February 10 2016 Mike Paradiso Getting Started Line up your exam with the corresponding ISU course Example Take Exam FM immediately after or during MAT 280 We are what we repeatedly do ID: 707777
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Slide1
How to Pass Actuarial Exams
February 10, 2016
Mike ParadisoSlide2
Getting Started
Line up your exam with the corresponding ISU course
Example: Take Exam FM immediately after or during MAT 280
“We are what we repeatedly do.Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”
- Aristotle
Big Picture
Get the right materials for your study habits Manuals vs. Video Lectures ADAPT
Study MaterialsSlide3
Time Management
Plan ahead, from day one until exam day
Make a simple note of each day’s goal, for example:
“Read Chapter 7” “ASM Practice Exam 2” “SOA Sample Problems 1-15”Build in buffer days
“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.”
- Robert Tew
Schedule
Should I count my study hours?NOT as an indicator of preparednessOK as a way to keep you on schedule and motivatedSlide4
Abbreviated ExampleSlide5
MySTUDY
PROCESSSlide6
Step 1: Study Manual
4 to 6 Weeks
Reading-focused: Get the Main Idea!
Attempt a select few practice problemsYou will likely struggle – and that’s okay! Focus on understanding how the main ideas are applied in an exam question settingSlide7
Step 2: Practice Problems
2 to
4
WeeksSection-by-SectionADAPT QuizzesSOA Sample ProblemsReview study manual for trouble topicsSlide8
Step 3: Practice Exams
4 to 6 Weeks
REVIEW YOUR MISTAKES
Go back a few days later and do these problems again
12
3Exam 1Exam 2
Marked Problems from Exams 1 & 2
Recognize and Correct Trouble Spots Build Trouble Spot Practice Exams123Exam 1- Exam 2- Marked Problems from Exam 1- Exam 3- Marked Problems from Exam 2Slide9
Day Before
Take 1 Practice Exam
If you are doing well on your practice exams, make this last a relatively easy one; choose one you have already taken but scored poorly on because it was early in your full-exam practice phase
Review the Basics
Day Of
Do not study – you are already prepared
Flashcards are okay for “Hail Mary” formulas
Eat a filling (enough) breakfastGet to the exam center ½ hour early“Fear is self-imposed. You create it, you can destroy it too.” - Greg PlittSlide10
During the Exam
Breathe
Note your surroundings
Use the headphones if there are loud typers or other disturbances in the exam roomFirst PassAttempt any question you are familiar with. This should be about 70% of the examAs you go, “mark” the questions you are unsure of or are otherwise leaving blankSecond PassGo through your marked problems, attempting the questions you think you have the best chance of working through using basic principles
Are you breathing?“BYOG. Bring Your Own Guts.”
-
Dabo SwinneySlide11
During the Exam
Third Pass
Attempt to work through any unanswered problems you think you have a shot at
Answer every question, and if you must, make an educated guessSubmit your examTremble with anxiety as you fill out the surveyCelebrate your preliminary pass!Slide12
Track to Pass
January 2014
May 2014
P/1
P/1
FM/2
August 2014
MFE/3FNovember 2014STLCApril 2015C/4October 2015PFAIL
P
FM
PASS
PASS
MFE
PASS
ST
LC
PASS
PASS
C
PASSSlide13
Study Materials Used By Exam
P/1
FM/2
MFE/3F
STLCC/4
Actex (Broverman)
ASM (Ostaszewski)ASM (Cherry & Gorvett
)ASM (Weishaus)ASM (Weishaus)The Infinite Actuary (online seminar)ASM (Weishaus)SOA Sample ProblemsADAPT Exams and QuizzesSOA Sample ProblemsADAPT Exams and QuizzesADAPT ExamsMahler ExamsCAS Past ExamsADAPT ExamsMahler ExamsCAS Past ExamsADAPT ExamsMahler ExamsSOA Sample ProblemsSlide14
“Never give up….
NEVER SURRENDER!”Slide15
Thank You
mvparad@ilstu.edu
Resources
ActexMadRiver.com
ActuarialBookstore.comCoachingActuaries.comTheInfiniteActuary.com
SOA.orgCASact.org