Generally speaking, I’m not in panic, as i am still on schedule and already put nearly 150 hours in. But there’s one thing that really scares me:
I am wondering how to memorize all the material from the curriculum. I don’t mean the formulas, that was never a big problem for me, but rather all this qualitative stuff. For example, in level 1 and 2 you had a model or concept and Schweser gave you 3 advantages and disadvantages. Then there was a question “What is a disadvantage of this concept? A, B, or C?” and having read the material carefully, you didn’t have big problems solving the question. Now they ask you “Name 2 advantages and disadvantages of the model” and you have to know it by heart.
How do you learn that and when do you learn that? After first reading and prior to doing EOCs and mocks or just along the way when a corresponding question appears?
This is a pretty important point and it’s good that you picked it up in January.
When you go through the material, try to make good notes; make use of charts. Charts and flow charts are your best friend. I made tables comparing each method, listing pros and cons, and when to use them and when they are not to be used. Charts are easy to remember and internalize. You will still need to give it time, but at least you are not pulling it out of your arsch. Sometimes there are concepts that require some decision trees, make good decision trees and practice questions with them. By reviewing them over and over later on in March/April, you’re going to be able to internalize them when faced with the corresponding question. The 2pg reviews and charts I made summarizing the pros/cons of each method saved my ass in June. Invest in your notes, keep them short and strong, and make them your foxhole buddy.
I would actually go through a reading and not do too many EOCs until you’re done your first complete read over. I was never able to retain any EOC knowledge after a month anyways. In fitness, they call it periodization training. You want to peak right in late May, not after finishing the chapter.
Hi steffl - thanks for starting this thread. For what it’s worth I share the same fear, and I bet we’re not alone…
I’m not as far along as you are - just got through vol 2 & 3 (Schweser). My photographic memory is non-existent and learning by heart is a last-resort option for me. But what I find so far is that if I understand/remember one or two essential characteristics about a concept, some of the advantages/disadvantages often flow quite naturally and logically from there (not all of them, but usually at least a few; that mimimizes the amount of true memorization required).
And even if we don’t remember everything now (I certainly don’t!!!), as mk17 points out repetition will make those concepts feel more familiar and obvious overtime as we “internalize” the material. Fingers crossed.
Like some other people already mentioned, they are all in the EOC questions (or answers).
As to how to memorize these concepts. i highly suggest going back to previous topics every so often. Do not try to read everything and then go back to the questions thinking you can memorize reading adn reviewing it once.
go back to topic 1 after reading topic 4, and then go back again after topic 10, etc.
As well, don’t be shy to do mock exams mroe than once! you can’t memorize everything by doing it once, if you can, then you only need to read the curriculum once and not do any questions!
Yeah, if you understand the concept, you don’t need to memorize little details. I’m not sure L3 is passable through rote memorization, though I suppose if you put in 700 hours you could. You need to develop an understanding for the theory behind what they’re saying. If you can do that, you can pass. I didn’t put in more than 200 hours (I think, didn’t track) and I was ok.
In other words, trying to memorize the advantages and disadvantages of everything is pretty much impossible, or at least very hard. Understanding most of the material is possible. Spend more time understanding and applying in L3, less time memorizing.
As others have said, don’t try to learn by rote, you need to ‘understand and internalize’.
For example, there are a few good posts in this forum about test taking strategies for L3, the one I remember off the top of my head is from a user named ‘trimonious’. I believe Greenman also made a good post in a similar vein.
My method for trying to internalize was to see a big picture while studying. Ask yourselves questions like, how does this method fit into the overall framework? WHY am I using this method over the other? When this happens, I should do this. If I change the question to X, how does this affect the process/decision? Make yourself THINK and manipulate the concepts in your mind to adapt it to different situations.
I tried to study in ‘waves’. 1st wave was reading the book, no EOCs, make 2pg chapter summaries. 2nd, study the notes, then do EOCs. 3rd, mock, EOCs, review notes, EOCs, Mock, exam.
If you can make good concise 2pg summaries, you can review a few of them quickly every night from March onwards, try to recite the information as opposed to reading it over. Trust me, by May you will know them with your eyes closed.
I’ve been investing some quality time in my notes. Each SS I have allocated 1 page which i have been typing up in word, using tables and charts. Once I’ve done all the readings, i’ll hit the EOCs with my notes as study material…if I don’t understand a topic i’ll add it to my notes and review…
When I get to march/april I’ll have condensed my notes into 6pages of Master Material! This will be my bible and I’ll learn it off by heart with the focus also on the bigger picture…