November FAC - Texas

[1234]

Ok, someone had to start this thread eventually. My Executed Plan should get to the SOA today, so the countdown is on. 8 weeks until the registration deadline is cutting it close but hopefully not too close!

[andejes]

I can't wait! I am so ready to be done!

[VaBucki]

I sent mine in yesterday, too. But I don't expect to hear from the PD committee until October. Anyone know where any of the 2008 FACs will be?

[Cheerio]

I did my presentation today (I'm so glad that's done!) and will be sending my executed plan Monday at the latest. :-)

Six weeks is supposed to be enough for PD approval (isn't it?), so I'm planning on Texas in November. Woo-hoo!

[E]

I'll join in here too. Most likely, I'm expecting to hear something in mid to late August, so I'm sure Dallas is much more likely than Atlanta for me. It will be funny if someone starts a March 2008 FAC thread as soon as the Nov FAC fills up. With the ultimate PD deadline fast approaching, it wouldn't surprise me if the March 2008 FAC was fully booked by November.

[tesla_styx]

Six weeks is supposed to be enough for PD approval (isn't it?), so I'm planning on Texas in November. Woo-hoo!

Apparently the norm turn around according to other posters is 6 weeks from the Friday after your plan is received (which is really 6-7 weeks, and not 5-6).

This monday will be the 6 weeks mark for me, and apparently results always come on Friday. So assuming I don't get mine today...the above theory seems to be holding true in my case.

[E]

I was reading some old PD threads recently. In 2004, the response time was only 3-4 weeks. It was funny to read posts where people were upset that it took 4 weeks to get approval.

[1234]

Someone in the Sept FAC thread said they e-mailed the SOA and got an automated reply that the PD staff is out of the office this week. So tesla styx won't get results today, and does that mean that those of us who submitted this week lost a week?

[Cheerio]

I e-mailed (and snail-mailed) my executed plan this afternoon. I got the automated reply that the PD staff is out of the office until July 31st. Sorry for those of you hoping for approval today. :-(

[coffee = good]

Sorry to rain on anyone's parade, but the SOA has revised it's website regarding PD to say:

A written response to an executed plan submission will generally require 6–8 weeks.

They changed the language, before it used to say 5-6 weeks. B*stards! Mine should have arrived today, which means if it takes six weeks to grade (Sept 13th), then I should be able to get into the Nov FAC. If it takes 7 weeks to grade (Sept 20), I might be screwed because the registration deadline is Sept 21.

The thing that I think is bogus is that not only does your executed PD plan have to be accepted, but then it still takes a few days to a week afterwards for them to send you the registration form for the FAC. Couldn't they send them both in the same letter?!!?!?

I just hope that the November FAC doesn't fill up prior to Sept 13. I can't wait for March, g*d damnit! But it's only my own fault if I do. Could have submitted my PD by last December and have just been dragging my feet.

[Cheerio]

The website still said 5-6 weeks when I mailed mine last week, but I e-mailed earlier this week to confirm that they received it and they replied that they had and please allow 6-8 weeks for acceptance. That ticks me off! I thought I knew my deadline for filing in order to make it to November FAC.

[coffee = good]

Exactly. Hence reason #8,945 why the SOA is eeeevil.

[E]

I guess everyone is in the same boat, but it is frustrating nonetheless to have to wait a little longer. At least they are communicating that we should expect to wait longer. It's better to know it could take up to 8 weeks than not know when your week 7 comes and goes with no word.

I really wouldn't be surprised if they added additional 2008 FACs. It's not unrealistic to think that the first 2 FACs of 2008 could be full by the end of this year.

[jillc1731]

I've heard that the "registration deadline" is supposedly not really a deadline at all. That is just kind of their best guess as to when the session will fill. If the deadline is 9/21 and you get your approval on 9/28 and they have spots left, you will probably still be offered a spot.

However, you also could get approval on 9/13 and the November FAC could already be full -- in which case you won't be invited to that one... It works both ways.

[coffee = good]

Does anyone know the average turn around time between receiving confirmation that your executed plan has been approved to the time you receive the registration form for the FAC?

[jillc1731]

I don't know about average turn around...

But I have seen the quickest be the same day as the PD approval, the slowest be around 1 week after the approval.

Sounds like if you contact the SOA a few days after PD approval and haven't gotten it... They sometimes get it to you quickly... But if they are really busy (like getting applications to all the CSP people like the are this week)... Then you might still have to wait a little.

[coffee = good]

Thanks for the info. What the SOA doesn't know, is that I am going to call/email them every day starting at the six week mark. If they don't want to deal with that aggravation, they better approve my plan and get me a registration form soon thereafter. Yes I do realize that I have utterly no power in this situation.

[persephone_ashes]

Thanks for the info. What the SOA doesn't know, is that I am going to call/email them every day starting at the six week mark. If they don't want to deal with that aggravation, they better approve my plan and get me a registration form soon thereafter. Yes I do realize that I have utterly no power in this situation.

probably not the best way to make friends...

[coffee = good]

So what is there to do in Dallas, anyway? Like, if my family comes down for the FAC and we stay the weekend - I assume there must be something to do there. Anyone?

[E]

The JFK museum is worth a visit if you've never been. There is a Six Flags between Dallas and Fort Worth. Be mindful of traffic if you decide to make that trip, though.

[campbell]

Is the Six Flags open in November?

[E]

Is the Six Flags open in November?

Good call. Looks like no.

[coffee = good]

Hopefully they have some good food - don't know what Dallas is known for except I assume all of Texas has better BBQ than here in the midwest.

[E]

Hopefully they have some good food - don't know what Dallas is known for except I assume all of Texas has better BBQ than here in the midwest.

They love beef BBQ out there. I would look for an authentic, local place and order something like brisket.

I had a fantastic steak at a place called the Butchershop downtown. They have a few other locations (e.g. Memphis). I would rate them above most high price steak places. Just know that their thing is steak and only steak (except for side dishes).

[Loralei]

Took FAP 1 on Wed, it's the last thing I need. Results come out 9/14, and I'm hoping to get into Dallas. I'm ready for this to be over!

[andejes]

Just got my PD approval email! Maybe there is a prayer for me to go to Atlanta. If not, I will see you all in Big Texas!

[coffee = good]

Congrats andejes! If I were you, I would call the FAC contact right now and ask her to send you the registration form ASAP!

[andejes]

The September FAC is closed. I just spoke with the young woman who handles it. That's okay. I am ready for November!

[coffee = good]

Bummer. Well, hopefully I'll be there in November too! I'll be just skirting the registration deadline...

[E]

If September is just now closing, hopefully that means there is plenty of room in Dallas for those of us expecting to hear something in the next few weeks.

[bdschobel]

I got into the Dallas FAC. :)

Seriously, I'm really looking forward to it -- and meeting many of you! Be sure to tell me your Outpost name when you come up to get your certificate!!!

Bruce

[Marian]

Hey Bruce -

Will you be in Montreal or Atlanta?

Marian

[Irina]

I got into the Dallas FAC. :)

Seriously, I'm really looking forward to it -- and meeting many of you! Be sure to tell me your Outpost name when you come up to get your certificate!!!

Bruce


I hope to be there. :wave:

I'm not sure about mentioning the AO, though. I always feel awkward bringing it up IRL.

[bdschobel]

Hey Bruce -

Will you be in Montreal or Atlanta?

MarianNo. I don't become president until October. I handled May 2007 because Ed Robbins couldn't make it.

Bruce

[Marian]

No. I don't become president until October. I handled May 2007 because Ed Robbins couldn't make it.

Bruce

Pity.

[farrell]

I got into the Dallas FAC. :)

Seriously, I'm really looking forward to it -- and meeting many of you! Be sure to tell me your Outpost name when you come up to get your certificate!!!

Bruce

I'll be at Dallas! looking forward to seeing everyone

[jillc1731]

Finally got my "official" registration form for the November FAC! Yippe!

[E]

Got my PD approval today. Today marks 6 weeks and 1 day, so there's still hope that the rest of you will hear something before week 7. Looking forward to meeting people in Texas.

[coffee = good]

Thanks for giving us hope!!!

[hockey_puck]

Just got my approval today! It took exactly 6 weeks, the SOA received my written plan on 7/13/07...

[E]

Just got my approval today! It took exactly 6 weeks, the SOA received my written plan on 7/13/07...

Congrats! I got my approval last Friday, but I still haven't received an invitation for the Texas FAC. I did get confirmation that the Atlanta FAC is definitely closed. I figured they are probably busy with that one and will send out Texas invitations later.

[hockey_puck]

Congrats! I got my approval last Friday, but I still haven't received an invitation for the Texas FAC. I did get confirmation that the Atlanta FAC is definitely closed. I figured they are probably busy with that one and will send out Texas invitations later.


Thanks for the heads up. I'll be keeping a eye out for that registration.

[TenaciousMV]

An invitation? I'm confused. We can't just go out and register once we have PD approval?

I'm expecting to be approved right before the registration deadline of 9/21.

[persephone_ashes]

An invitation? I'm confused. We can't just go out and register once we have PD approval?

I'm expecting to be approved right before the registration deadline of 9/21.

nope, you are invited to register for the fac. no registration info avail on the soa website

[Marian]

And then once you register for the FAC, you are invited to attend the FAC.

[TenaciousMV]

What an efficient process. Looks like no F.S.A. for me this year.

[geeky]

I'm waiting for FAP1 results coming out on September 14th, then I'm done! Hopefully the November FAC won't be full by then!

[pilotfish]

Anyone else hoping to complete the Financial Reporting module (as of yet unreleased) in time to register for Dallas by 9/21? Someone tell me there's NO hope so I don't have to completely knock myself out over nothing!!

[coffee = good]

Congrats! I got my approval last Friday, but I still haven't received an invitation for the Texas FAC. I did get confirmation that the Atlanta FAC is definitely closed. I figured they are probably busy with that one and will send out Texas invitations later.

E - if you don't get your FAC registration form soon, you may want to call or email the FAC contact (info available somewhere on the SOA website). It's just one lady who handles everything, but apparently she is nice over the phone. Just some advice that a coworker gave me after she didn't get a FAC registration form for a week and a half.

[E]

E - if you don't get your FAC registration form soon, you may want to call or email the FAC contact (info available somewhere on the SOA website). It's just one lady who handles everything, but apparently she is nice over the phone. Just some advice that a coworker gave me after she didn't get a FAC registration form for a week and a half.

Thanks. I still haven't gotten anything, but they did tell me that I would be getting an invitation to Texas when I emailed them asking whether or not Atlanta was closed. I was going to give them a few more days, but I might drop them another note. Honestly, I'm just grateful to be done, and also grateful they created the extra Atlanta session to absorb the extra flow of people. If hadn't, I would be stuck waiting until 2008 since Atlanta had closed by the time I got my approval.

[coffee = good]

Now I'm just hoping the Texas FAC doesn't fill up too quickly... Hopefully lots of people made it into Atlanta. I'm heartened by the fact that a lot of people have gotten their PD approval in 6 weeks. If that's the case, then I would (fingers crossed) get my approval on September 13th or 14th, and then the deadline for the registration would be September 21st. Anyone have any comments as to whether a week is enough time to recieve the FAC registration form/invitation and submit it?

[persephone_ashes]

Now I'm just hoping the Texas FAC doesn't fill up too quickly... Hopefully lots of people made it into Atlanta. I'm heartened by the fact that a lot of people have gotten their PD approval in 6 weeks. If that's the case, then I would (fingers crossed) get my approval on September 13th or 14th, and then the deadline for the registration would be September 21st. Anyone have any comments as to whether a week is enough time to recieve the FAC registration form/invitation and submit it?

I'd worry about space, not whether a week is enough time to register. Registration materials come to from the FAC email when they're ready for you. They're not goign to send them to someone approved after you, so you're always going to have your place in the line. and coming close to the end of a registration I think they'd be getting everything together because its as important for them to know who's going as it is for you to know that you are going.

i think montreal and atlanta reacted a little strangely because they were so close. atlanta people probably had to wait a little more than usual for some things because they were buys getting montreal together since it was 2 weeks earlier

[coffee = good]

I hope I hope I hope it doesn't fill up!!! If I have to wait til next March that's going to SU-U-UCK!

I still wish that the FAC registration form was online, so that as soon as you got your PD approval, you'd be able to send it in, no waiting.

It's a wait and see game at this point.

[persephone_ashes]

I hope I hope I hope it doesn't fill up!!! If I have to wait til next March that's going to SU-U-UCK!

I still wish that the FAC registration form was online, so that as soon as you got your PD approval, you'd be able to send it in, no waiting.

It's a wait and see game at this point.

but then the FAC people would spend a lot more time making sure that the people who registered are eligible. this way you can't get a registration unless you're eligible

[coffee = good]

Yeah, but if we're smart enough to pass 8 challenging exams, plus PD crap and Course 7 seminar crap, then we're probably smart enough to know whether or not we're eligible for the FAC (is all I'm saying).

[persephone_ashes]

Yeah, but if we're smart enough to pass 8 challenging exams, plus PD crap and Course 7 seminar crap, then we're probably smart enough to know whether or not we're eligible for the FAC (is all I'm saying).

yea but people would probably say "oh, my pd will be approved next week, i'm just going to go ahead and register now"

its not that they aren't smart enough to know, its just that they will anticipate things too much

[E]

For people interested in an update on the current wait time. . . I got my TX registration form today, which marks exactly 2 weeks from my PD approval. (Hopefully the extended wait time is because they just got started on the TX FAC.)

[coffee = good]

Thanks again, E, for keeping us updated on the timing. Although I would need to get my registration with a faster turn-around time (hoping to hear about my PD next week, which means I need to get the registration within a week after that to meet the Sept 21 deadline). I can't believe I could hear as soon as next week! I'm counting down the days...

We haven't heard many other posters who are going to the Dallas FAC. Anyone else out there? I guess maybe it's a good thing if there's not many posters - that means more room for me!

[Cheerio]

Good news/bad news

Good news: I know they're reviewing my PD now.

Bad news: I didn't provide enough detail in my session write-ups about how the session is "applicable to my current or future practice." (I'm blaming it on my high school English teacher - I was always taught to avoid writing in the first person if possible. :-))

Fortunately, I can refile that part by e-mail and my advisor promised a speedy review of my additions. I remember seeing something in some thread before about someone with a similar issue. IIRC that person received approval shortly after refiling. Does anyone else remember seeing that, or am I deluding myself?

(Still hope to see you all in Texas.)

[coffee = good]

Sorry about that Cheerio... that majorly sucks.

I vaguely remember the posting you are talking about, but I just looked through the PD Subforum and couldn't find it. The only thing is that I don't remember if the person said that the regrading was speedy or not.

[Cheerio]

I found the post I was thinking of (it was in the PD approvals thread), but that person just had to submit proof of exam-validated credit. Hopefully, this won't be too much worse than that.

I'm trying to look at the bright side. My six-week timeframe (using the way SOA counts) is the 14th. If they're in the process of reviewing mine now, and I get the additional writeups to them tomorrow, they could still finish reviewing by then.

[1234]

Got my approval today, 6 weeks and 1 day from SOA receipt of my PD package! Now it's (hopefully) just a short wait for the FAC registration.

[coffee = good]

That is good news, 1234. Again - I appreciate people letting the rest of us know the timing of their PD approvals. With any luck, I should get mine this Thursday or Friday!

Can you do me a favor and let us know when you get the FAC registration form?

[E]

How long does it usually take between the registration and payment forms? It's been a little over a week since I sent in the registration. I'm really ready to book flights so I can be done with that step.

[jillc1731]

How long does it usually take between the registration and payment forms? It's been a little over a week since I sent in the registration. I'm really ready to book flights so I can be done with that step.

I think it usually takes around 1 week or less. I initially mailed the registioin and after a week I hadn't heard. I e-mail the SOA and they never received my form... So then I faxed it instead. Still took a week after that... Not sure why.

[E]

I think it usually takes around 1 week or less. I initially mailed the registioin and after a week I hadn't heard. I e-mail the SOA and they never received my form... So then I faxed it instead. Still took a week after that... Not sure why.

It's been a week and 2 days since I faxed in the registration form. I just emailed them and received an out of office reply saying that the FAC staff would be out until Sept. 17. Guess I won't be getting it this week!

[andejes]

I think the amount of time it takes to get the form depends on how busy they are. I got my PD approval on what appeared to be a light week for them. I got my registration form the following Tuesday (4 days later) and then the confirmation 3 days later on Friday. It was pretty fast.

Right now they are getting things together for Valuation Actuary Symposium so there could be some back log.

[coffee = good]

It's been a week and 2 days since I faxed in the registration form. I just emailed them and received an out of office reply saying that the FAC staff would be out until Sept. 17. Guess I won't be getting it this week!

Figures they would be out of the office on one of the last weeks before the final FAC of the year!

[E]

I think the amount of time it takes to get the form depends on how busy they are. I got my PD approval on what appeared to be a light week for them. I got my registration form the following Tuesday (4 days later) and then the confirmation 3 days later on Friday. It was pretty fast.

Right now they are getting things together for Valuation Actuary Symposium so there could be some back log.

I think things have definitely slowed down--probably for a variety of legitimate reasons. Also, the November FAC is farther off than the last-minute Atlanta FAC was, so I can see there is less of a need to accelerate things right now. For me, I'd just like to get final confirmation so that I can book my flights. Since I'm paying for my wife's ticket out of pocket, I'd like to book sooner than later to hopefully save a little on airfare. Maybe once I'm officially FSA, I won't be so frugal. :)

[JJ_Franch]

Isn't the Atlanta FAC right now? Keep in mind the FAC staff is in essence 1 person and she is attending the FAC!

[coffee = good]

Oh yeah... forgot about that.

[Sleepy Head]

Got my PD approval last Friday. Waiting for the registration form. Hope to see y'all in Texas!

[Acting As Herb]

Thanks again, E, for keeping us updated on the timing. Although I would need to get my registration with a faster turn-around time (hoping to hear about my PD next week, which means I need to get the registration within a week after that to meet the Sept 21 deadline). I can't believe I could hear as soon as next week! I'm counting down the days...

We haven't heard many other posters who are going to the Dallas FAC. Anyone else out there? I guess maybe it's a good thing if there's not many posters - that means more room for me!

Just to worry you, I sent in my packet the same day you did. Am I correct in understanding that we might actually hear if we're in tomorrow?!

[coffee = good]

I might here if my PD is accepted tomorrow of Friday (which would be 6 weeks from submission).

In terms of being "in" the FAC, that wouldn't be til next week at the earliest.

[Acting As Herb]

Ah. That would be a bummer if the PD is accepted, but Dallas of all places fills up.

[Sleepy Head]

I think the amount of time it takes to get the form depends on how busy they are. I got my PD approval on what appeared to be a light week for them. I got my registration form the following Tuesday (4 days later) and then the confirmation 3 days later on Friday. It was pretty fast.

Right now they are getting things together for Valuation Actuary Symposium so there could be some back log.

I got my registration form today (6 days later, but only 4 business days). Not bad, given that the "FAC Staff" is out of the office.

[1234]

I got my registration form today (6 days later, but only 4 business days). Not bad, given that the "FAC Staff" is out of the office.

Same for me.

[coffee = good]

So bummed! Thought I would hear about PD acceptance on Friday (I was out of the office), but I came in this morning to find no email. Now I have no idea if I'll make it into the November FAC. So so bummed.

[E]

I received my registration confirmation and payment form today, which means I'm officially in the Nov FAC. FWIW, my experience was as follows:

Time for PD approval: 6 weeks, 1 day
Add'l time until registration form: 2 weeks
Add'l time until confirmation: 2 weeks, 1 day

So, basically it took 10 weeks and 2 days from the time I submitted my PD plan to the time I got absolute confirmation that I'm in the FAC. Most likely, I was one of the first people on the Texas list, so there was no need to rush me the forms after my PD approval--not to mention that they were probably much more concerned with putting on the Atlanta FAC.

[CIO]

I'm one of those who was expecting something last Friday, and got nothing obviously. (That sucked big time.)
I was again expecting something today since maybe the PD person was out the office last week...
I was just wondering if anyone called or emailed them. Thanks.

[coffee = good]

I'm one of those who was expecting something last Friday, and got nothing obviously. (That sucked big time.)
I was again expecting something today since maybe the PD person was out the office last week...
I was just wondering if anyone called or emailed them. Thanks.

Myself and another girl in my office are in the same position as you. I didn't email the PD people (because technically they are still within their crappy 6-8 week time frame), but I did email the FAC people and ask if the November FAC appears to be filling up quickly or not. I'll let everyone know what I hear.

[CIO]

There's still hope for today (Monday)! I remember seeing somebody's post said he got his approve 7pm or something like that.
Who am I kidding...

[Cheerio]

I was hoping to hear Friday today too. Still nothing.

[coffee = good]

This is what I have to say to the SOA:

#$*#@$%^&^*@#$@#!@#$%#$^%#$@#%@#$%@#$#@$#!@$er!

[CIO]

I think if we don't get it today, then may have to wait til Friday.

[Acting As Herb]

Tomorrow will be exactly seven weeks since I sent my PD in. Have heard nothing.

I count four of us here in the cohort who sent our PD in on the week of July 30, and are all on the edge our our seats: CIO, coffee = good, cherrio, and Acting As Herb.

[CIO]

Normally, I would not be this upset. Though, I think those of us expecting approval last Friday just lost our seniority on the limited Nov FAC seats to the FAP1 passers. Nothing against these people.

[Cheerio]

Thanks for that thought! ;-)

I've been planning to have a meltdown Wednesday, but now maybe I'll move it up to tomorrow.

[CIO]

Truth hurts.
But really, if this is THE reason I got put into the March 2008 FAC, I will be extreme upset.
I do want to remain optimistic.

[Acting As Herb]

Just think. Not getting your PD done a few days sooner will delay your FSA by 5 months.

[CIO]

Have you guys thought about the possible reasons for this??
(1) The PD person was out the office, and still is
(2) They knew Dallas FAC is full, so they didn't care to send out approvals
(3) The PD person forgot to send the approval emails, or thought he sent them already
(4) They lost our papers, which means they lost our email addresses

Did I cover them all?

[Loralei]

All right, I passed FAP 1 and now I'm done! If you're keeping track, add me to the list of those waiting for the Dallas registration materials. Hopefully I'll be seeing some of you in Nov! :toast:

[Acting As Herb]

Perhaps, CIO, the problem is that your executed plan is so freekin long that the poor PD staff needs an extra week just to get through your package.

Congratulations Loralei!

[Jealousy]

Just think. Not getting your PD done a few days sooner will delay your FSA by 5 months.

In my case, it was that my advisor was too swamped to get the thing reviewed.

I submitted it to her in June, she got it back to me first week in August. But, she's got a life too and doesn't get paid to deal with my PD stuff.

I sent it in 8/7. today's six weeks.

But here's the worst part...in March I'll have a newborn baby. Not really feasible for me to go away for a few days (i'll still be on maternity leave and breastfeeding.)

I've gotten permission from my doctors to travel in early November. I've petitioned the PD staff to grant me a deadline extension in light of the timing of this pregnancy. I haven't heard anything yet, but I know the staff has been out of the office for a bit. It would totally stink that my FSA should be delayed 7 or more months due to an ill-timed (but otherwise much anticipated) pregnancy.

[1234]

I received my registration confirmation and payment form today, which means I'm officially in the Nov FAC. FWIW, my experience was as follows:

Time for PD approval: 6 weeks, 1 day
Add'l time until registration form: 2 weeks
Add'l time until confirmation: 2 weeks, 1 day

So, basically it took 10 weeks and 2 days from the time I submitted my PD plan to the time I got absolute confirmation that I'm in the FAC. Most likely, I was one of the first people on the Texas list, so there was no need to rush me the forms after my PD approval--not to mention that they were probably much more concerned with putting on the Atlanta FAC.


I got my registration confirmation on Monday, too. My total timeframe was shorter than E's:

Time for PD approval: 6 weeks, 1 day
Add'l time until registration form: 6 days
Add'l time until confirmation: 4 days
Total time: 7 weeks, 4 days

[Acting As Herb]

Jealousy,

Talk about a worst-case scenario! Or maybe it's a blessing in disguise. My PD was in a week before yours, but I could totally see them telling me that it's full but then squeezing you in because of these extenuating circumstances.

[Cheerio]

Jealously,

Congrats on the bambino! :-) I hope they make room for you (and the rest of us.)

[E]

I got my registration confirmation on Monday, too. My total timeframe was shorter than E's:

Time for PD approval: 6 weeks, 1 day
Add'l time until registration form: 6 days
Add'l time until confirmation: 4 days
Total time: 7 weeks, 4 days

Well we see who their favorite is! Just kidding. Congrats!

[geeky]

I passed FAP1 (got the result last friday) as my last requirement and I received the FAC Registration form today!

[coffee = good]

I congratulate all of you FAP1 passers... yet at the same time I am wringing my hands waiting for PD results...

I REALLY hope to join you at the November FAC.

Note to all waiting for PD results: I emailed the PD committe and asked if they send acceptance emails only on Friday's or on any day of the week and their reply was:

"We are sending approvals whenever possible."

So, there is still some hope of hearing today... or tomorrow... or Thursday...

[Acting As Herb]

What in the heck makes an approval "possible"? It seems that they clearly do this in batches by week of when they're received, and that they took a vacation last week, causing the lag to increase by a week.

[Loralei]

I also received the registration form this afternoon.

coffee=good, I spoke to the FAC person today and she acted like there was still plenty of room at the Dallas FAC. She didn't say exactly how much room, but she said something like there shouldn't be any problem getting us in. And in a previous email they told me that they wouldn't close registration on Friday if there was still room left. Good luck to you and everyone else!

[coffee = good]

Yay Loralei!!! You are the bestest!! Thanks for giving me hope.

[CIO]

Thank god for AO.
You people are great.
I don't understand though why is SOA so reluctant to give more definite answers.

[TenaciousMV]

Ah! I submitted my PD on 8/7 and felt there was no hope for Dallas.

Now I'm letting the optimism take over. Never a good idea in these situations.

[Marian]

I'd be willing to bet the published deadline for Dallas was set before the Atlanta FAC was added. The deadline doesn't mean much anyway. If the FAC fills before the deadline then the FAC is closed, irregardless of the deadline. If the FAC is not full at the deadline then the registration remains open until the FAC is full.

[Acting As Herb]

I congratulate all of you FAP1 passers... yet at the same time I am wringing my hands waiting for PD results...

I REALLY hope to join you at the November FAC.

Note to all waiting for PD results: I emailed the PD committe and asked if they send acceptance emails only on Friday's or on any day of the week and their reply was:

"We are sending approvals whenever possible."

So, there is still some hope of hearing today... or tomorrow... or Thursday...

Using my keen actuarial prowess, I’ve determined the probability of getting an acceptance email before Friday is getting lower.

[CIO]

I am looking forward to Friday (again).
Based on previous posts, it appears to me approval emails are normally sent in the mornings, between 9am and 11am CDT to be more specific.

[coffee = good]

I JUST GOT MY PD ACCEPTANCE EMAIL!!!! Email came at 9:15 AM! Hopefully, all of you are not far behind!!!

Now I just have to hope the Dallas FAC is not full!

[coffee = good]

And just for informational purposes: my executed plan was received by the SOA on 8/2.

[E]

I JUST GOT MY PD ACCEPTANCE EMAIL!!!! Email came at 9:15 AM! Hopefully, all of you are not far behind!!!

Now I just have to hope the Dallas FAC is not full!

Congrats! I would be surprised if there isn't still plenty of room. Just don't drink all the coffee out there.

[CIO]

OK guys, now that we got the approvals, just have to wait for the invitation for the Dallas (hopefully) FAC.
Congrats to all!

[asdfasdf]

Has anyone else gotten billed for the FAC, they confirmed my registration a few weeks ago and said they would bill later, I have a weird CC charge from last week that is for around the right amount as the FAC, but isn't from a correct sounding location.

[persephone_ashes]

Has anyone else gotten billed for the FAC, they confirmed my registration a few weeks ago and said they would bill later, I have a weird CC charge from last week that is for around the right amount as the FAC, but isn't from a correct sounding location.

considering the atlanta FAC people haven't been billed yet, i'd really wonder if you guys would have been. i think they're standard practice isn't to bill until closer to the event anyway.

[jameseliza]

When I got billed for FAC (I was in Montreal), the credit card charge said "Society of Actuaries" quite clearly. It also had the SOA phone number, a reference #, and was described as a charitable organization. Not sure what makes it a charity! :)

[asdfasdf]

When I got billed for FAC (I was in Montreal), the credit card charge said "Society of Actuaries" quite clearly. It also had the SOA phone number, a reference #, and was described as a charitable organization. Not sure what makes it a charity! :)

Thanks (it was something else, I'm losing my mind!), I think I buy the SOA being a non-profit, but yeah something about thinking of the exam process as "charitable" makes me cringe

[campbell]

Well, I got a receipt from the SOA a day or two ago for the September FAC, but it's not showed up online on my credit card yet. To be sure, I've seen my card charged, and it take 3 days for the charge to show up.

[Acting As Herb]

I just got my invitation to the Dallas FAC! Less than 24-hours after the PD approval, and less than 24-hours before the stated deadline.

[Cheerio]

Me too! I've faxed it back to them already. NOW, I can let myself get excited, right?!

[CIO]

See y'all in the big D

[Acting As Herb]

Me too! I've faxed it back to them already. NOW, I can let myself get excited, right?!

Just imagine. Next week we'll all be posting that we got our confirmations to the FAC, but yours won't show up. You'll wait a day, and then call up asking where the confirmation is. They'll say that they never received it, will inform you that you missed the registration deadline, and will tell you that the session is full.

[Cheerio]

Just imagine. Next week we'll all be posting that we got our confirmations to the FAC, but yours won't show up. You'll wait a day, and then call up asking where the confirmation is. They'll say that they never received it, will inform you that you missed the registration deadline, and will tell you that the session is full.

Meany! ;-)

They better not. I already made my hotel reservation since the registration form said there was limited space left at Four Seasons.

[TenaciousMV]

I just faxed in my registration! I'm pumped.

[GARCH]

Just called the hotel and was told that the $250 rooms were no longer available.

[E]

Just called the hotel and was told that the $250 rooms were no longer available.

Oh well, guess you have to stay in the nicer rooms. When they described each of the 3 options, I couldn't really tell that the more expensive rooms were that much nicer.

[1234]

Oh well, guess you have to stay in the nicer rooms. When they described each of the 3 options, I couldn't really tell that the more expensive rooms were that much nicer.

What were the three options? I wasn't given any descriptions when I made my reservations.

[E]

What were the three options? I wasn't given any descriptions when I made my reservations.

1. The $250 room.
2. Option 1 with a nicer view (~$280)
3. Option 2 with a nicer view on the corner of the building ($300+)

I don't think there is much difference in size and none of the options are "suites."

[asdfasdf]

IIRC all the rooms are pretty nice, the bathrooms are extremely nice, seperate shower and saunaesch tub. The grounds are also nice, amazing fitness facilities on site. Only downside is there is nothing for stores etc in walking distance of the hotel, as it's in the burbs between Ft. Worth and Dallas

[1234]

Not to scare anyone, but the FAC page on the SOA website has been updated to say the November FAC is closed.

http://new.soa.org/education/course-catalog/edu-dates-and-locations-for-fac.aspx

[E]

Not to scare anyone, but the FAC page on the SOA website has been updated to say the November FAC is closed.

http://new.soa.org/education/course-catalog/edu-dates-and-locations-for-fac.aspx

Wow.

[GARCH]

The rate I was given for the hotel was $395 a night. But I was told that there was a Holiday Inn Express across the street for $114 a night. I may have to stay there for three nights.

[JJ_Franch]

The rate I was given for the hotel was $395 a night. But I was told that there was a Holiday Inn Express across the street for $114 a night. I may have to stay there for three nights.

Doesn't your company pay for it? Come on, live large, you'll achieve FSA once in your life time!

Having said that $395 is a lot for Dallas! I don't think the Holiday Inn will fill up. I recommend waiting to about 1 week before the seminar and check with 4 seasons again. There are a lot of cancellations, not from the SOA semonar but others, that will probably get you a cheaper rate. Or just try to book it on line outside the SOA block.

[GARCH]

Thanks! JJ Franch. I just did it on line and was able to get $270 for the last two nights.

[gadzookz]

The deadline to reserve one of the block of rooms isn't until October. Didn't the hotel hold back enough rooms?

[TenaciousMV]

The deadline to reserve one of the block of rooms isn't until October. Didn't the hotel hold back enough rooms?

No they didn't.

[TenaciousMV]

I'm paying 395/395/250 for the three nights.

[none]

So it looks like the Texas FAC is now closed. Bummer.

[asdfasdf]

My company is paying 395/395/250 for the three nights.

IFYP

[TenaciousMV]

IFYP

Haha, indeed.

[E]

I'm paying 395/395/250 for the three nights.

$400 for a room in Dallas, huh? You could probably rent the Southfork ranch for that.

[bdschobel]

Attendance at this FAC will be a new record. More than 200 new FSAs!!! Giving out the certificates may take a couple of hours (especially as I like to chat with everybody). I hope you all enjoy this experience as much as I do!

Bruce

[dec]

When will the schedule of FACs for next year be posted on the website?

[bdschobel]

Probably not for a little while. Looks like first one will be in March.

Bruce

[ajstudies]

Probably not for a little while. Looks like first one will be in March.


Not for a :qunq: little while :qunq: . Don't you know how many near ASA's are OC planners and need to count backwards the exact number of weeks from FAQ registration to DMAC grading to DMAC completion to DMAC starting to FSA module grading or not grading to FSA module completion to FSA module starting????

:meltdown:

Oh, I guess that's just me. :tfh: :exams:

[asdfasdf]

The sooner you get the piece of paper, the sooner you are solely responcible and signing for work. Finish the exams, but relax after that :cool:

[Cheerio]

One month from today, we'll be FSAs! :grin:

[E]

One month from today, we'll be FSAs! :grin:

Of course, we still need cooperation from the airlines--which haven't been good to me so far this year.

[Cheerio]

Of course, we still need cooperation from the airlines--which haven't been good to me so far this year.

Yeah, I'm worried about that too. So I plan to arrive at 10:00 AM Wednesday, hopefully giving me enough time to drive from wherever I may get stranded. (I've flown from St. Louis to Dallas once before, and it was the absolute worst trip of my life.)

[TenaciousMV]

I'm worried about the flight too. I'm traveling with a friend who's also getting his FSA. There are direct flights, which helps, but because of this he wanted to take the last flight of the day on Wednesday! Ha! I had none of that.

I finally negotiated him down to taking the 3rd to last flight of the day, which gets in at 3. The last flight would have got us in around 9! Too scary for me.

[asdfasdf]

This is a very actuarial discussion to be having before the FAC, perhaps a FAC insurance product could be marketed which would pay the interim salary gap for people who missed flights getting to the FAC they wanted to get to :crazy:

[E]

I'm worried about the flight too. I'm traveling with a friend who's also getting his FSA. There are direct flights, which helps, but because of this he wanted to take the last flight of the day on Wednesday! Ha! I had none of that.

I finally negotiated him down to taking the 3rd to last flight of the day, which gets in at 3. The last flight would have got us in around 9! Too scary for me.

I'm also flying direct. . . and also avoided the last flight of the day. That's about all I can control. Hopefully luck will be on my side.

[Sleepy Head]

Great, now you guys make me worried. I'm not sure if my flight is the last one or not (the AA booked it for me), but I expect to arrive around 7:30pm on Wednesday. Let's hope that the weather will cooperate with our travel plans!

[E]

Great, now you guys make me worried. I'm not sure if my flight is the last one or not (the AA booked it for me), but I expect to arrive around 7:30pm on Wednesday. Let's hope that the weather will cooperate with our travel plans!

Let's hope it cooperates everywhere. This (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119093585795041925.html) is the kind of thing I've already run into this year.

[Cheerio]

Let's hope it cooperates everywhere. This (http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB119093585795041925.html) is the kind of thing I've already run into this year.

That was exactly the kind of thing that made my return trip from Dallas a living hell a few years ago...waiting on a hot, sunny runway without air circulation waiting to take off because it was storming in Chicago...with a young girl behind me kicking my seat...with a mother that didn't even try to stop her. Then someone decided they wanted off the plane, which meant we had to go back to the gate to let them off, and thus lose our place in the queue. So, we missed my connecting flight, and I couldn't get a rental car to drive the last 90 miles, so I had to stay in St. Louis 'til morning.

And the saddest part is, the return flight was less of a nightmare than the trip there. :viola:

[jillc1731]

I learned not to take the last flight of the day when attempting to go to the APC.

I had a connection through O'Hare and the last flight of the day from O'Hare to Boston... Of course my first flight got out a little late (due to Fog) and then sat on the ground in Chicago for 20 minutes waiting for a gate... and I missed my flight to Boston... The soonest they could get me to Boston was a flight that was scheduled to land 10 minutes after the start of the APC... I called the SOA and they said even if I got there 11 minutes late, I would fail... So I cut my losses and didn't even make the trip to Boston.

Ended up having to go to the next APC instead!

[asdfasdf]

I have to connect out of O'hare on Saturday, you guys are starting to scare me (and I'm connecting through Minneapolis, I appreciate not sharing horror stories from there :tfh:)

[asdfasdf]

:bump: okay I'm getting excited now, nice weather for a few days and to finally officially be done done done! I hope I'm not the only one.

[E]

:bump: okay I'm getting excited now, nice weather for a few days and to finally officially be done done done! I hope I'm not the only one.

Oh yeah. . . thanks for reminding me. . . the FAC is next week. :)

[KD]

I'm getting excited to wrap this whole exam process up too. Did anyone actually pay $400 for a guest to eat all meals with them? Ridiculous!

[bdschobel]

Hotels charge big bucks for those meals. Not much we can do about it.

Bruce

[Magsen]

I'm getting excited to wrap this whole exam process up too. Did anyone actually pay $400 for a guest to eat all meals with them? Ridiculous!

I did~~ Don't want my husband to be alone. :toast:

[KD]

My husband will be eating alone (except for graduation banquet). He can probably order room service for a lot cheaper than we would have to pay for him to eat with me. Knowing him, he'll probably make friends there and I will have trouble tracking him down anyway...

[Zoe]

My husband will be eating alone (except for graduation banquet). He can probably order room service for a lot cheaper than we would have to pay for him to eat with me. Knowing him, he'll probably make friends there and I will have trouble tracking him down anyway...

:iatp:

[E]

FAC Forecast:

The weather looks really clear across just about the entire country tomorrow, so hopefully that means smooth sailing through the airports.

[Loralei]

This time tomorrow I'll be at the spa. Happy traveling, I'll see you Thursday! :-P

[Cheerio]

I just finished packing! Even though I dislike traveling, I'm getting excited about getting on that plane tomorrow. :-)

[Kayleigh]

Congratulations! Everyone passed the Texas FAC!

[E]

Congrats to everyone. I had a great time.

Bruce,
Let us know if and when our names will be in the WSJ.

[bdschobel]

As I said Friday night, we're looking very seriously into doing something like that but not until next year. The suggestion was greeted by thunderous applause, which is helpful.

I certainly enjoyed meeting so many of my Outpost friends in person! I expect to meet many more during 2008.

Bruce

[E]

As I said Friday night, we're looking very seriously into doing something like that but not until next year. The suggestion was greeted by thunderous applause, which is helpful.

I certainly enjoyed meeting so many of my Outpost friends in person! I expect to meet many more during 2008.

Bruce

Oh okay--I thought we might be the first group to get published. I still think its a good idea. Thanks.

[Cheerio]

The suggestion was greeted by thunderous applause, which is helpful.


Maybe we wouldn't have clapped so loud if we didn't think we'd get to be the first group published. ;-) j/k - I still think it's a great way to get some publicity for the society and the profession.

I had a great time at the FAC and it was fun to figure out who some of you are. :-)

[1234]

Our names are already published on the SOA website and directory entries have been changed. Wow, that was fast! Congrats to all!

http://www.soa.org/files/pdf/edu-2007-11-new-fellows.pdf

[Cheerio]

Wow, that is really fast! The FAC staff isn't even in the office today.

[Sleepy Head]

As I said Friday night, we're looking very seriously into doing something like that but not until next year. The suggestion was greeted by thunderous applause, which is helpful.

I certainly enjoyed meeting so many of my Outpost friends in person! I expect to meet many more during 2008.

Bruce

Well, I was going to introduce myself, but by the time my name was called, you already looked so tired that I didn't think you wanted to do any small talk. Good to see you in person, though. I hope the pictures come out ok.

[Sleepy Head]

Our names are already published on the SOA website and directory entries have been changed. Wow, that was fast! Congrats to all!

http://www.soa.org/files/pdf/edu-2007-11-new-fellows.pdf

I'm impressed. I didn't expect it to be this fast!

[bdschobel]

Does the SOA deliver, or what? Now we have to make this permanent. :tup:

Bruce

[Kayleigh]

Anyone know how long it will take for the official photographer's pictures to be sent to us. I hear that the people that went to the Atlanta FAC have not recieved theirs yet.

[jameseliza]

The Montreal people (August) haven't received their official photos either.

[pleasepass]

I went to a FAC in early March and my photo arrived in the middle of July.

[Les]

I was at the Montreal FAC in August and I just received my photo today...

[persephone_ashes]

I was at the Montreal FAC in August and I just received my photo today...

I was at the FAC in Atlanta and I got my photo today too.

I couldn't believe that it arrived unharmed! It was just put in one of those standard newsletter type envelopes.

[Sleepy Head]

Did any of you (Nov FAC candidates) receive your photo? I'm still waiting...

[E]

Did any of you (Nov FAC candidates) receive your photo? I'm still waiting...

No photo yet here.

[KD]

I got my photo today and I went to the Nov 07 FAC. Why didn't anyone tell me I had a piece of hair sticking up and a piece of fabric hanging out of the sleeve of my dress??? Geeezzz!!

[E]

I got my photo today and I went to the Nov 07 FAC. Why didn't anyone tell me I had a piece of hair sticking up and a piece of fabric hanging out of the sleeve of my dress??? Geeezzz!!

That was you??? JK :)

[E]

FWIW, mine came today too. I guess this officially marks the end of waiting for any kind of exam-related correspondence from the SOA.

Congrats again to all!