Test Prep Insight is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
Mark Meldrum vs Kaplan Schweser CFA
Head-to-head comparison of the CFA prep courses from Kaplan and Mark Meldrum
When preparing for the rigorous Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exams, selecting the right prep course is crucial for success. This article compares two popular CFA prep providers: Mark Meldrum and Kaplan Schweser. We will delve into their unique teaching styles, course structures, and support systems to help prospective CFA candidates make an informed decision. Whether you prioritize personalized attention or comprehensive resources, this comparison aims to highlight which course best aligns with your study preferences and goals.
To kick this comparison off, let’s discuss the major reasons you should consider going with Kaplan to help you prepare for the CFA exam (level 1, 2 or 3).
Clear Study Plan
The Kaplan Schweser CFA prep course is designed with a user-friendly dashboard that helps students stay organized and on track. The dashboard features an assignment section that details exactly what needs to be studied and when, with two viewing options: the Activity Feed and the calendar view.
The Kaplan Schweser dashboard
The Activity Feed provides a weekly breakdown of tasks, making it easy to follow and manage. Additionally, Kaplan offers flexibility in scheduling by allowing students to reorder topics according to their preferences.
This setup is beneficial for CFA students as it provides a clear and structured study plan, reducing the guesswork and stress of managing the extensive exam material. The progress tracker and performance data help students monitor their advancement, ensuring they stay motivated and on schedule.
The ability to customize the order of topics adds an element of personalization, accommodating different learning styles and preferences.
SchweserNotes
The Kaplan Schweser CFA prep course revolves around “study” modules, which are really assigned readings from the highly regarded SchweserNotes. Known as the gold standard in CFA preparation, these notes are detailed, filled with examples, and comprehensively cover each Learning Outcome Statement (LOS) in an organized manner.
The SchweserNotes from Kaplan are amazing
Students can access the SchweserNotes in digital form, as a full eBook, or in print, allowing them to choose their preferred reading method.
The SchweserNotes are particularly helpful for CFA students because they provide thorough and structured coverage of the exam material, ensuring that all topics are well-understood.
Their detailed explanations and examples make complex concepts more accessible. The flexibility in accessing the notes in various formats accommodates different learning styles and preferences, making study sessions more efficient and effective.
MasterClass Videos
The “Masterclass” series in the Kaplan Schweser CFA prep course offers live online classes and on-demand sessions, which are integrated into your activity feed schedule. These classes reinforce each unit’s content with a strategic approach, emphasizing the application of knowledge on the exam.
Example class from Kaplan Schweser
They recap high-yield concepts and focus on teaching students how to apply what they’ve learned through working on sample problems. The series includes approximately 50 hours of content.
The Masterclass videos are particularly beneficial for CFA students because they provide practical strategies for applying theoretical knowledge, which is crucial for exam success. By working through sample problems and focusing on high-yield topics, students can better understand how to approach the exam questions.
The instructor-led sessions offer expert advice and insights, enhancing the overall learning experience and helping students build confidence in their exam-taking abilities.
Realistic Practice Tests
The Kaplan Schweser CFA prep course includes six mock exams (more than Mark Meldrum), which are strategically timed to be taken closer to the actual exam date.
These full-length, 180-question exams are designed to simulate real exam conditions using the Prometric interface. Kaplan encourages students to take these exams seriously and spend significant time reviewing their answers.
Example CFA practice question from Kaplan
These mock exams are highly realistic and provide substantial learning opportunities, helping students identify areas for improvement. A unique feature of Kaplan’s offering is the option to take the final practice exam in person at a Prometric test center, providing a valuable dry run experience.
This thorough preparation helps students become more comfortable with the exam format and conditions, enhancing their readiness for the actual CFA exam.
Final Review Workshop Series
The Kaplan Schweser CFA prep course concludes with a final review workshop series, offering live and on-demand classes. These workshops review all the material covered, recap the most frequently tested topics, and provide test-taking strategies. They serve as a capstone to ensure students are fully prepared for test day.
The review workshops are extremely helpful
The final review workshop series is particularly helpful for CFA students as it consolidates their knowledge and reinforces key concepts. By revisiting the most important material and focusing on exam strategies, these workshops boost confidence and readiness.
Now that you have a clear picture of what Kaplan has to offer, let’s turn the tables and discuss the advantages of going with Mark Meldrum to help you study for the CFA exam.
Affordable Tutoring
Mark Meldrum offers optional tutoring services at very affordable rates, providing personalized assistance for students who need extra help. At $69 per hour, tutoring from Mark Meldrum is considering cheaper than most of its competitors.
These tutoring sessions can be invaluable for those struggling with specific concepts or requiring additional support to stay on track with their study plan. By offering affordable one-on-one tutoring, Mark Meldrum ensures that all students have access to the guidance they need to succeed.
A look inside the Mark Meldrum CFA course
This personalized approach can boost understanding, confidence, and ultimately, performance on the CFA exam.
Seminar Videos For Complex Topics
Mark Meldrum’s seminar videos are highly beneficial for CFA students grappling with difficult concepts. These videos provide in-depth explanations and detailed walkthroughs of complex topics, making them easier to understand.
Video lesson from Mark Meldrum
By breaking down challenging material into manageable segments, the seminar videos enhance comprehension and retention. This resource is especially valuable for students needing extra clarification, helping them grasp tough subjects more effectively and boosting their confidence for the exam.
App For Offline Studying
Mark Meldrum offers app access for offline video viewing, allowing CFA students to download and watch instructional videos without an internet connection. This feature is particularly beneficial for students with busy schedules or those who study in locations with limited internet access.
By enabling offline access, students can maximize their study time and maintain consistent progress, ensuring they can review crucial content anytime and anywhere. This flexibility supports effective time management and continuous learning, essential for success on the CFA exam.
All in all, we think both Kaplan Schweser and Mark Meldrum offer excellent CFA prep courses with unique features that cater to different learning styles. Mark Meldrum’s affordable tutoring, seminar videos, and offline app access provide valuable support for students needing extra help.
However in the end, our team believes Kaplan Schweser offers the more complete and effective prep courses overall. With its structured study plan, comprehensive SchweserNotes, realistic mock exams, and final review workshop series, Kaplan ensures a thorough and well-rounded preparation experience for CFA candidates.
We think Kaplan gives you the best shot of passing levels 1, 2 and 3 of the CFA exam on your first attempt.
Which is better for CFA exam prep, Mark Meldrum or Kaplan Schweser?
Although our team likes the CFA prep courses from both companies, we prefer Kaplan Schweser due to its comprehensive study materials, structured study plan, realistic mock exams, and final review workshops.
Is Mark Meldrum worth it for CFA prep?
Mark Meldrum’s CFA prep course offers valuable resources like affordable tutoring and seminar videos, but our team believes Kaplan provides superior study materials overall, including structured study plans, comprehensive SchweserNotes, and realistic mock exams, making it a more effective choice for CFA exam preparation.
