I feel that Schweser while condensed has trickier questions at the end of chapters. I never looked at the CFAI books for L1 or L2 and did just fine. However as I wrap up my readings and begin revision (and practice questions and exams), I’d love some feedback if I just look at some portions of the CFAI text.
When I was studying for the CFA exams (1997 – 1999) I used Schweser materials exclusively. I read the SchweserNotes, wrote up my own flashcards, and worked a few questions.
I attended 2-day and 3-day review courses, one for each level. The Level I course was taught by Carl Schweser himself. The Level II and Level III courses were taught by Andy Tempte (who succeeded Carl as president of Schweser).
If you read nothing else in the CFA Institute books, read the Ethics Study Sessions; they do a really good job on those.
I’ve heard that the prep classes were worth every penny back then but only because past exams were available. They could accurately recreate what the exams would look like. As we all know, definitely not the case now.
OP, it’s only my first time writing L3 but I’ve heard from many that doing mocks from here on out is the best way to go.