Today I updated problem #14 in the practice problem set called “LFV-U Exam-Style Practice Problems”. This problem was previously based on a reading that was no longer on the syllabus. The new version is based on the new FASB ED and PwC study notes (LFV-817 and LFV-132).
I posted several drill problems to Section E.1 today.
Just a reminder that the registration deadline for LFV is tomorrow, March 25. If you plan to take LFV on May 2, be sure to register through the SOA!
Because I just can’t stop talking about flash cards apparently. Anyway, two more updates. . .
The Analysis of Past Exams has been updated to include the fall 2013 exam. This is available in both PDF and spreadsheet format on the SOA Exams tab of the online seminar.
The Analysis of Past Exams shows all the questions from past SOA exams that are still relevant to the current syllabus. It breaks each question down by type (calculation vs. verbal) and shows the syllabus source and point value of each.
It’s a great way to quickly find past problems related to specific readings.
You can also use the point values to grab a quick list of questions to work under time-constrained exam conditions. For example, if you have 2 study hours available at work one afternoon and want to practice exam problems, you could select 40 points worth of questions (3 minutes per point) and work those while practicing time management skills.
With the exam now 6 weeks away, this is a good time to begin thinking about your exam-day strategy. During the last 4 weeks, I highly recommend practicing your time management skills as much as possible.
Section A, pp. 71–72-1: The content for LFV-800 (IASA Ch. 12) was previously showing Ch. 8 of that study note. Ch. 8 already appears earlier in the Section condensed outline. Now both chapters are correct and in their correct location.
I’m happy to announce that we now offer the flash cards in JPEG (image) format as well. I’ve added JPEG versions to the flash card download file along with some additional instructions in the “read me” file that comes with the download.
Additionally, I added an Amazon link to a type of 3×5 index cards that work well with the “FrontBack” version if you prefer to print those on card stock. We’ve tested this and found that it works well.
The flash cards are now available in three different formats, but the content of the cards is the same in each format. Please use what suits you and your device(s) best.
Project “overhaul LFV-U flash cards” is complete. There are now just over 450 flash cards posted in the Supplementary Section of the online seminar.
These cards have been completely rewritten since the previous exam sitting and do an even better job of zeroing in on the important, high level concepts, lists, and formulas from each reading on the syllabus.
The flash cards are also written in a “Q&A” format, where each one asks a question based on a keyword or phrase. A critical FSA exam skill is the ability to link key words to additional detail in your mind before the exam.
Just a few notes about the forum. . .
I check the forum at least 3 times a week during the workweek — usually Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In April, the last month before the exam, I will do my best to check the forum 7 days a week — yes, including weekends. I know how critical it is for you to get answers quickly when time is winding down!
On rare occasions, a forum post will fall through the cracks. If you ever post a question for me in the forum and don’t get a response in 48 hours, feel free to email me.
I’m happy to announce two new exciting features on our website today.
Evaluate your progress against your peers. The next time you log in, you’ll be prompted to select your exam date. Once you do this, you’ll be able to see how many other people have completed various lessons in the online seminar.
Flag lessons for follow-up. Because the syllabus is so large, I always encourage people to keep moving, especially during the first couple of passes over the material. One way to help keep yourself moving is to flag lessons that you struggle with so you can come back to them later. You can now do this right on the website. You’ll see a flag icon next to each lesson. You can also also filter the lesson view to show only flagged lessons – making it easy to review them later.