CFAI Notes vs. Schweser for CFA L2 Exam

Title is self-explanatory. What's everyone's take? 
From the past threads, I've read that CFAI material prepares you better for the L3 exam ahead, but the Schweser notes are more efficient specifically for passing. 


My personal view from CFA L1 was that the CFAI Q-Bank referenced the official text which I re-read/wrote/understood via the learning ecosystem. 

 
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CFAI takes way too long, is way too wordy. I don't think I will use it for future levels, but then as you have said now, it is also more comprehensive (and is also honestly a very interesting read if you had unlimited time. Many times have I treated the CFA textbooks as an objectively highly interesting book in its own right for leisure reading). The exam is also simpler than CFAI Qbanks (due to the fact that Qbanks refer to very detailed and trivial book content that gets hidden in the sea of content lol) so I have every reason to believe that prep providers that focus on the exam itself are less comprehensive, just for learning's and knowledge's sake. Might try out Mark Meldrum tho, he knows what he's doing and is a chill dude

 

This is the general sentiment I've seen from other sources as well. The CFAI content is great because it's concept rich and gives a lot of the context behind the questions/answers, but the Schweser study notes were specifically designed to help students pass.

 

Tbh, I've used a few of his videos, but i'm just not the best with video lectures. I find I'm incredibly particular about the speed being too slow or too fast. With reading, I can breeze past concepts that click and re-read ones that don't a lot more specific to my speed/pace off study. 

I'll probably use Schweser + CFAI. I have like ~5-10 month lead time, so I'll rotate between the two and see which I prefer. With CFA L1, most of it was reviewing, so CFAI was like a cinderblock of repetition. But CFA L2 is going to target my weakest areas in far more depth, so it may help to use both in lock step. 

It'll take a bite out of my finances, but it's cheaper than re-writing the L2 in 2024. 

 

I've said this before.  Schweser is better on getting you exactly what you know for LVL 2, but will leave you starting behind the 8 ball for LVL 3. CFAI gives you a good set-up but takes more time.  Assuming the goal is to have the letters after your name go CFAI.

I wonder how many advising otherwise have their charter. 

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

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