CFA Level II exam performance hit a notable slump recently. The pass rate dropped to its lowest point since 2022, signaling tougher conditions for test-takers. Here's what's interesting though: candidates who kept their exam schedule on track substantially outpaced those who delayed. This gap between timely test-takers and procrastinators suggests that staying disciplined with prep timelines correlates with better outcomes. For aspiring chartered financial analysts, the takeaway is clear—commitment to deadlines matters as much as study hours.