Bought BT for part II and am skeptical already. It doesn’t elaborate much on concepts or really define variables in equations so far.
Kind of unimpressed. Anyone else use strictly BT and still find it okay?
I’m questions whether I should read Schweser, do a second review with BT, then use the BT practice questions…
Help appreciated.
Hi Dwheats,
I reviewed with Schweser, the Official Books and BT for both parts of the FRM. If the material is new to you and you’re interested in understanding the concepts more thoroughly (to apply at work for instance), Schweser walks you through the material well. Bionic Turtle is notes based and focuses on teaching you the material required to pass the test. The Official Books are written in an academic tone and can be difficult to interpret. The Official Books also don’t provide many questions.
Bionic Turtle really shines in its question sets. If you can do the problems within BT, your likelihood of passing is much higher than solely Schweser questions or the official GARP questions. Their videos are also helpful for hard to understand concepts.
To give you a sense of how I approached the material, I read the Schweser books and watched Bionic Turtle Videos for difficult concepts, then went through questions from Schweser, GARP then BT in that order. Bionic Turtle questions are much harder than those provided by Schweser and GARP.
If you’re short on time (aren’t we all?) then I would recommend focusing on understanding the concepts through BT with help of the videos and spending the majority of your time on the questions they provide.
That is extremely helpful. Thank you!
@Momo,
Good analysis mate.
See BT is not known for elaborating concepts on its slides / notes. It is known for its video lectures and for tricky question and answer. I only prefer to have some questions from BT and focus review videos. Reading should be done from Shcweser or Reference books.
I Guess A)Schweser readings+questions,with GARP Practice exams. B)+BT Questions, C)BT Videos,D)GARP Reference material(No point looking at their questions,too little of them are there.) for anything that is still not clear.should be the pecking order depending on time,for incremental benefit.
I stopped at a) for Part I -passed comfortably
at a) for Part II,and still passed ,not very uncomfortably 
Choice restricted by a time constraint for managing work and family.
But before deciding the order,I did have a close look at the nature of materials.and practice exams on offer for previous years for taking
Part I exam.
Was “experienced” at part II!
Emphasized more on Schweser readings,than schweser questions.
Depending solely on questions from schweser is risky indeed.They are way easier.The Readings are not.The exam is much harder.But I guess that was still enough to pass,with Practice Exams from GARP.
Anyone who has more time can follow the order,from A) to D)and benefit.
Looking Back,A) should be De minimis.
I’m planning to do schweser readings and BT practice quesitons now.
Would you mind sharing bionic turtle material with me please and I will share schweser with you. My email is hermine_t@hotmail.com. Also, how comfortable are you using the old material given that some readings have changed. Your advise would be greatly appreciated @ elementary.
^ Sorry no can do. That isn’t fair for BT…or Schweser.
It’s difficult to say how much the changed readings would matter,as it is a function of two things:
1.How many questions GARP eventually asks in the actual exam,from changed readings portion.
2.How close you are to cutoff in actual exam(the further you are,on either side,the less it mattters!)
The degree to which buying the latest material will hurt you is a function of your income level.
Morale of the story-YOU are the best judge for deciding whether to take the new material.If cost is not such a big concern,
always go for the latest material as GARP is not responsible for your not having the latest material!
I’m planning to do schweser readings and BT practice quesitons now.
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That seems appropriate!
I think that GARP material should be included in any solution
@Momo
Good analysis bro!