I would like to give everyone some motivation about level 3 exams by showing off my last year's results.

CFA Level III
#1

I totally took CFA level 3 exam three times. Hope you guys can make it. Any questions, please let me know.

First try, I only read Schweser notes without solving any questions, and got band 1.

Second try, read Schweser notes three times and solved 6 morning section old exams. Fail and band 9.

Third try, I change my method. Read the curriculum twice, (ethic part 4 times and fixed income part 3 times). Then switch to Schweser notes.

I find out that by just reading Schweser notes, I CAN NOT TRULY UNDERSTAND SOME PRINCIPALS. For example, behind one sentence in notes, there probably is a whole page from the curriculum to explain it. Before the exam, I find out the Schweser online video is very helpful and I build more confidence by watch these video before taking the exam. I also solved 4 morning-section Schweser practice tests and all the questions form cfa websites.

Most important, write precisely by providing the key words from curriculum rather than explaining too much self-understanding details.

The feeling is also very important. After reading the question, if you totally know what the question ask for, you are in the good direction and please give the noun (key word) from curriculum. Otherwise, no matter what solution provided will not help you at all.

#2

You crushed the afternoon.

#3

Can’t see anything?

#4

Yeah I don’t see anything. I tried different browsers and it still doesn’t show up.

#5

Fixed

#6

Thanks for sharing. I’m interested in how you did this:

“Most important, write precisely by providing the key words from curriculum rather than explaining too much self-understanding details.”

Can you provide an example how you wrote your answers? I’m struggling with the time management. Any two cents on this?

#7

What I mean is that the solution should contains the exact key words from curriculum, for example you should tell the grader exactly what type of investor it is or what type of interest risk it is. Otherwise without these key words, no matter how many details you give from your understanding and experience, the solution will not work.

#8

Sorry - cant see.

#9

Sorry, neither can I - tried 3 browsers

#10

Thanks for posting… do you mind me asking how much time you spent on each component (reading material vs. doing questions)?

Also what is your professional and educational background?

#11

I have not spent too much time on problem solving, but really a long time to read the material after winter holiday, like 2 hours per day on average.

I have a master in finance and phd in math.