C7 (next year) vs modules

[Kenny]

If I want to take C7 next summer/fall I will need to pass 6 this spring and obtain an experience waiver. In order to make sure I get into a seminar in either August or December I was thinking about taking the Pre-test this February so I could apply for the AUgust seminar while awaiting C6 results. Unfortunately, if I don't pass 6 the pre-test is out the window. Is it worth it considering the FAP modules will(should) be ready by then plus at that point I will still have C8, EA-2B, and CSP to study for (the point being I still have other things to take so it isn't like I'll be sitting around waiting for the Capstone module in 2007 to receive my FSA)? Should I try to squeeze in C7 or should I wait and just do the modules? What do you see as the benefits/problems of either approach?

[wat?]

If I want to take C7 next summer/fall I will need to pass 6 this spring and obtain an experience waiver. In order to make sure I get into a seminar in either August or December I was thinking about taking the Pre-test this February so I could apply for the AUgust seminar while awaiting C6 results. Unfortunately, if I don't pass 6 the pre-test is out the window. Is it worth it considering the FAP modules will(should) be ready by then plus at that point I will still have C8, EA-2B, and CSP to study for (the point being I still have other things to take so it isn't like I'll be sitting around waiting for the Capstone module in 2007 to receive my FSA)? Should I try to squeeze in C7 or should I wait and just do the modules? What do you see as the benefits/problems of either approach?

I think I'm having a little trouble with understanding your schedule. Do you have 1-4 right now? If so, how's the studying for your Spring 2006 term going to look like? FAP 1-5 + Course 6, or just Course 6?

[Course 5 Zoombie]

IMHO, certain is always better than uncertain. C7 looks like very easy comparatively with other upper courses. I am going for C7 as well with hope that I can clear off C5 this November.

[Kenny]

I think I'm having a little trouble with understanding your schedule. Do you have 1-4 right now? If so, how's the studying for your Spring 2006 term going to look like? FAP 1-5 + Course 6, or just Course 6?
At the moment, just 6. I forgot to add FAP 1-5 into my list of things left to do. If I feel like I need more to do in the Spring (very doubtful) I might start doing modules 1-5 after they have been offered for a month or two.

[Kenny]

IMHO, certain is always better than uncertain. C7 looks like very easy comparatively with other upper courses. I am going for C7 as well with hope that I can clear off C5 this November.

I agree with the sentiment, but I still have a bit of uncertainty in whether I will be able to attend the seminar at all. If I take the pre-test in December or February and I don't pass 6, the time and money is wasted. While I think I am likely to pass, I don't have the most spectacular exam performance. I want to make the smart decision rather than trying to squeeze too much in and screwing something up.

[dec]

IMHO, certain is always better than uncertain. C7 looks like very easy comparatively with other upper courses. I am going for C7 as well with hope that I can clear off C5 this November.

For those who plan to use experience waiver to go to C7 seminar next year, how can you be sure that you can get in? There will be a lot of people trying to attend C7 seminars next year and only limited number of space available.

Btw, what happens if you applied for seminars but didn't get in? Do they charge you any service fee?

[wat?]

At the moment, just 6. I forgot to add FAP 1-5 into my list of things left to do. If I feel like I need more to do in the Spring (very doubtful) I might start doing modules 1-5 after they have been offered for a month or two.

Well, let's assume a couple things:

1) C5 Zoombie's right - Course 7 is preferred over FAP 6-8 + the 2nd exam.
2) Course 6 will be enough to keep you busy for the Spring, even though you've seen it all.

Well, then the dilemma comes in the fall, right (that may be the whole point and I'm just stating the obvious :duh:)? Anyway, should you pass Course 6, then Course 7 is the optimal route. If you don't happen to pass, then you'll have the FAP modules waiting for you, all rolled out by the time you get to them (the 8th one should be released in August, well after you'd be ready to take it).

As for the pre-test: if you don't happen to pass, then sure - it won't really count for anything. But that's where you'd have to weigh the utility: is it worth the expense and minimal effort invested to take the pre-test in order to qualify for Course 7 and knock out what's probably one of the easier requirements?

[wat?]

For those who plan to use experience waiver to go to C7 seminar next year, how can you be sure that you can get in? There will be a lot of people trying to attend C7 seminars next year and only limited number of space available.

Btw, what happens if you applied for seminars but didn't get in? Do they charge you any service fee?

There will be a lot of people - but somewhere on this board, that particular issue has been addressed, and a rep from the SOA regarding Course 7 has said that more seminars than usual will be available in 2006.

And if you don't get in, you're refunded in full. At least, that's what happens if the seminar gets canceled. I'm pretty sure the same goes for ineligible applicants.

[Kenny]

Well, let's assume a couple things:

1) C5 Zoombie's right - Course 7 is preferred over FAP 6-8 + the 2nd exam.
2) Course 6 will be enough to keep you busy for the Spring, even though you've seen it all.

Well, then the dilemma comes in the fall, right (that may be the whole point and I'm just stating the obvious :duh:)? Anyway, should you pass Course 6, then Course 7 is the optimal route. If you don't happen to pass, then you'll have the FAP modules waiting for you, all rolled out by the time you get to them (the 8th one should be released in August, well after you'd be ready to take it).

As for the pre-test: if you don't happen to pass, then sure - it won't really count for anything. But that's where you'd have to weigh the utility: is it worth the expense and minimal effort invested to take the pre-test in order to qualify for Course 7 and knock out what's probably one of the easier requirements?

I just bothered to look at the costs, since that is one determining factor. I see the pre-test is a piddly $150. No problem there and I doubt the materials will be much worse. I guess it really comes down to C7 seminar fee + cost of attending + getting it out of the way vs. waiting for unknown modules and taking that much longer. We'll see what the Spring Catalog has to say about the new modules once it is published.

Just thought of one other benefit to taking 7 vs modules + exam + FSA capstone module, total amount of time. Expected time for 7 is 1-2 months study for pre-test and seminar prep + seminar. Expected time for new stuff is at least 3 months since FAP modules are expected to take 1/month.

[Kenny]

For those who plan to use experience waiver to go to C7 seminar next year, how can you be sure that you can get in? There will be a lot of people trying to attend C7 seminars next year and only limited number of space available.

Btw, what happens if you applied for seminars but didn't get in? Do they charge you any service fee?
I will second this concern. Hopefully the "more than normal" will be enough.

[wat?]

I just bothered to look at the costs, since that is one determining factor. I see the pre-test is a piddly $150. No problem there and I doubt the materials will be much worse. I guess it really comes down to C7 seminar fee + cost of attending + getting it out of the way vs. waiting for unknown modules and taking that much longer. We'll see what the Spring Catalog has to say about the new modules once it is published.

Just thought of one other benefit to taking 7 vs modules + exam + FSA capstone module, total amount of time. Expected time for 7 is 1-2 months study for pre-test and seminar prep + seminar. Expected time for new stuff is at least 3 months since FAP modules are expected to take 1/month.

For the record, study notes from the SOA are $225, and the Actex is about $80-90. You don't get reimbursed for it? Or paid for by company?