With one of the most dreaded days in the life of CFA students fast approaching (June 3rd is test day), I will be keeping a journal to document the 43 days until the test.

Here’s a little bit of background on me before we get started — I work on the buy-side. I passed level I on my first attempt, took a year off before taking level II. I postponed taking Level II for additional year when I heard the test format was being changed to 100% multiple-choice; then passed. Am currently studying for Level III.

My studying and progress up to this point:

OCTOBER

Months Left Until Exam: 8. Hell, I might be retired by then.

Accomplishments: Signed up for test. I think to myself — this WILL be the last time I have to sign up for this test. I also wonder — did the test fees increase again…is the CFA Institute a for profit organization?

DECEMBER

Months Left Until Exam: 6.

Accomplishments: Ordered Schweser notes and signed up for a study class. Received study notes soon after, however, strategically placed the books out of sight as to not ruin the holiday season with thoughts of studying.

JANUARY

Months Left Until Exam: 5. Plenty of time!

Class: weekly study class starts.

Class Attendance: 100%.

Resolution: this year I WILL be diligent and start studying early.

FEBRUARY

Months Left Until Exam: 4.

Class Attendance: down to 75% (missed class when snow storm stranded me in London.)

Class: study class is already a bore…I spend the entire class highlighting the Schweser notes, sending test messages to friends and checking my BlackBerry…

Hot Girl Count: There is definitely only 1 cute girl in class

Resolution: I HAVE to start studying soon…still plenty of time left to study

MARCH

Months Left Until Exam: 3.

Class Attendance: 75% I missed one class while away on business trip (definitely did NOT bring study materials with me)

Class: study class sucks — so much so that I dread waking up on Mondays. The only thing that gets me through the day is the thought of watching Jack Bauer kick some terrorist ass on 24. The teacher is starting to remind me of Joe Pesci. I keep waiting for him to change into character Tommy DeVito from Good Fellas: “What do ya mean, funny? Let me understand this cause, I don’t know maybe it’s me, I’m a little fucked up maybe, but I’m funny how? I mean, funny like I’m a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh… I’m here to fuckin’ amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?” One thing is for sure, studying for the CFA is NOT funny!

Hot Girl Count: Somehow the girls in class are becoming cuter…official stats: there are now two hot girls and five cute girls in class.

Resolution: None, gave up on that crap.

APRIL

Days Left Until Exam: A disconcerting 43 days. Time to get serious.

Class Attendance: 100% — is it too late to learn something from attending?

Class: study class gets worse each week…will somebody please alert CTU that we need Jack Bauer to rescue us from the monotony of class.

Hot Girl Count: Ten cute girls and four hot girls…I think I’m falling in love with one of them. Is there such a thing as CFA goggles?

Resolution: Mack on a class hottie.