Tutors work with students preparing for the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) preliminary exams, including Exam P (Probability), Exam FM (Financial Mathematics), Exam IFM (Investment and Financial Markets), and Exam LTAM (Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics). Each exam has distinct content and difficulty levels, and tutors tailor instruction to address the specific topics and question formats students will encounter.

Students often struggle with probability theory fundamentals, mastering financial mathematics formulas, and applying concepts to complex, multi-step problems under time pressure. Additionally, many find it difficult to transition from coursework to exam-style questions, which require deeper conceptual understanding and faster problem-solving. Tutors help identify these specific weak areas and build targeted strategies to address them before exams.

During the initial session, a tutor will assess your current understanding of actuarial science concepts, discuss your exam timeline and goals, and identify specific topics where you need the most support. This diagnostic approach helps create a personalized study plan tailored to your learning style and schedule. You'll leave with clarity on what to focus on and how tutoring will help you progress toward your exam goals.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand exam format, build time-management skills, and reveal knowledge gaps before the actual exam. Research on learning shows that practice testing is one of the most effective study strategies. Tutors use practice test results to guide instruction, helping you understand why you missed questions and teaching you strategies to avoid similar mistakes on exam day.

Most students benefit from 100-150 hours of focused study per exam, spread over 3-6 months depending on their background and the exam difficulty. Tutors help create realistic study schedules that balance coursework, tutoring sessions, and independent practice. They also adjust pacing based on your progress, ensuring you cover all content while building confidence before exam day.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have strong backgrounds in actuarial science, mathematics, and statistics. Many have passed actuarial exams themselves or hold actuarial credentials, giving them deep knowledge of exam content and effective problem-solving strategies. When you connect with a tutor, you'll learn about their specific experience and expertise with the exams you're preparing for.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about content or question formats. By working through practice problems, learning multiple solution approaches, and taking full-length practice tests with feedback, you build genuine confidence in your abilities. Tutors also teach test-taking strategies like pacing techniques and question prioritization, which reduce anxiety and help you perform your best under pressure.