Course 2 Progress

[Eeyore]

How is the Course 2 prep going?

[Summer]

slow. i am going into warp speed on the weekend.

[ami]

I have ordered the h2p and csm books but the store does not have them in stock. Should be getting them within the week. Planning on studying approx. 4 hours a day. Currently studying course 1. should be done by sunday. I have had courses in most of the major subjects in c2, so planning on studying about 250-300 hrs for the exam.

ami
ps anyone else taking both c1 & c2 exams in november

[Eeyore]

just Course 2 for me

I feel fairly confident about Price Theory and Macro because of my Eco major at school...so I'm focussing on Interest theory and Finance
I'm trying to zip through reading the Interest theory sections, and do the exercises for Ch 1-4 this weekend...may be way too optimistic here
I read the first 3 required chapters of Finance before boredom set in. Can anyone tell me if CSM will be a thorough enough outline of Finance so I can skip the textbook?

[fallout]

just Course 2 for me

I feel fairly confident about Price Theory and Macro because of my Eco major at school...so I'm focussing on Interest theory and Finance
I'm trying to zip through reading the Interest theory sections, and do the exercises for Ch 1-4 this weekend...may be way too optimistic here
I read the first 3 required chapters of Finance before boredom set in. Can anyone tell me if CSM will be a thorough enough outline of Finance so I can skip the textbook?

The finance text is a pretty good read. Lots of examples to help you nail down the concepts. You should not skip it.

Also, be very sure you get the economics questions right. You can ace them, fail the other two sections and still pass. Also, you should not skip reading the eco text. I was an economics major and the exams oversimplified some fo the answers to what was said in the text. Knowing too much about economics can cause you to get a question wrong.

[retaker]

I can't wait until you bloody business majors get to Course 3.

Fallout,

What do you mean you can get all the economics correct and still pass?

[Eeyore]

Not nice to assume business majors have no math or stats background! :roll:

[retaker]

You're right, and besides course 3 is not math anyway. It's applied statistics and probability. You'll be fine. :oops:

[Double Down Trent]

Back when I took Course 2, Interest Theory was a must! If you aced that and just did ok on Finance and Micro, you didn't have to get any Macro right.

And personally, I think of everything we study, Interest Theory is the most important. Maybe not all the bond pricing and increasing annuities and all that crap, but when you get them down cold, the rest of interest theory seems a little easier and that's when you begin to really understand it, rather than just memorizing formulas.

[retaker]

I think you are right. That is what happened to me last sitting. I already knew interest theory, so all I did was the problems given to me at the seminar and nothing else, since I had to learn everything else cold. I ended up getting higher percentiles in all the business crap than interest theory, and got a 5!

[fallout]

I can't wait until you bloody business majors get to Course 3.

Fallout,

What do you mean you can get all the economics correct and still pass?

What I meant is that the economics questions were pretty easy for me, since I was a double act/sci economics major. I think I near aced them, did ok in int theory, probably flunked finance and still got my 7.

If the passing mark is 31, and you ace economics, say 15 out of 16, you only need like 16 out of 34 of the rest of the material to pass.

If you hate interest theory, you can probably focus strong on finance and economics and still get your 6.

I don't recommend this of course, cause lots of Int theory overlaps into life contingencies stuff on part 3.

[takin 2]

Not nice to assume business majors have no math or stats background! :roll:

I must agree my business classes at PSU were a joke, but I had two semesters of Life-Contingencies and a few other statistics classes.

I'm doing pretty well on my c2 studying. I've been doing about 2 hrs a day. I started three weeks ago, have about 40 hrs in. I've been reading finance and doing every prev. exam from problem from teh csm (+suppliment) and the temple manuals. Only a few more chapters to go. I should be done this week. Then off to interest theory :D

[Juggler]

My pace has been extremely slow so far. I have only made it through about 4 chapters of the Interest (a thorough understanding) and about 8 chapters of the Micro. I haven't even glanced at the finance or macro. I am going to be a junior in college this year taking Interest theory, Life con 1, and investment analysis. I figured by November I will know the interest theory very well because I plan to be through the book before school starts, then the class should be a breeze. Hopefully the investment analysis class will help some with the finance but who knows. I am using the CSM manual and doing all the problems for the micro and interest.

Juggler

[Alpha12]

I'm about halfway through the finance text, doing examples in Actex manual. I've been covering about 2-3 chapters a week. I've found that the text isn't a bad read so far (anyone know about the gargle blaster reference?).

[takin 2]

(anyone know about the gargle blaster reference?).

lol......I can't wait until the third generation technology comes out in 2023 and pushes the cost of manufacturing even more :D

I don't know where these guys come up with these examples. Probably would be easier if they wrote about products I could actually understand

[ne11er]

you don't know what a gargle blaster is? All I keep thinking about is something that Scope is looking into. Something to be sold along side the sonicare toothbrush. :P

I'm just starting to finish up reading corporate finance and begin Price Theory. Then I'll hit the interest theory and after that...we'll see where the road leads to after that. :)

[takin 2]

question for all:

in what order are you studying the topics?

I started with Finance because i was the least familiar with it, but I'm not really sure where to go next. I was thinking about saving the economics for last because it's more factual knowledge and memorization than problem solving and it would probably benefit me more to do that closer to the exam.

Anyone has any opinions on this I'd be interested to hear them :)

[VernSchil]

I started with interest theory since it seemed to be the most challenging topic and also required the least amount of routine memorization. However, right now I'm jumping back and forth between finance and interest. I abhor this finance text book and can only read a chapter or so before I need to switch back to i.theroy. I totally agree with you on econ and definitely intend to do that last. Econ sucks and is almost all simple memorization that I will forget quickly, thus if I learned it now, it would be gone by exam time.

[BengalTiger]

I am using BPP manual for Part 2 examination. I am about 30% through the manual.

[Summer]

I was starting with TOI until I realized that just in case by the time i go to that course in NYC I may not be through everything, so i switched to FINANCE (i am not going to the TOI part).

I am through the first 2 chapters of TOI and the first 2 of FINANCE.

[Uncledan]

I almost finish Micro and I will study in Interest Theory next.

Here is the plan:
Micro
Interest Theory
Finance
Macro

I think we should study interest theroy before Finance, since you need to build up some math background in order to do Finance q'n. And I think Finance is the hardest part of Course2. Macro? don't need to worry about it, just study it before exam.
This is my first try, and I use CSM and Actxt to study...

[EraserGuy]

I'm about halfway through the finance text...I've found that the text isn't a bad read so far (anyone know about the gargle blaster reference?).

The only gargle blaster that I have ever heard of is a drink recipe called the Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster from Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

If you want to re-create this recipe (hint: you may want to wait until after exams are over!), check out the following link:

http://www-personal.umd.umich.edu/~nhughes/dna/docs/pggb.html

EraserGuy

[retaker]

course 2 sucks

[Avi]

Just moved to NY today (actually, just me, the kids, our clothes, and my textbooks - My wife and everything else comes in 3 or so weeks). Starting a new (my first) actuarial job on Monday.

So between job search, interveiws, acceptance, and movin - studying has taken a back burner these last 2.5-3.5 weeks.

I think I'm in trouble :viola:

:duh:

[takin 2]

Avraham.....I think you will still be alright. You still have 84 days until the exam. I know people at my company that have just started studying for exams they have no prior knowledge of. Are you going to a seminar? Just need to buckle down these last few months.

Hope your move went well and good luck!! :D (I have much respect for the people out there who can do this with the extra responsibility of a family)

[GenkiGirl]

Ok...I need advice..

I just got back from 4 glorious weeks of holidays last night...books arrived this am... I am not even sure where to start.. Any suggestions??
GG
(ok ok ok I know I have left it a long time.. :oops: but I can study lots at work)

[bg23516]

Start with interest theory. Finance builds on it, so it's important to understand. Besides, it's the biggest portion of the exam.

The best advice I can give you: Learn to use your calculators.

[retaker]

4 weeks? Is that what they start people with where you work?

[RiSK kid]

THis is the order of my study:

Intrest theory
Finance
Macro
Micro

I think interest theory is the most important and finance builds on that. Luckily I have taken Interest theory and Economics in school. I just gotta learn finance and do lots of problems.

[GenkiGirl]

I am not in an actuary job yet...I just teach English in Japan. It's great for studying as I really don't have anything to do at work until September...but have to be at work for 8 hours per day... so lots of time to study.

:-)

The 4 week of holiday are 2 from last year and 2 from this year that I squished together...

GG

[Eeyore]

Genki Girl
I'm doing alot of "parallel" studying but focussing on finishing the Interest Theory first. I think it's a good idea to mix these subjects up, unless they each fascinate you in their own special way :)

[takin 2]

Anyone who is studying/has studied finance......did you find the concepts/problems easy to understand up until chapter 15, then extremely difficult from there on out. It seems like I'm not exactly getting many practice problems right anymore. It's very frustrating actually. :-?

[retaker]

Ginko,

Why do you have to go in if you don't have to do anything?
You have it made as far as study time goes.

Jare...
Finance is the hardest thing on the exam.

[rawl316]

hey, as a PSU grad who learned nothing through Shapiro and the BA Core, I learned Finance on my own. What I did was I just went through the CSM questions. I didn't even crack the book at all. Doing problems is the key to this. just look up the formula and then look at how the utilize it. I believe chapter 15-19 are pretty much garbage, with the exception of one or 2 concepts for all 4 chapters. The stock pricing beginning in chapter 21 is very important. I also skipped Macro. I ended up getting a 6, which is just as good as a 10. What I did with Macro was just look at sample problems also.

Rob

[Bama Gambler]

A 6 is just as good as a 10 if and only if the material is not related to material on future exams. The interest theory material from exam 2 is needed for exam 3. If you aced the interest theory portion and struggled with the rest, then your 6 is just as good as a 10. But, if you aced the other stuff and missed most of the interest theory problems your 6 is half as good as a 10.

JMHO,
Bama Gambler

[retaker]

... just goes to prove what we all knew all along.. these tests are full of it...

[takin 2]

hey, as a PSU grad who learned nothing through Shapiro and the BA Core, I learned Finance on my own. What I did was I just went through the CSM questions. I didn't even crack the book at all. Doing problems is the key to this. just look up the formula and then look at how the utilize it. I believe chapter 15-19 are pretty much garbage, with the exception of one or 2 concepts for all 4 chapters. The stock pricing beginning in chapter 21 is very important. I also skipped Macro. I ended up getting a 6, which is just as good as a 10. What I did with Macro was just look at sample problems also.

Rob

Thanks Rob.....I just started using the How to Pass for the chapters on options so it's coming along a little better. I've been doing every csm problem along the way so I think I'm learning almost every format that a problem could be presented in. I guess I shouldn't be all that upset that I'm not getting it the first time through, I just want to get through all the material first, then go back and learn what I had trouble with in the last month when I'm doing previous exams.

[ami]

finally got my h2pc2 book. time to start kicking some c2 a$$. :D

later
ami

[c3 taker]

I still don't know how the chapters in HTP that explain Options can be so much easier than the problems in CSM. Is there any chance that some of the old csm problems (90's) are harder because Course 5B used to be more Finance focused than the new Course 2? I'm hoping so, but I doubt it.

[ami]

Im using h2pc2. Just finished chapter 4. So far so good. Not having too much trouble with this part (theory of interest). I think im on schedule. How far are other people who are using this book. :)

ami

[GenkiGirl]

How far along are the people using the CSM guide... I started late and have only really done interst theory...and I'm on Chapter 4 of that...

Arrg...need to get my but in gear...

[c3 taker]

I've been trying to work every csm problem so I can get an understanding of the material before the NEAS seminar. I've been through the Finance and have done the first three chapters in Interest Theory. I think I need to pick up the pace if I want to get them done before the beginning of October. :)

[Summer]

i'm using the csm, and i finished ch 1-2 of int theory, and 1-9 (finishing up 10 tonight) of finance. i am starting micro sometime this week. i am going to save macro for second last, and then finish int thoery last.

reason? I have done both of those in school, so i think i really need to learn micro and finance, as this is the first time i am learning them.

[ami]

Im working on HTP, finished Interest Theory and Micro. Going to try to knock off macro by the end of the week. My CSM book should arrive tomorrow so i hope i can start working through the problems by the end of next week, which by then i hope to have finance done.

ami

[Summer]

I now have 3 more chapters in micro (will be done by the end of the week), all of marco still to do (saving it til second last, cuz the chapters are long, and I have done it quite a bit in school (and hated it)), 7 chapters of TOI (saving this til last because i did this quite intensively in school, and I love it. I think i could just look at some formulas and WORK PROBLEMS LIKE CRAZY if time is a factor at the end). I also have 9 chapters to go in Finance.

I am on a schedule to finish everything except for TOI by October 6th...

I think i can, i think i can, i think i can!

[c3 taker]

I now have 3 more chapters in micro (will be done by the end of the week), all of marco still to do (saving it til second last, cuz the chapters are long, and I have done it quite a bit in school (and hated it)), 7 chapters of TOI (saving this til last because i did this quite intensively in school, and I love it. I think i could just look at some formulas and WORK PROBLEMS LIKE CRAZY if time is a factor at the end). I also have 9 chapters to go in Finance.

I am on a schedule to finish everything except for TOI by October 6th...

I think i can, i think i can, i think i can!

Good luck Summer lovin :)
I have all of Micro left, one more chapter in Macro and the last four chapters of Interest Theory. I'm also aiming for October 6th to have at least a good understanding of all the topics before seminar.

We'll see what happens! :D

[Eeyore]

other NEAS seminar takers...have u had a chance to look at the seminar materials they have sent for us to review?

i started CSM only last week, hoping to finish micro and macro by the middle of next week....then move on to toi and finance; i'm also trying to make progress on reading the finance textbook at the same time

still a far way to go :wall:

[Raiden]

do the actex version of finance help a lot?

i did temple version, it's way too complicated!!

what text do you guys suggest for macro? i plan to skip it :-?

[c3 taker]

I've browsed over the NEAS seminar stuff and it seems that everything in there is probably covered in some of the other study materials you might have. I know at least the macro part is just old exam problems, I would assume the others are as well. Since CSM has almost every past exam problem fro the last 20 years or so, I don't plan on reviewing the seminar material unless I have time.

I've had a bit of macro background but I find that the Temple summaries are very good. Then I did all the macro problems from CSM. I'm most confident with my knowledge of macro at this point, which is kindof surprising since everyone said it is very hard to understand

[Bama Gambler]

I've browsed over the NEAS seminar stuff and it seems that everything in there is probably covered in some of the other study materials you might have. I know at least the macro part is just old exam problems, I would assume the others are as well. Since CSM has almost every past exam problem fro the last 20 years or so, I don't plan on reviewing the seminar material unless I have time.


I didn't review any of the material before the NEAS seminar. As long as you have a decent understanding of Chapters 1-4 of Interest Theory you're in good shape.

[littlegenius]

I am using Actex for Finance currently. I have to admit that Finance contains way too much new concepts and formulas for me. I hope that I could get a good understanding before my NAES seminar.

I am working on TOI part of the seminar manual, just to do some problems in between of my munching on Finance.

Read thru Mirco once, may need to pay more attention to details for many exam questions.

Haven't touched Macro yet. Dreading about that.

[Eeyore]

littlegenius pls ck your PM

[c3 taker]

Seminar in a week and I have one more TOI chapter to go....then maybe a bit of review....I just wish I remember the finance stuff that I start with in July :D

[Eeyore]

c2taker, did you work through the TOI chapter questions in the CSM manual? if so how long did it take you (approx hours)...i'm about to start

[Summer]

I was supposed to be done Finance today, but I still have 2 chapters to go (after today). All I have left now to finish before the course I am taking is Macroeconomics...is it a good read?

[fallout]

I was supposed to be done Finance today, but I still have 2 chapters to go (after today). All I have left now to finish before the course I am taking is Macroeconomics...is it a good read?

If you consider slow death to be fun.

[c3 taker]

c2taker, did you work through the TOI chapter questions in the CSM manual? if so how long did it take you (approx hours)...i'm about to start

19....I would probably say around 65 hours....I've had some of the material (chapter 1-4) in college....but there are just a ton of problems.....I left most of chapter 6 for last so I have about 80 of the 115 problems in that chapter remaining. Could take the rest of the week.

p.s. I also have the CSM supplement so that adds quite a few problems to the mix.

p.p.s I'm using the Temple manual in addition to CSM to learn some of the material, I really don't like the outlines in CSM

[GraceD]

Hi, I am new guy here. I ‘d like to know what is CSM manual? Is the notes on the www.soa.org? Thank you for your help. :-?

[c3 taker]

Hi, I am new guy here. I ‘d like to know what is CSM manual? Is the notes on the www.soa.org? Thank you for your help. :-?

GraceD.....CSM is Casualty Study Materials (I believe). It's a company that produces study manuals for the examinations. The manual for each exams contains outlines of all the syllabus reading and past exam problems and solutions broken down by chapter for each topic.

From what I've read in this forum it seems the CSM for Course 2 is the overwhelming favorite when it comes to study manauls for this particular exam.


Hope this helps! :D

[GraceD]

Hi, I am new guy here. I ‘d like to know what is CSM manual? Is the notes on the www.soa.org? Thank you for your help. :-?

GraceD.....CSM is Casualty Study Materials (I believe). It's a company that produces study manuals for the examinations. The manual for each exams contains outlines of all the syllabus reading and past exam problems and solutions broken down by chapter for each topic.

From what I've read in this forum it seems the CSM for Course 2 is the overwhelming favorite when it comes to study manauls for this particular exam.


Hope this helps! :D


Thanks a lot. : ) :)

[Avi]

Well, I'm using HTP. I started with Actex and hated it. I've completed IT and Finance, and started Macro today. I'm going to the Neas seminar in NJ next week and hope to finish Macro and at least start Micro by then. :shake:

[mchung]

DO u know study guide for Price Theory
and APplications good or not?

Michael :)

[c3 taker]

DO u know study guide for Price Theory
and APplications good or not?


For Price Theory I recommend reading the book. I think it's a very good read. I like the Temple manuals summaries also. The author seems to explain everything well in only a few pages per chapter.

[mchung]

Dear c2 taker?

Do u know how many numeric questions for Macroeconomics?
WHat kind of numeric problem mostly appear in exams?

Regards,
Michael Chung

[Summer]

I have finished all the readings required for the course...

I leave tomorrow for NYC.

I am debating weather to do TOI tonight to finish it, then i have done all the readings, or to review the stuff that will actually be at the course (the one that sharp offers is just FINANCE AND ECO).

I guess i will see what i am in the mood for when i get home.

[c3 taker]

Dear c2 taker?

Do u know how many numeric questions for Macroeconomics?
WHat kind of numeric problem mostly appear in exams?

Regards,
Michael Chung

I think it's about 1/3 Interest Theory, 1/3 Finance and 1/3 Econ. There will probably be more micro than macro. Macro is normally the least tested item.

[RiSK kid]

I have worked through the entire HTP.

Now I am working through CSM for Interest Theory.

[mchung]

Dear Risk Kids,

Do u think the HTP (How to Pass) Manual good for preparing
the course 2 Exam? :P

Do u think HTP demonstrate the important information, main ideas of
the syllabus?

:) :viola:


Best Wishes,
Michael Chung

[mchung]

Dear Summer lovin,

Oh, after u go seminars in NYC, what is the feelings?
Got more study skills/techniques preparing course 2?

Would u tell me the contents of seminars at NYC?

Any tips? :P :o :)

Michael Chung

[RiSK kid]

Dear Risk Kids,

Do u think the HTP (How to Pass) Manual good for preparing
the course 2 Exam? :P

Do u think HTP demonstrate the important information, main ideas of
the syllabus?

:) :viola:


Best Wishes,
Michael Chung


Hi,

I think HTP is a good review manual for course 2. For Finance you can learn the important ideas and concepts through this manual. As for interest theory and economics, it's hard to say because I have already learned and seen this material before.

For someone trying to learn these two subjects for the first time it could be very difficult to only use HTP. The manual pretty much assumes you have covered the material and then gives you examples, shortcuts and hints for writing the exam.

As for teaching you the syllabus, I would say it sucks. But as a review manual and to increase your problem solving techniques, I would say it's awesome.

[retaker]

RiSk kid, I've already ordered mine, does the manual give short cuts for other than interest theory topics, and are they tricks that aren't already in the old problems in CSM, or the past exams?

[RiSK kid]

Well for finance. I think it made the concepts really straight forward. As for shortcuts, there weren't too many ..(mostly for interest theory)

And it gives you good sample questions for macro and a small review for micro. Most of the shortcuts are for interest theory.

[retaker]

There is only one thing that was a short cut to me in the annuity section of HTP. Even with this, and the ability to solve every interest theory problem in existence, it still takes me longer than I would like to solve many interest theory problems. Interest theory isn't hard at all, but it is the most tedious, anal-retentive subject know to man. Life Contingencies is much better..

[retaker]

I think I burned up the speed circuits in my brain in the 60's. Well, the 90's anyway.

[mchung]

How about your course 2 progress?

I just read Micro.

Michael

[GenkiGirl]

Ha ha ha ha....Don't wanna write the test.... eeeek.... Didn't study enough....At least :roll: My mark will push the rest of your's up..

:-? :-? :-?