After my first fail, several people told me to try again. After my 2nd fail, many here told me to give it up (saying if I can’t get past the easiest level in multiple tries then I won’t get Level 2, much less Level 3). Well, 3rd time’s a charm. Thank you to those of you who helped answer my questions and encouraged me to keep going.
I’d say my first 2 fails were due to 1) procrastination and 2) failure to crank it up 100 notches in the final week before the exam. On my two fails, I followed others’ advice by taking it easy in the last week and days leading up to the exam. On my 3rd try, I drank loads of coffee and studied over 60 hours in the final 2 weeks before the exam. I believe those 2 weeks were the most effective and got me over the hump. Although, it did take me another week and a half after the exam to recover from the caffeine overload and get back to a regular sleep schedule. But it was well worth it.
As far as my study methods, I didn’t read any of the CFAI text. I read the Schweser books once. My main source of study was the Schweser online LOS summaries. I reviewed those summaries for both my 2nd and 3rd attempts. That served as my review notes (very good notes might I add). And I did 6 mocks. I didn’t acutally sit down for 6 hours and do each mock, though; instead, I just read through the questions and answers (much faster and, to me, just as effective if not more). I did all the CFAI blue boxes and EOCs.
Here are my scores from my first fail followed by my scores on my successful 3rd attempt. Much improved. I feel great! Finally!
Congratulations! I honestly don’t know if I would have pursued after failing twice, would have to think for a very long time if the extra time was worth it. Still, welcome to the level 2 club : ). And I do agree with you about ramping up your studying during the final few weeks. It’s worked for me many times although to each his own.
Well done. Are the Schweser online LOS summaries you refer to identical to the key concept LOS sections found at the end of each reading in Schweser Notes?
The online LOS summaries are more detailed than the chapter summaries in the book. Each LOS has a one or two paragraph summary/answer (whereas in the book summary, the LOS might get a sentence - that is if it’s mentioned in the chapter summary at all).
Many congratulations Sockruhthese. Persistence and perseverance are 2 great qualities. You will do well in life. Good luck with level 2 and thanks for useful advice.
many congratulations on passing your L1 exam. i myself failed it for my june 2013 attempt… your perseverance got you through!
what i find strange is that you only failed equity and pm in your first attempt and that you got >70% in ethics, which i’ve heard helps the overall weightage in passing the exam. do you mind me asking what band did you fail at?