I failed last year as a band 5. I only used Schweser, including the videos. However, I really never took time out every week to review material that I studied, and they came back to bite me, as by the time I “covered” all the material, I had forgotten all the stuff I had studied earlier (except accounting because I am a CPA).
This time around, I am using the CFAI texts as my primary source and outlining the material (referring back to last year’s Schweser books as needed to clarify the important aspects of the LOS if it is confusing). I feel like all the hours I wasted watching videos that were putting me to sleep, is better spent actually outlining material. So far, I have done ethics, quant, and econ. Quant is a weak point for me, but I definitely feel like I picked it up better this time since I outlined it. I am doing all EOCS and doing some additional questions from the Schweser hard copy books from last year (yes I know there can be some changes, but so far material has corresponded well).
Sunday has been my review day so far where I read my outlines. Also, I cut out all the formula pages from my schweser books last year and I review the ones that I have covered daily, usually before bed. So far, its only 2 pages front and back of formulas because all I have done is econ and quant. But, I will say, as of right now, I know those formulas now way better than at any point last year. It will be tough when all the material is covered to review 15 pages of formulas front and back daily, but this was a suggestion that someone gave me who passed, and I think it has merit.
Anyone have any suggestions/feedback on this approach? My only concern is not practicing enough questions since I dont have a q-bank, but on the other hand the EOCs are pretty tough and I still have my schweser practice exams from last year, even if the material has changed just a bit.