One week, surprisinglythe same amount of time it took to write the script of Season 8 of Game ofThrones. All kidding aside, you have one week to stay focused to find successwith all of studying you have been doing to take the CFA test this June.
Let’s go through sometips on how to approach this next week up to test day. (Downloadablespreadsheet link below!)
Double check your Passport
- You don’t want to run into issues with your Passport on Test day. If the Passport number is wrong, your name, birthdate, etc. contact the CFA Institute IMMEDIATELY.
Notecards, formulas
- Keep the information fresh, hit the ones you don’t know until the stack is gone every day. For the formulas, write it from memory and use algebra to deconstruct them into other formulas. You’d be surprised how simple the questions are, but the real trick is understanding the relationship between formulas and financial ratios.
Get the low hangingfruit
- We all know what percent of the tests will be FRA, Equity, etc. Focus on the large weight sections and make sure you’re not dropping a few points here in there because you’ve been focusing on an abstract formula in the derivatives section (which is probably only 1 out 120 questions).
Do a dry run of yourtravel to the test center
- Take the guesswork out of the simple stuff. Understand where the test center is, what the travel time to the center is, where to park, what trains to take. I’d suggest making the trip so you understand completely and nothing surprises you with the commute to the test center next week.
Take Exam -1 Day Off
- There is no magic sauce for passing the CFA Exam. It’s hard work and the consistency of studying the past months. Studying your -1 Day usually results in a panic because you will see something you don’t recall hours before the test. There is too much material in the CFA Tests to remember it all. Don’t freak out, get some exercise and your mind right for the next day.
Figure out what you aregoing to eat
- Three meals. Night before, exam day morning, lunch and snacks. For all of these let’s stick to meals we know are good for us. Stay away from Dairy and Spicy foods and make sure we have complex carbs (Oatmeal and yams…You don’t want to go with the hot Masala). I wouldn’t recommend going somewhere for lunch on test day. Quick story, a candidate got into a car accident outside my test center on his way back from lunch and missed the afternoon. The line of local restaurants tends to be long because not everyone brings lunch and can cause added stress.
Bring everything youneed: Here is a quick checklist:
- Calculator (I bought 2, but extra batteries can help)
- Passport
- Watch (optional, no smartwatches)
- Earplugs (optional)
- Jacket (optional)
- Comfortable clothes (please wear clothes)
Proctor Advice
- Listen exactly to their instructions, nothing more. It will cause them to write you up if you are flipping through the test book before.
- Do not glance around the room. If you finish early head down on the desk or stare up at the ceiling.
- Don’t talk to anyone during the test.
- Raise your hand to go to the bathroom. If you just walk out and don’t hand in your booklet, you’re in violation.
FAQ
- You can’t bring cell phones in the test center. Do not do it.
- You can’t bring water bottles into the test center, you have to get up and drink from the water fountains.
- You do have to stay the full time of the exam, even if you finish early.
- Goldman Sachs will be recruiting the test, so bring resumes and wear a suit. (Just kidding.)
(Want to know how effective your current study approach is? Take a 2-minute survey and get your score.)
GOOD LUCK! Feel free to reach out to us if you need a mood adjustment to prepare for Saturday. sam@candidatesuccess.us
Thinking about your next level since you’ll pass this one? (Candidates who study together pass together. Try our free matching service to find your passing partner.)
Sign up for single session one on one coaching — https://www.candidatesuccess.us/tutors/
Interactive Versions — Keep Score before the Exam
