After dedicating an extensive amount of time to studying for the CFA exam, you may feel exhausted.

It is very natural for students to think that they have prepared enough. While recognizing that sufficient preparation has been accomplished, you may want to take a few mock tests. The question arises regarding the most effective utilization of the available time.

Preparing for CFA exam day can be daunting, especially when faced with unfamiliar questions or complex subjects. However, by following these proven strategies, you can maximize your chances of success and approach your exams with confidence.

Do’s And Don’ts For CFA Exam

To utilize the time before the CFA exam day, you need to understand the strategies. Here are ten do’s and don’ts that you should include in your CFA exam preparation. So, let’s start!

1. Start With Subject Recall

If you’re unsure about a question, try to recall relevant information related to the subject, chapter, or lesson covered.

Visualize the corresponding pages or images from your textbook to trigger your memory. It helps identify areas where you may have gaps in your knowledge or weak understanding. 

By attempting to recall information, you become aware of the concepts or details that you struggle with, enabling you to focus your efforts on those specific areas during further study. 

Retrieving information from memory rather than passively reviewing study materials. Instead of simply reading through notes or textbooks, this approach encourages you to test your knowledge and recall key concepts, formulas, and definitions related to the subject matter.

2. Don’t Overthink, Just Start

Avoid excessive overthinking and instead, start writing down notations or key points related to the question. Note down or writing are more effective ways to feed your brain. 

Method learning is another way that helps you to utilize time productively. Use arrows and diagrams to help organize your thoughts. It is called mind mapping.

It helps to organize your thoughts in a visual way. 

Write down formulas and equations, which can often stimulate your thinking process. A structured framework for analysis and deduction promotes critical thinking and problem-solving.

3. Avoid Excessive Flagging

Resist the temptation to flag too many questions during the initial pass. When the CFA exam day is coming, avoid excessive flagging questions. Because it can consume valuable time and lead to unnecessary stress and confusion.

Instead, focus on answering questions that you feel more confident about. Always remember that now you are in the final stage of preparation for your exam. So, it will be better if you focus on answers or those chapters or texts where you are confident for game up.

4. Exam Revision Strategies

Unflag questions during the revision process to ensure a comprehensive review. You can practice your previous mock test questions or past exam papers. 

As we said that students should follow exam revision strategies according to time. After completing the exam, allocate time for revision. Ensure you wouldn’t break your routine. 

You may waste time by solving unattempted questions. In that case, you can start with easier ones. After completing them take time to refresh your brain then attempt unattempted questions.

Finally, revise all the attempted questions and pay attention to details and correctness. Always concentrate on your focus and don’t panic if you can’t solve any questions for the first time.

5. Never Give Up

“Never give up”- always remember this phrase. There are so many questions as well as options, you may be confused when you select one of them. Believe in your guess. 

 Even if you’re unsure about an answer, make your best guess.

Avoid making mistakes in questions that involve words like “most likely,” “least likely,” or double negatives. Because they can be tricky and prone to mistakes if not carefully understood. 

These words and phrases often indicate that the question is testing your ability to assess probabilities or make comparisons. Misinterpreting or overlooking these words can lead to incorrect answers. It is crucial to pay attention to understand the core meaning of the question. 

Don’t be intimidated by long or complex questions. In general, students are always afraid to solve long or complex questions. Start working on them, as they might turn out to be simpler than they initially appear.

6. Approach Easy Questions Confidently

Here, tension or panic is your enemy. For straightforward questions, avoid overthinking. Just follow the process and solve the questions. Overthinking straightforward questions can lead to unnecessary confusion and wasted time. These questions are designed to be answered quickly and accurately, so it’s best to trust your initial instincts and avoid overanalyzing them.

Read the question attentively, maintain focus, and answer with confidence- these are the most important things that you should follow when you are going to attempt an exam. It helps to solve questions correctly and finish the exam in a dedicated time.

7. Separate Exam Sessions

Don’t let the impact of the first exam session affect your performance in the second session.

Believe in yourself and approach the second session with a fresh mindset.

The CFA exam is divided into two sessions, and it’s crucial not to let the impact of the first session affect your performance in the second session. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions after completing the first part of the exam, including relief, anxiety, or even disappointment. 

However, it’s essential to approach the second session with a fresh mindset and believe in yourself.

8. Mind the Time

Keep track of the time allotted for each session and the overall exam duration.

If no specific framework is provided, assume International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Prioritize high-value tasks, allocate dedicated study time for each subject, and take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Set realistic goals, adhere to a study schedule, and maintain focus to make the most of your available time. Effective time management ensures that you allocate sufficient time to each question, minimizing the risk of rushing through questions or leaving them unanswered. 

9. Utilize Every Second

Avoid submitting your exam early. Use every available second to review and recheck your answers. If you finish your paper before the time, it is great because you have time to recheck your answer properly. Here are a few things that you should follow:

• Reset your calculator to ensure accurate calculations.
• Turn off background music mode to minimize distractions.
• Keep your rough work clean and organized. Save the relevant parts of the question on a separate sheet for flagged questions.
• Arrange all stuff that is required to use such as books, copies, markers, & all. 

10. Strategic Flagging

If you spend only a few seconds on a question and plan to revisit it later, leave it unattempted and flag it. Only flag questions where you’ve spent some time and made an educated guess. 

Flagging should be reserved for questions where you have invested some time and effort, and have made an educated guess based on your knowledge and analysis. By flagging only those questions, you can prioritize them during your review and ensure a more focused and efficient use of your time.

Final Notes

By implementing these effective strategies during your CFA exam day, you can improve your overall performance and increase your chances of success. Remember to stay focused, manage your time wisely, and maintain a confident mindset. 

With thorough preparation and the right approach, you can conquer any exam and achieve your desired results.

Getting popper guidance, Staying with Aswini Bajaj for better results, and making exam preparations level up.