This guide outlines a manageable CFA Level 1 prep plan for students that fits around a university schedule without burning you out or hurting your GPA.
Sample Weekly Study Schedule (Student-Friendly)
This flexible schedule is designed for students who are attending classes during the week and can carve out focused study time around academic commitments.
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Monday | QBank drills (45–60 minutes) |
| Tuesday | Flashcard review (20–30 minutes) |
| Wednesday | QBank drills (45–60 minutes) |
| Thursday | Topic video lesson + notebook summary |
| Friday | QBank drills (45–60 minutes) |
| Saturday | Deep study block (2–3 hours, focused review) |
| Sunday | Light review + performance tracking |
"Balancing school and CFA prep was tough, but using UWorld's mobile app allowed me to study during short breaks."
— Reddit user
Tips for Student CFA Candidates
Make your CFA prep work with your academic calendar by applying these strategies:
- Use semester breaks, spring break, or summer for full-length mock exams and deep review
- Plan to take CFA Level 1 one or two semesters before graduation when course loads may be lighter
- Prioritize overlapping topics like Corporate Finance, Economics, and Quant Methods if they align with your major
- Use UWorld’s CFA mobile app and offline tools to review flashcards, watch videos, or do questions between classes
- Study in short, focused blocks (30–60 minutes) to avoid fatigue and fit prep into a student schedule
Why UWorld Works for Full-Time Students
UWorld was built to support learners with packed schedules and limited uninterrupted study time:
- Mobile and offline access let you review content on the go or during campus downtime
- Bite-sized video lessons and ReadyDecks flashcards help you retain key concepts efficiently
- Performance dashboards allow you to track weak areas, even when studying in fragmented sessions
- Integrated review tools (notes, flashcards, QBank, and videos) mean you don’t need to juggle multiple platforms
“Studying during school was tough. But UWorld helped me keep it structured—and I passed Level 1 before graduation.”
— Finance Undergrad
Additional Tips to Stay on Track
- Set a study goal each Sunday for the week ahead
- Join or start a campus CFA study group for support and accountability
- Don’t skip Ethics—review it regularly, even if it seems easy
- Reward yourself after completing mock exams or study milestones
- Reach out to professors who hold the CFA charter for mentorship
Final Thoughts: Get Ahead While You’re Still in School
You don’t need to wait until after graduation to start preparing for the CFA exam. In fact, prepping while you're still in school can give you a major head start—both in your career and in your confidence. With UWorld’s student-friendly platform, flexible tools, and high-yield content, you can fit CFA prep into your current schedule and stay on track to pass.
Still in school? Start your CFA journey with UWorld and prep smarter—on your terms.
