I know its a very simple question, but from all you test takers out there…which is the best route to go? It seems like Schwesser is the clear winner here…thanks JRB
Its probably hard to get a gauge unless someone used both. I used schweser and was pretty pleased. I would say that it depends on your prior knowledge though. If you’ve never touched any of this stuf, you are much better off using CFAI books.
I have a BBA in Finance from GWU… I am buying the CFAI books, just wondering which second set of notes I need. Thanks!
Both excellent products. Stalla has more detailed explanations. Schweser is more standard on AF. What’s more important is probably the other stuff you get with it. I think Schweser QBank has become a “can’t-pass-without” product which means you may be better with some Schweser package. Also depends on availability of classes if you are planning on doing those. At any rate, CFA + Stalla or CFA + Schweser are both fine combinations (want the Bordeaux or the Brunello with that?)
thanks guys…I’m gonna check out all the packages and then decide. I only want to take each level ONCE - and i really cant afford to because wow this is an expensive test and the embarrasment of it all…
Failing one of these exams is not so embarassing. There are tons of smart, well-studied people who fail a level or more. Without knowing anything about you, your chances of 3/3 are not more than 20%. How embarassing could it be to be in the remaining 80%?
I am pretty pleased with Stalla. I had the opportunity to work on Schweser Qbank, and to tell you frankly, although Stalla has about 1000 question less in PassMaster, Stalla beats Schweser especially at FSA. And I’m pretty pleased with Stalla’s books and study lessons too. Peter Olinto, one of the “teachers” is A-maizing!
excellent point…well let me elaborate I’m 24 now (turning 25 in august). my goal is to be fully CFAd by 30. I cannot fail level I, but Level II and Level III I’ll accept having to take two or three times per Exam. it’s a good thing I’m starting now.
When you think about the cost/benefit analysis, this is pretty inexpensive for the potential benefits to be received! It’s just your TIME that costs more for the CFA than anything else…in my opinion…
I think Stalla’s notes are well written…I’ve read Shweser notes, and they seem to summarize too early! I like Stalla because they explain everything, and so it takes longer to read Stalla, that’s the down side. The CFAI books are very good if you need all the details and you have the time.
what is the disadvantage of reading the CFAI texts alone, aside from it taking more time to do so? is there any?
Nothing is wrong with reading just CFAI books, but they don’t have enough practice questions… Thet’s why I think passmaster/qbank is a must!
^ Second that.
i’m so happy that i find the stuff interesting. i’m sure that that helps a lot in retaining the info come december. i got the qbank from schweser because everyone on the board is raving about it! wish me luck!
I used Stalla and was happy with it.
Peter Olinto is the man. Go with Stalla.
Off topic, but how do you actually pronouce Schweser? I was wondering during the exam, near the end of the afternoon when I couldn’t be bothered checking anymore… I heard people saying sk-wes-er… but i always thought of it as sh-wes-er… I guess my german studies are betraying me here… From somebody who actually attended a class or something, which is correct?
I have never studied stalla, but I am not very happy with Schweser. I thought it was a bit too precise and more importantly did not cover quite a few things. I am surprised anyone else doesnt feel that only Schweser notes are inadequate.
dash22 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Off topic, but how do you actually pronouce > Schweser? I was wondering during the exam, near > the end of the afternoon when I couldn’t be > bothered checking anymore… > > I heard people saying sk-wes-er… but i always > thought of it as sh-wes-er… > I guess my german studies are betraying me here… > > From somebody who actually attended a class or > something, which is correct? sh-ways-er … erm not too much on the “a” in ways although … well thats how that “Doug van Eaton” guy from Schweser pronounces it …
I spoke with a customer rep there, and she pronounced it like Doug Van Eaton does.