r/CFA

If for example, I arrive at the correct answer in a quantitative constructed response question, would I still get full marks if the sign is wrong?

For instance, in answer box I put 120,000, when figure should be -120,000 for a cost estimate

I also included the inputs to my calculations as working.

Thanks

I just got out of my first L1 attempt, and I’m feeling good and relieved.
The exam was about the same difficulty as the mocks, maybe even a bit more straightforward. There were very few “wtf is this?” type of questions.
I won’t tell anyone what they should do, but what worked for me was not wasting too much time trying to figure those questions out. I flagged them, finished the rest of the exam, then came back to them at the end. It was much easier to look at those few questions knowing exactly how much time I had left. You either figure them out or you don’t, and that’s fine when around 95% of the exam feels pretty straightforward.
So, in a nutshell, for those who haven’t sat yet: these last few days are probably when the stress hits hardest and all the confidence you built over the past six months suddenly disappears. That’s normal. Go in the next day, trust the work you’ve put in, and smash the hell out of the exam.
Be confident in yourself and your preparation. Good luck!!

The exam was relatively at par with mocks, straight forward for the most of it. I didn’t particularly struggle with time, but I was closer to the clock than on my mocks. Feel free to ask any questions, and I’ll try to answer them.

Just gave L1 today, was weirdly calm leading up to it and on the way to the exam center.

AM session was relatively decent, had time to go across questions and review everything, took the full 2+ hours.

Walked out of AM session with a headache that was gradually getting worse and regretted not carrying any meds for the same.

Nevertheless thought I’ve prepped so much and that I didn’t come this far to to not try on the PM session, but I kid you not as the time went by on PM i felt worse and worse, taking it one question a time somehow getting to the finish line.

By the time i was done, i felt completely exhausted, passed out on the cab back home and eventually threw up as soon as i got home

Overall have this weird uncertainty of how bad would the damage be considering the potential for impaired judgement due to the headache, apart from that i feel the exam was pretty decent.

Is it me or today’s exam was way tougher than usual and mocks. Specially section 1.

I've given all the mocks now and got 68 percent in all the mocks. My exam is in 5 days.

First time writing, PW pathway.

Seeing all the posts about how difficult level 3 was has me getting in my head. I found the questions fair and only had about 3 that I was not sure of.

Also seeing posts about people failing 4+ times and then quitting got me spooked. I know a friend who failed 8 times and eventually got it on his 9th. I REALLY hope I dont have to study again and that this was enough to pass.

I did 4 cfai mocks and 5 Kaplan mocks. Maybe I was more prepared because of the tough Kaplan mocks where I was getting 75%+-. I also was prepared for the weird way they phrase questions. Funniest one in Kaplan was how Jennifer Long, portfolio manager was short the forward contract. Then being asked what Long's position was (kill me).

Going to be a Long 10 weeks... that said, i know if i dont pass it will be easier to study the content again and i will definitely pass next time.

Good luck everyone. See you in 10 weeks. And maybe lets get off reddit for our mental health 🫡

I sat for level 3 a week ago and really really struggled with time. I didn’t have time to answer 3 essay questions or check any of my flagged questions. I read today that you don’t actually need to write out formulas or the calculations for the essay calculate questions 😭 Did everyone know this? It’s a pretty costly mistake right?

I feel sooooo dumb

So, tomorrow is my exam, and I wanted to ask a few things about the test center.

First: Am I allowed to carry a bag to the center? Will there be a place to keep it? I have a few things with me, like my formula notebook, a power bank, and an extra battery for my calculator.

Second: Can you suggest some things I should keep in mind for exam day?

• What should I carry to eat during the break?
• Should I carry a printed copy of my appointment confirmation/letter?
• Is a wallet allowed inside the test center?
• What things should I definitely remember to carry or do?
• Is there anything you personally forgot to do on exam day that you wish you had remembered?

One more important question: Do they ask you to reset your calculator at the test center? If yes, I’ll practice setting it up again, especially things like changing it to AOS mode and the other basic settings.

And honestly, I’m also feeling pretty low on confidence right now. I gave 4 mocks and scored around 61–63% in all of them. I know the passing score isn’t a fixed 67%, but I’m still worried because I feel like I’m right on the edge.

The pressure of the fees that I took from my parents feels so, so heavy. I honestly wish I had gotten the 24th instead of the 20th, but well… there’s nothing I can do about that now.

I know I have prepared as much as I could, but I’m scared. For me, CFA feels like my last real chance to do something with my life and prove to myself in front of my parents that I can actually make something of myself.

So, if you guys have any last-minute tips, advice, things to remember, or even just words of encouragement, please share them.

Consider me your little brother asking for some help before the big day.

Thanks a lot to everyone who takes the time to read this and help.

this is from the first session of a mock. should i give up and take it easy?

https://preview.redd.it/2uhqe6xssakh1.png?width=1623&format=png&auto=webp&s=86cc2062b3b27b6ad5087bee8b0eff19aeb20aca

Just finished CFA Level I and I honestly don’t feel great about how it went. It’s not necessarily because I thought the exam was particularly difficult, I just felt strange throughout it and walked out feeling like I didn’t perform as well as I should have.

I’m pretty disappointed with myself and can’t shake the feeling that I didn’t do enough to pass.

Is it normal to feel this way immediately after walking out of the exam?

Best of luck to everyone taking it over the next few days!

And not try and memorise what a reverse cowgirl sea bull spread eagle is. Life is good.

I'm sitting for CFA L1 the day after tomorrow.

- Can I take a pen and paper with me? After giving mocks I feel I'll need one for proper calculations. Just the calculator won't help.

- If I take my phone with me to the exam center, will there be any locker facility to keep my belongings safe?

The exam was overall par with mocks, slightly tricky with the wordings of some questions. I scored 75% around on free mocks and averaged around 72-73% on premium pack mocks, so hoping for the best now.