[Murrayh]

I know there is no definitive answer to this question but just for a rough idea. how good at maths do you think you have to be to pass all the actuary exams. I'm good but I'm no maths prodigy, Like would a level maths and further maths at A's and say like bronze awards in uk junior maths challenge be an okay standard of maths? (to be fair my school get half an hour on maths challenge as opposed to an hour) I know that it's all about how hard I work etc etc but do you think that'd be enough natural aptitude at maths?

[shaky10]

Grade B (A level Math) is a requirement if you are not a graduate and Grade C (A Level Math) if you are a graduate with 2.1. in any subject. So I think if you meet this requirement then you should be fine.

I think you cannot judge by grades alone, as I have seen students who had As and Bs in A level but their understanding of the topics were poor so you should be able to apply the techniques in any situation they can be applied. You have to think more practically than just memorizing formulas.

With the limited knowledge I have, all I can say is that you need the confidence in yourself more than good grades in A Level.

[JohnnySPal]

It probably doesn't matter what grade you get in A-level maths (though, of course, you need to meet the miniumum requirements of the institute, which shaky10 states above). Everyone has to sit CT3 in one form or another, which will recap all the A-level statistics you need to become an actuary. It also starts to venture into university-level maths though, so a good grasp of the basics (equivalent to meeting the minimum requirement) is essential.

If you ask me though, if you're willing to work at it you'll get there. You could just scrape a B at A-level but ace all the mathsy actuarial exams first time if you try hard enough with them. Simples.

EDIT: FYI, this comes from someone with a CT1 pass, and a second almost certain exam pass (in CT3) coming on 1st July

[GilbertLam]

From someone who isn't outstandingly brilliant at Maths I do have to say that the Maths content for CT1 really isn't that difficult. Granted, having had a long summer holiday (when starting the course) I must admit I was a bit rusty with the concepts at first, but simply put it's just simple integration, basic number manipulation, geometric and arithmetic progressions, and memorizing how to derive formulae (and of course applying them). From what I remember that's really all to it for CT1 unless there's more that I can't recall. It wasn't the Maths that bothered me for CT1, but the vast amount to learn and remember in such a short time span! Literally I would feel like I completely grasped one topic one week but then I would forget it all by the next. Also what I found extremely difficult and stressful was the complete independent study. Having just finished A-levels where everything was basically spoon-fed to me to working in complete solitude and having to really question what I was 'learning' - that was the most difficult part. If you have the self motivation, drive and determination, the Maths is the least of your concerns (at least for CT1 anyway)!

*This is coming from someone who's taken the CT1 exam but doesn't know if he's passed or not yet!

Sorry if I don't make any sense. I am typing this at work and surreptitously trying to make it seem like I'm actually working at the same time lol. We've all been there, done that right? :P

[stosie]

(Original post by shaky10)
Hi,

I have gone through all of the posts (almost) in this thread and found those very useful.

I have done my research and know as much as I need to prepare for the exams.

I am 27 years old and considering a career change to Actuary. I graduated as Software Engineer in 2005 with 2.1 and have since worked as a Web Developer with a lot of client interaction.

I am determined and fully confident that I can cope with the exams and work load. I am currently preparing for CT1 exam as non-member for October exam session.

I want to ask that has any one tried changing their career at the stage I am and does career change put clients off? Is there anything I can do to improve the chances of getting interviews?

I will appreciate any comments.

Many Thanks

There are a couple of people in my office who have joined on the graduate scheme after a career move in their late 20s or 30s so you should be fine.

[stosie]

(Original post by Murrayh)
I know there is no definitive answer to this question but just for a rough idea. how good at maths do you think you have to be to pass all the actuary exams. I'm good but I'm no maths prodigy, Like would a level maths and further maths at A's and say like bronze awards in uk junior maths challenge be an okay standard of maths? (to be fair my school get half an hour on maths challenge as opposed to an hour) I know that it's all about how hard I work etc etc but do you think that'd be enough natural aptitude at maths?

I'm finding CT8 pretty hard at the moment and but I think that's the worst one for maths. You will need to tackle partial differential equations, martingales and brownian motion. This is still OK but requires a lot of work. I found CT1 and CT3 really easy in comparison.

[Jelkin]

(Original post by GilbertLam)
Wow this thread has taken a life of its own! Hi Jelkin, sorry for such a delayed post, I totally forgot to check up on Student Room posts.

Well the exam preparation was initially going very well. But then around a month/2 months before the exam I suddenly realized how many past exam papers I hadn't done so I basically panicked and started doing lots of papers. The last few weeks were so stressful!

The exam itself was interesting. I'm pretty sure I was one of the youngest if not the youngest there. Of course it was difficult but I don't think it was impossible. At the end I felt that I tried the best that I could and that's all I could ask for. It may be quite probable that I failed but if I really have the heart to carry on with the profession then that won't stop me. But looking back on it all, I enjoyed the course...just not the intense pressure and nerves soo much lol.

No worries, it's nice to hear back eventually

I assume exam papers are extremely helpful in terms of helping you remember stuff? I'm having a similar problem to you in terms of reading a chapter, going, "yep, yep, makes sense, I get it, yes, yes, yep," and then finishing reading and thinking, "I have no idea what that chapter said." I only have chapters 1-5 with me right now (sent the rest home with my parents so I have less to carry) - the CMP doesn't include exam papers, does it? Did you get past papers from the actuaries.org.uk website?

Oh, and one more thing ... how did you go about using the Q&A Bank and the X Assignments? I'm a bit confused about how to approach them as I've read about various ways of using them.

Thanks in advance

(Original post by JohnnySPal)
Hewitt are bastards

By the by, I just got an email from Hewitt rejecting me ... two months after I completed the second stage of the application, and a few days after the internship actually started. Not to mention, plenty of time (well over a month) after I last called them and I was told they would ring me back with information about my application. ******* appalling. Ah well, onwards and upwards ...

[JohnnySPal]

(Original post by Jelkin)
No worries, it's nice to hear back eventually

I assume exam papers are extremely helpful in terms of helping you remember stuff? I'm having a similar problem to you in terms of reading a chapter, going, "yep, yep, makes sense, I get it, yes, yes, yep," and then finishing reading and thinking, "I have no idea what that chapter said." I only have http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/imag...ue.gifchapters 1-5 with me right now (sent the rest home with my parents so I have less to carry) - the CMP doesn't include exam papers, does it? Did you get past papers from the actuaries.org.uk website?

Oh, and one more thing ... how did you go about using the Q&A Bank and the X Assignments? I'm a bit confused about how to approach them as I've read about various ways of using them.

Thanks in advance



By the by, I just got an email from Hewitt rejecting me ... two months after I completed the second stage of the application, and a few days after the internship actually started. Not to mention, plenty of time (well over a month) after I last called them and I was told they would ring me back with information about my application. ******* appalling. Ah well, onwards and upwards ...

I think most people have problems remembering stuff in chapters. I'm half way through the second section of CT4 and I can barely remember any of it . You'll be surprised how much you can spew when you start trying exam questions. Incidentally, yes, years of past exam papers are on the website, along with solutions.

I personally kinda haven't touched the Q&A bank or the series X assignments. Does that help you?

Wow. Hewitt really are bastards. What... Bastards. How's the job hunt coming along, anywho?

[Jelkin]

(Original post by JohnnySPal)
I think most people have problems remembering stuff in chapters. I'm half way through the second section of CT4 and I can barely remember any of it . You'll be surprised how much you can spew when you start trying exam questions. Incidentally, yes, years of past exam papers are on the website, along with solutions.

I personally kinda haven't touched the Q&A bank or the series X assignments. Does that help you?

Wow. Hewitt really are bastards. What... Bastards. How's the job hunt coming along, anywho?

Ah okay, thanks I'm mostly worried that even though I understand stuff, I won't be able to explain it adequately in the exam. But I suppose that is what practice is for! Do you get your result tomorrow? I hope GilbertLam comes back to tell us how he did! Good luck

Out of interest, what is the time like in the CT1 exam? Lots of time or loads of rushing? At school I always finished exams quite quickly but I imagine the time pressure might be greater here. I am planning to do a ludicrous number of exam papers because at A level that was how I got super good - my amazing teacher used to explain stuff really quickly but then give us tons of examples to drill it all in. And we'd finish the syllabus quickly before doing loads of exam papers.

Yes, it does help! I guess I'll try the Q&A Bank questions as I go along and then X assignments when I've finished each part.

The job hunt is on hold for now. I need to finish my MA (thesis still hanging over me unfortunately), sort myself out, move home. Then I might travel a little bit next month as some fortunate offers have arisen. To be honest I'm not going to rush too much because I've started studying later than is recommended so I might wait a bit so I can study more. I'll be living with my parents and they don't charge rent, so I'm sure my graduate overdraft can stretch a little bit for the extra necessities. My friend who lives near there said someone from her job is leaving to go to uni in early Sept so I'm wondering if I could get in there. Then I'll apply for actuarial jobs in the autumn. I'd rather apply when I know my CT1 stuff and will be closer to taking it!

[JohnnySPal]

I passed CT3

Also, well done Gilbert

Anywho I'm in NY, so actuarial shizzle is on hold for a week or two!

[GilbertLam]

(Original post by JohnnySPal)
I passed CT3

Also, well done Gilbert

Anywho I'm in NY, so actuarial shizzle is on hold for a week or two!

Hey thanks Johnny and congrats on CT3! CT3 is much more difficult.

I'm in Beijing atm and haven't been able to get internet for a few days. I'm so happy to have passed, I was convinced I failed.


I bet I only just skimmed the pass mark though!

*P.S I can't believe China's blocked facebook! Wait why am I telling everyone this?? So annoyed!

[GilbertLam]

Jelkin, when I get back I MUST REMEMBER to reply to your ridiculous amount of questions!

Must remember, must remember, must remember!

But I have to go get lunch somewhere in Beijing atm so when I get back I will give you a reasonably well thought out answer rather than a rushed and hurried one.

Must remember! Talk later.

[GilbertLam]

(Original post by Jelkin)

I assume exam papers are extremely helpful in terms of helping you remember stuff? I'm having a similar problem to you in terms of reading a chapter, going, "yep, yep, makes sense, I get it, yes, yes, yep," and then finishing reading and thinking, "I have no idea what that chapter said." I only have chapters 1-5 with me right now (sent the rest home with my parents so I have less to carry) - the CMP doesn't include exam papers, does it? Did you get past papers from the actuaries.org.uk website?

Oh, and one more thing ... how did you go about using the Q&A Bank and the X Assignments? I'm a bit confused about how to approach them as I've read about various ways of using them.

Yes past papers were key for my passing (or maybe luck lol!) - that's good to have too ya know. One of the big mistakes I made was to spend too much time trying to fully understand everything the first time round. I mean it's good to understand everything but don't dwell on the minute details...afterall by the time I was going thru practice papers I had forgotten most of it anyway. As I said past papers is what solidifies everything... as well as revision notes. The CMP doesn't include past papers...you can download them all free from the acted (?) website - there are soo many! For me, I got in a panic and wanted to do like 20 papers but that wasn't very achievable for me because I had only spent 4 months on the course.

I started the Q and A and didn't quite finish, I missed out the last part that was purely for solidifying everything. I think I did chapters 1-4 only (but barely thoughly). I couldn't be bothered to nor did I have the time to do the assignments...I thought they were a load of crap. Past papers were better in my opinion.

For the exam, everything is definitely very time pressured. Most people will miss out like a question or two at least I think. One tip: get there early! I arrived just in time: as soon as I sat down she said 'You may start!' and I'm like 'I haven't even read the instructions yet lol! It was quite a strange feeling sitting an exam with people who were like in their 20's and 30's because I was only used to people my age. THere was one guy who even had a PHD in astrophysics - which he told me.

*ok it's like midnight here so everything I said may not make much sense*

[JohnnySPal]

Gilbert speaks very wise words, folk'd do well to listen to everything he said above. Just one thing though: Past papers (with examiners' report and solutions) are on the actuaries' website, not the ActEd website.

Heh heh it's only half seven here. God sake, I burnt so badly on (Rock Rock) Rockaway Beach today (extra rocks for Ramones fans). I fell asleep twice

[Jelkin]

I drank a lot tonight and have decided it's for the best that I am leaving proper studenthood. I don't think I was ever cut out for it.

I am a terrible hostess. BUT A BETTER ACTUARY

[JohnnySPal]

(Original post by Jelkin)
I drank a lot tonight and have decided it's for the best that I am leaving proper studenthood. I don't think I was ever cut out for it.

I am a terrible hostess. BUT A BETTER ACTUARY

... and you're planning to become an acuarial student because...?

[Jelkin]

(Original post by JohnnySPal)
... and you're planning to become an acuarial student because...?

The real mystery is why I decided to post on here in the middle of the night when I was drunk. Oops.

(Original post by GilbertLam)
Yes past papers were key for my passing (or maybe luck lol!) - that's good to have too ya know. One of the big mistakes I made was to spend too much time trying to fully understand everything the first time round. I mean it's good to understand everything but don't dwell on the minute details...afterall by the time I was going thru practice papers I had forgotten most of it anyway. As I said past papers is what solidifies everything... as well as revision notes. The CMP doesn't include past papers...you can download them all free from the acted (?) website - there are soo many! For me, I got in a panic and wanted to do like 20 papers but that wasn't very achievable for me because I had only spent 4 months on the course.

I started the Q and A and didn't quite finish, I missed out the last part that was purely for solidifying everything. I think I did chapters 1-4 only (but barely thoughly). I couldn't be bothered to nor did I have the time to do the assignments...I thought they were a load of crap. Past papers were better in my opinion.

For the exam, everything is definitely very time pressured. Most people will miss out like a question or two at least I think. One tip: get there early! I arrived just in time: as soon as I sat down she said 'You may start!' and I'm like 'I haven't even read the instructions yet lol! It was quite a strange feeling sitting an exam with people who were like in their 20's and 30's because I was only used to people my age. THere was one guy who even had a PHD in astrophysics - which he told me.

*ok it's like midnight here so everything I said may not make much sense*

Thanks a lot, that's really helpful! I think what you say about minute details is definitely something to bear in mind as I do tend to dwell on things. I should really get a move on with all this studying ... How long did you have to do exam papers before the exam?

[GilbertLam]

(Original post by Jelkin)
The real mystery is why I decided to post on here in the middle of the night when I was drunk. Oops.



Thanks a lot, that's really helpful! I think what you say about minute details is definitely something to bear in mind as I do tend to dwell on things. I should really get a move on with all this studying ... How long did you have to do exam papers before the exam?

Yeah the minute details were a big problem for me. I had never done Economics or Business before (and being only an A-level student), I felt like I had to try that much harder to learn all the tiny details more than anyone else. Also I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I like to get things right...and it kills me if I can't understand something. A lot of the times I had the 'omg I can't understand this tiny little detail, I'm so dumb I'm going to fail now!' panic. Best thing to do is just to get some sleep and hopefully the next day or week things will become clearer. I found that tiredness (from working 2 jobs at the same time) clouded my thinking/learning ability; when I did get some rest the things I never understood became much clearer.

Well I made a rough revision plan during the course but it never really went exactly to plan. Oh yeah, time management and revision planning is good as well, but of course you already know that Out of the 4 months I spent 2 and a half months on the course and 1 and a half months (intense) revision. I spent way too long on the course and consequently felt that I didn't have enough time to revise hence the (intense) revision. Ideally I shouldn't have only given myself 4 months (and whilst working 6 days a week!) - there was a lot of stress involved! I would say try and leave around 2 and a half months for revision to be on the safe side Also maybe submit a paper to be marked (although I didn't do it) because that may give you an idea of where you're at in terms of marks. Extreme harsh marking perhaps helped me too. If my answer didn't follow the mark scheme precisely I would give myself 0. So quite a few times I would get like 0/7 for example even if bits of my answer seemed correct. It gives you the worst case scenario so you know what to work on, but it also leaves you feeling depressed and incapable lol. No pain no gain

[Jelkin]

(Original post by GilbertLam)
A lot of the times I had the 'omg I can't understand this tiny little detail, I'm so dumb I'm going to fail now!' panic.

I had this today. It was unpleasant. It's still lingering but I'm hoping to conquer it. I'm going away with the folks tomorrow and I'm still considering taking some notes with me. Is that stupid? Or is it stupid not to?

Well I made a rough revision plan during the course but it never really went exactly to plan. Oh yeah, time management and revision planning is good as well, but of course you already know that Out of the 4 months I spent 2 and a half months on the course and 1 and a half months (intense) revision. I spent way too long on the course and consequently felt that I didn't have enough time to revise hence the (intense) revision. Ideally I shouldn't have only given myself 4 months (and whilst working 6 days a week!) - there was a lot of stress involved! I would say try and leave around 2 and a half months for revision to be on the safe side Also maybe submit a paper to be marked (although I didn't do it) because that may give you an idea of where you're at in terms of marks. Extreme harsh marking perhaps helped me too. If my answer didn't follow the mark scheme precisely I would give myself 0. So quite a few times I would get like 0/7 for example even if bits of my answer seemed correct. It gives you the worst case scenario so you know what to work on, but it also leaves you feeling depressed and incapable lol. No pain no gain

This perturbed me a little, I have to say. Two and a half months??? I'd have to finish the course within the next week or so to have that I was only planning to have one month! Now you've said that, though, I'll try to rush myself through the course a bit more so I can do lots of example questions and exam papers. I'm considering slacking off a but on the job-hunting front so that I can study full-time for a bit, as I really feel a bit behind where I should be. I live with my parents again now and have quite a bit of overdraft I'm not using, so financially I don't need to worry too much.

I think getting papers marked might be a bit pricey. Do you really think it would be worth it?

Thanks again for the help

[JohnnySPal]

Sorry for brevity and gay Enjlisb Jelks, I'm on my Touch.

I brought CT4 notes to the US becsuse I feel a smidge behind. Havfn'g touched them. I'd have a break - you'll probably work better when refreshed!

I had three weeks gor CT1 and I was fine. Revision was intense but manageable (I just had to work two hours s night after work the week before the big day). You have loads of time yet. How far in are you?

DON'T skip through the latter part of the course. All thr larger exsm questions will depend on that material and you'll be screwed if you fon't understand it (remember that understanding and memory are different things!)