8I Memorization

[Kimmy]

Is it true that 8I has less memorization to do than course 5 or 6? I find that there are so many more lists to memorize or am I overdoing it? I am only trying to memorize those lists in ActuaryBert's Condensed Outline but that seems like a lot to me already. Please comment. And ActuaryBert, if you are around, would you mind giving us some tips? Thanks!

[Actuarybert]

I agree that the quantity of material and the number of lists are a bit overwhelming. And no, I don't think it's necessary to memorize the entire condensed outline in order to pass the exam. (I pretty much memorized all of the lists in the condensed outline. However, in retrospect, this was definitely overkill).

My advice would be to start by learning the lists that you think are the most important and/or the most likely to be asked on the exam. Once you have a handle on those lists, go back and start memorizing some of the less important lists, as time permits. Obviously, you're not going to be able to sit down and memorize a 90-page condensed outline all at once. But if you start early (which it sounds like you're doing) and just try to learn the material little by little, you'll be surprised at how much you can remember.

One other tip: I think it's important to focus on understanding the basic concepts, rather than just memorizing lists. Even after you've started memorizing the condensed outline, I would recommend re-reading your detailed outline on a pretty regular basis, in order to reinforce your understanding of the material. If you have a good understanding of the material, you'll probably find that you can come up with 50-75% of the items on most lists, just by thinking about the question and drawing on your general knowledge. The more that you can rely on your general knowledge and understanding, the less you'll have to rely on rote memorization, and the easier it will be.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

[Kimmy]

Thank you very much, Actuarybert. The tips are really helpful!