Testimonial

PAK Study Manual

Testimonial

I passed my AFE exam (Spring 2010) on my first attempt with 10. I give my credit to Eddy. Thank you Eddy.

I sat for AFE this past sitting (Spring of 2010) and I passed it on my first attempt with a score of 10.

Having sat through the FAP modules, picking up pace for the brutal FSA exam was a definite challenge for me. I am glad to say that I overcame this challenge with determination, due diligence, and of course PAK's study guide package.

Many of Eddy's testimonials already elaborated more than enough on how great the study manual is per se, thus I will focus on what I felt were the key drivers in PAK in getting me a 10 (which I did not quite expect, but nevertheless thankful for). I would attributed it to (1) Eddy's active participation on his study group; (2) Eddy's emails prior to the exam; and (3) PAK's sample questions and mock exams.

(1) Study Group
By actively participating in the study group, I was able to learn and truly understand the various topics/problems that came about. There are times when I think I know a concept, then come to the realization that I do not fully understand them as I follow through and participate in the discussions/threads. Eddy was able to clarify all of the questions that I had. He actively participates in the discussions and always provided a response within hours.

(2) Eddy's emails prior to the exam
Eddy would provide invaluable exam tips and motivational words to keep me going. This was great. For many manuals, you buy it and well...that is it. PAK provided ongoing support throughout the whole exam sitting period. It is as if you have a personal coach to guide you through the exam.

(3) PAK's sample questions and mock exams
I feel this was one of the best aspect of the PAK study guide package. The questions/mock exams gave me a good idea of my weak areas, which I focused on for the last two weeks prior to the exam. I remembered when I submitted my mock exam to PAK for review, the feedback assessment was much less than ideal. It was then, I understood my weakness and learned what I could do in a short time frame to get a better score on the exam.

Thank you Eddy for writing PAK. I am certain that I would not have gotten a 10, let alone passed, without PAK and your support. I would highly recommend PAK for anyone seeking to pass AFE on the first attempt.

(By Su (Charlie) Yang)

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I passed my AFE exam (Spring 2010) on my first attempt with 10. I give my credit to Eddy. Thank you Eddy.

I started my study in Dec and followed Eddy's suggested schedule. I studied almost every day, even at Christmas. I kept Eddy busy as I asked him tons of questions. Eddy is always very patient to explain all the questions in time. Remember, it is our benefits if we purchase the original versions of PAK study manual.

I like PAK Past SOA Questions. It helps a lot after reading each study note. As we are studying for the exam, we have to get familiar with SOA exam style questions. The past questions are definitely useful. .

I like PAK Memorization Map. It helps a lot in the last month as we have to remember so much. The map links all the relevant materials. I printed the map in A3 sized paper and I added my additional notes on it as well. On the exam day, the only thing I brought was the map.

I like PAK mock questions. Eddy is very good at guessing the questions. Before the exam, the only thing we cannot miss is to practice PAK mock questions. And I practiced all the questions at least twice to ensure myself understanding all the principles behind the questions.

Thank you Eddy. You are the best tutor I have met.

(By Vivian Zhu)

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I loved the graded practice exam because it wasn't just made-up questions with solutions. My exam habits were analyzed in great detail and my grade split into various categories of how well I handled aspects of the exam like Timing and Critical Thinking. I already knew what I needed to memorize, but Eddy told me WHAT to do differently. I also found the outlines of the readings to be a great balance of memorizable, yet comprehensive. And finding all relevant practice questions from ALL tracks for the last 10 years!? That's getting your money's worth! Oh, and I can't forget how thoroughly responsive and supportive/motivating Eddy is to questions and even seemingly irrelevant concerns not directly pertaining to exam material. Highly recommended.

(By Russell, Brooklyn NY)

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When I first decided to do the final FSA exams, I was completely clueless about where to begin, when to begin, how to do it, how to get efficiently prepared for these exams. With the PAK Study Manual, not only did I get good résumés of awfully long and sometimes very dry study notes, but I also got the support of the very friendly Eddy. The tips that he gave me were essential. With these tips, I knew where I was going from the first day of the 4 months study to the last minute of the exam on the final day. Even with my little experience and knowledge of the financial world, I passed the FETE exam on the first try and right know I feel good about the AFE, which I just wrote and will have to wait two months for the results. Eddy, you truely are an excellent guide and I will recommend you to anyone attempting those monstruous exams.

(By Damien, Montreal Canada)

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I liked PAK study package a lot and would like to tell you my favorable features.

1.   Clearly expression. Some sentences in SNs and textbooks were very difficult to understand. PAK’s manual clearly summarized all the information. For example, most of the candidates found that some questions (i.e. Q7 in FETE Fall 2009) were very hard. Just get back to the manual. You will find they are all included in the manual.

2.   How to prepare for FSA exam? Everybody was in the same boat when I prepared for the exam in the first time. How did I make it? Yes, it is Eddy who gave me many guidances before and after I purchased PAK’s study package. Do you want this information? Just contact Eddy. He will kindly tell you many things that you may not know if you are in your first sitting for the FSA exam.

3.   How to allocate the time efficiently? (There are less than 6 months for preparation.) Eddy shared his own experience which will help you a lot to be well-prepared for the exam.

4.   How to memorize a lot of materials? I used PAK’s condensed summary to refresh what I learnt quickly and got the key points that I should know. Flash cards were also helpful when I was on train, or in gym..

5.   Syllabus changes every year. I always wonder whether some past questions were still on the syllabus. Eddy helped you pick all the relevant questions based on the current syllabus. What I needed to do was just to keep practicing and practicing.

6.   I tested my knowledge in his mock exam. Eddy gave me detailed feedbacks of my answers and advice on how to improve my scores.

7.   If you are not sure which manual you will purchase , you can download the sample manual and make a comparison. The result will tell which one is better.

Best wishes to all the candidates.

(By Haoyu Xie - Beijing)

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My current position at work does not lend itself to effective preparation for exams, so it is extremely important to me to get a good study guide. I purchased the PAK Study Package as part of my preparation for the Spring 2009 AFE Exam. I can unequivocally say that it was the best study guide that I have used as I've made my way through the SOA exam system. I did not think that I would have enough study time to pass, but I was able to use what time I did have to focus on the detailed outlines provided. Also, Eddy provided guidelines that highlighted the most important areas to study and included helpful FSA exam-taking tips. I'm fairly certain I would not have passed AFE without the PAK Study Package.

It was a no-brainer to sign up for the PAK Study Package for the Fall 2009 FETE Exam. As usual, Eddy was frequently available to answer whatever questions students had. In addition, he created electronic flash cards that were very helpful. Almost every train ride to and from work in the month before the exam involved me flipping through those flash cards on my IPhone. The package also included a memorization map, a very valuable tool which tied together lists from different readings (which candidates need to be able to do on exam day).

I am not sure whether I passed my latest exam, but I am sure that Eddy gave me my best chance of passing.

(By David)

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I have to say that Eddy's manual, practice questions, and notecards are the primary reason that I felt confident on this FETE exam. Even more impressive were his tips, some of which, saved me on exam day. His commitment and dedication to helping students pass is going to make this manual better and better every sitting. Don't miss out!

(By Marc)

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After spending several months reading through the required material the SOA specified for the May 2009 AFE/ERM exam, I was beginning to worry that I would not be able to complete and fully digest the readings . With a little more than four weeks to go before the exam, I decided to augment my studying with the Study Package for the AFE/ERM exam provided by Eddy Chan. During the entire process the customer service was stellar. Specifically, Eddy provided me with some sample material in order to give some assurance regarding the product I was about to purchase.

After I realized that the Study Package contents (which include condensed summaries, sample exam questions and detailed answers) were exactly what I needed, I decided to make the investment. During the period of time when I was reading the material and studying the detailed answers, I submitted several lists of questions to Eddy. He promptly provided answers on several separate occasions. On one occasion he even answered a question that I had regarding the correctness of the contents of one of the articles the SOA had assigned.

The extra boost I got from working the Study Package was enough for a passing grade on the AFE/ERM exam.

I would strongly recommend using the Study Package as clearly presents filtered and pertinent information that is contained in the myriad of documents that the SOA provides.

With the help of Eddy Chan I can say I have successfully completed the final (and toughest) requirement for the SOA’s CERA designation.

Thanks Eddy!

(By Kevin Erker, Financial Analyst at Quantitative Risk Management)

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I was fairly disappointed when I failed the AFE exam in spring of 2008. I realized that the main reason I failed was because I did not have good and sufficient material to understand, memorize and practice the various topics of this exam. There was no doubt in my mind that I would need to find something better.

I browsed the Actuarial Outpost to find the proper study manual for the AFE exam of spring 2009. There seemed to be a consensus that the PAK Savings Package was the best tool. I decided to give it a shot and quickly realized that I was not only getting a study manual, but I was also getting a study method, a study group and a coach. Studying with the PAK study manual really improved my study time efficiency and my understanding of the material. I now had the edge needed to succeed.

The exam went exceptionally well and I passed it with a 9. I am now studying the FETE with the PAK and feel confident that I will have all the necessary tools to pass it on my first attempt.

(by Patrick Duplessis, Montreal)

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"PAK helped me pass my AFE/ERM exam at my first sitting with a high score. In addition to the excellent-written, well-organised and comprehensive study manual, I believe there is something you can't buy with money: an impeccable instructor."

(by Keli, UK)

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"When Spring 2009 rolled around, I read about the praise that candidates were giving an AFE manual written by an Actuarial Outpost user with the handle "PAK." When I attempted AFE in Spring 2008, I used some study manuals that were very poorly designed and poorly written. I decided to give PAK's Study Package a shot, because it couldn't be worse than those "other" manuals. I was in for a surprise! PAK's Study Package was not only well organized, it was very easy to read and understand! For many of the readings - I felt that PAK's summary was more than enough to give me the knowledge necessary to pass!

PAK not only offers an absolutely fantastic manual, but he is one of the most hands-on instructors I have been associated with. Not only does PAK answer questions sent to him via e-mail, he regularly checks the Actuarial Outpost and answers questions posted on the forum! It's clear that PAK really wants candidates to pass this exam, and is willing to help whenever possible!"

(By Mark Schopfer)

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"Purchasing the AFE Supplement really paid dividends. Working and re-working the practice problems was a great way to cap off my exam preparation. Several of the problems involved creative ways of applying the course material to the case study. I highly recommend using the AFE Supplement 3-4 weeks before the exam to test your knowledge, identify areas that need further review, and help you understand how to write effective answers which will help you score the points you need on Exam Day."

(By Todd)

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General Comments

http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=178747

http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=165027

http://www.actuarialoutpost.com/actuarial_discussion_forum/showthread.php?t=152089

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