"BPP" SOA study program

[Ezzard Charles]

Has anyone heard anything about an SOA exam study program created by BPP Professional Education Group? Michael Braunstein of BPP, who used to work for Actex, has created "course notes which comprehensively cover the syllabus learning objectives and eliminate the need for the many suggested textbooks" for Courses 2 through 5. In addition to these course notes, he also has an "all in one" package that includes a team of actuarial tutors available for questions by phone or e-mail, a question and answer bank, regular assignments, etc. Apparently, BPP is an established training company in the UK, but is just getting started in the US.

BPP is charging about $350 per course for its "all in one" package, and our company is considering somehow incorporating it into our official study program. If any of you have experience with BPP, what did you think of their program? Can it really take the place of the textbooks for Courses 2 through 5? Is it really possible that someone who used to work for Actex has created a program that doesn't suck? Can anyone at least confirm that the program is legitimate?

For no reason, I will now attempt to insert an animated picture of a smiley face ramming its head against a wall. Here goes:

:wall:

[Woody]

Considering that I have failed C3 three times, I am willing to try anything, including BPP. I just ordered the material today. I am about a month behind, as the study program started mid-January, but I'm gonna go for it.

I paid $350 for it. Let's see if my company pays for it. :tup:

[Agtuary]

Where did you order it from? What is the web site?

[Agtuary]

Didn't expect it to be so easy.

http://www.bpp.com

[New at pd]

In looking at the sample, I'd recommend the BPP. It's in the same stylings of How to Pass, but appears to be organized much better.

[anon789]

course notes which comprehensively cover the syllabus learning objectives and eliminate the need for the many suggested textbooks" for Courses 2 through 5. In addition to these course notes, he also has an "all in one" package that includes a team of actuarial tutors available for questions by phone or e-mail, a question and answer bank, regular assignments, etc.

lol. The short form of this is: 'we have a $350 study guide'.


edited because as usual I can't type.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: anon789 on 2002-02-19 16:10 ]</font>

[Woody]

http://www.bpptraining.com is a more direct link to the study programs and seminars it offers.

anon789, I guess you could look at it as a $350 study guide, but I'm willing to pay for the extra push that the tutors give you to make sure that you pace yourself and not procrastinate. When you are married with a 4 year old and a 17 month old, it's easy to procrastinate and make excuses for not studying. Maybe shelling out $350 is enough of an incentive to pass this exam, especially, and obviously, if my company doesn't pay for it.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Woody on 2002-02-20 07:33 ]</font>

[Anonymous]

I still pretty new to this exam process, but if BPP does what it claims then it seems that it is well worth the $350.

[OT]

What courses do they offer assistance for? I think on the US Actuarial Student's page I can not get the "click here" link because my company blocks it's "travel" label.


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: ot on 2002-02-20 20:15 ]</font>

[Anonymous]

Right now it's only course 3 that they offer. But starting the next testing session they are suppose to offer courses 2 thru 5.