll before sep deadline. Do not want to take any chances with lvl3 so will start much earlier and aiming for 350hrs.
---------------------
With the time I studied for CFA, I could have become a doctor.
Studying With
Hey everyone, similar story here - passed LI in Dec 2010 and LII in June 2011, both on first try. I recognize some of the other posters here fro LII. DEF motivated to go 3/3, and having more time than i did for LII will be nice. Also looking to put in 400-500hrs now that i can start as early as I want. Anyone here from the DC area?
LETS GO!
Passed lvl 1 in Dec ‘10 and lvl 2 in Jun ‘11 and I’m looking to finish in Jun ‘12.
I’m planning on registering before the first deadline and then starting to study in October.
I’m glad I have more than 3.5 months for this exam though it sounds like I will need the extra time.
Passed L1, L2. Really would like to put in 500 hours but I work full + doing MBA part time so hopefully I can do 200 hours and get lucky like in L2 otherwise I’ll be back in ‘13. Unfortunately there are only so many hours in a day.
Studying With
jdough Wrote:
——————————————————-
> The December 2010 to June 2011 grind was brutal
> but I just got the level 3 materials today and I’m
> looking forward to starting in November. Best of
> luck!
I’m in the same boat. If i can knock out L3 in Jun’12 it’ll be one of my proudest accomplishments. I also have a bet going with my brother who is pursuing CPA to see who can get their respective charter first.
I’m a retaker and like many who have posted above will warn any newbies to level III not to underestimate the test. It may have the highest pass rate, but that population includes most of the people that failed last year plus most of the people that passed level II last year. Both of these groups consist of intelligent people (and only approx. 50% of those will pass!)
Unlike level I where the population consists of people of all financial intelligence levels, and level II where some of the candidates may have gotten lucky from level I, the people included within the level III population are ALL people of higher financial intelligence.
Even though I’m taking this test over again I’m planning on starting in sept. so I can give myself enough time to do the EOC’s and all the practice questions I can get my hands on. I’m not saying everyone needs to start this early, there are people out there that have done it in less time. However, there are also 49% of the candidates from last year who are all of above average intelligence in finance that didn’t.
Just a warning - take it as you want.
Studying With
FinNinja Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I’m a retaker and like many who have posted above
> will warn any newbies to level III not to
> underestimate the test. It may have the highest
> pass rate, but that population includes most of
> the people that failed last year plus most of the
> people that passed level II last year. Both of
> these groups consist of intelligent people (and
> only approx. 50% of those will pass!)
>
> Unlike level I where the population consists of
> people of all financial intelligence levels, and
> level II where some of the candidates may have
> gotten lucky from level I, the people included
> within the level III population are ALL people of
> higher financial intelligence.
>
> Even though I’m taking this test over again I’m
> planning on starting in sept. so I can give myself
> enough time to do the EOC’s and all the practice
> questions I can get my hands on. I’m not saying
> everyone needs to start this early, there are
> people out there that have done it in less time.
> However, there are also 49% of the candidates from
> last year who are all of above average
> intelligence in finance that didn’t.
>
> Just a warning - take it as you want.
+100K
I passed the level I in Dec 2009, sat out the level II in June 2010 and passed it June 2011. Looking at the comments and scores of level III takers has given me a healthy fear of the essay test, so I’m planning on overkill for the level III test, starting pretty much now.
I’m older than most of you guys, 53 with kids and mortgage and the whole lot.
Damil4real Wrote:
——————————————————-
> FinNinja Wrote:
> ————————————————–
> —–
> > I’m a retaker and like many who have posted
> above
> > will warn any newbies to level III not to
> > underestimate the test. It may have the highest
> > pass rate, but that population includes most of
> > the people that failed last year plus most of
> the
> > people that passed level II last year. Both of
> > these groups consist of intelligent people (and
> > only approx. 50% of those will pass!)
> >
> > Unlike level I where the population consists of
> > people of all financial intelligence levels,
> and
> > level II where some of the candidates may have
> > gotten lucky from level I, the people included
> > within the level III population are ALL people
> of
> > higher financial intelligence.
> >
> > Even though I’m taking this test over again I’m
> > planning on starting in sept. so I can give
> myself
> > enough time to do the EOC’s and all the
> practice
> > questions I can get my hands on. I’m not saying
> > everyone needs to start this early, there are
> > people out there that have done it in less
> time.
> > However, there are also 49% of the candidates
> from
> > last year who are all of above average
> > intelligence in finance that didn’t.
> >
> > Just a warning - take it as you want.
>
>
> +100K
Absolutely true…the concepts may appear easier than Level II if you flip through the pages of the curriculum once or twice, but you’ve got to know it to a level of detail that you have not experienced yet.
______________________________________________________
You must be the square root of two cause i feel irrational around you
http://alphahive.wordpress.com/
dimash Wrote:
——————————————————-
> guys my 2 cents for L3…It doesn’t matter how
> many hours you spend, what matters is what you are
> spending those hours on….
>
> for L3, its a must that you do ALL EOC
> questions„,some of them show up in the exam..You
> should keep practicing them until you master
> them..
>
> second, you should do all the past AM exams that
> are available….
>
> These two things are a must and will help you
> cross over the passing line…..
>
> good luck
+1
In the same boat as you mathlete, working and going back to get my MBA part-time. We have finals next week so I’m hoping to knock out 2-3 of the books before classes start end of sept. best wishes on everyone’s studies, i look forward to sharing and gaining insight between now and june.
Studying With
i am probably the dumbest person among all you geniuses lol.
passme says Hi!
hhummel Wrote:
——————————————————-
> I passed the level I in Dec 2009, sat out the
> level II in June 2010 and passed it June 2011.
> Looking at the comments and scores of level III
> takers has given me a healthy fear of the essay
> test, so I’m planning on overkill for the level
> III test, starting pretty much now.
>
> I’m older than most of you guys, 53 with kids and
> mortgage and the whole lot.
i’m near 30. and i have a lot of respect for people like you.
Failed L1 in Dec 08 (Band 7), Passed in June 09, Failed L2 in June 10 (Band 3), Passed in June 11. Hoping to end my every other streak but understanding the pains of failing and the excitement of passing. Received my books last week look to get started Sept 1.
My wife gave birth to our first child at 8 am (ET) on July 26th, so that was quite an exciting day for me, but now am looking for any and all advice for moms and dads of young children on study, work, and home balance. 25 years old and have been working as an asset allocation analyst for almost 4 years in Milwaukee, hoping my experience in asset allocation helps my cause in L3, equity and FSA were not my friends in L1 and L2.
I have been a passive AF user in the past and looking to get more involved this year seeing how I can use all the help I can get.
Good luck to everybody.
I would just echo some of the other posters on here. I thought this test was going to be the easiest and was sorely mistaken. I studied a ton, took a weekly review course, took 3 practice exams, read every word of the CFA texts, did nearly every EOC question….and failed band 10. You need to understand the material and concepts much deeper on this exam than the first 2. You’re also competing against a much more difficult field so the slightly higher pass rate is misleading.
Long time lurker, first time poster. I took L1 straight out f school back in 2004 and passed. Signed up in 2005 and 2009 but didn’t end up taking L2 until June 2011. Passed (just barely I think). Just registered for L3 yesterday and ordered all the Schweser materials. Not sure if I should start in the fall or not. Don’t want to burn out.
Congratulations PerpetualRetaker!
My advice is to bend over backwards to support your wife. It’s the best thing that will ever happen to you, but it can be very difficult on new moms.
Thanks for the kind words to outlier_1201. I see it as a life-long process: new interests and opportunities come up, but you have to work to make them pay off. It’s important to pass the test and complete the program–don’t get me wrong–but it’s even more important to avoid being the dumbest guy in the room. I’ve been him enough times to know.