Students typically struggle most with survival models, present value calculations for complex insurance products, and applying multiple decrements in real-world scenarios. The exam also requires strong problem-solving skills under time pressure, as questions often involve multi-step calculations and interpretation of actuarial notation. Many test-takers find the transition from earlier exams to LTAM's applied focus requires a shift in study strategy.

Most candidates benefit from 3-4 months of consistent preparation, dedicating 10-15 hours per week to studying and practice problems. Your timeline may vary depending on your background in calculus, probability, and financial mathematics. A personalized study plan from an expert tutor can help you identify your strongest and weakest areas, allowing you to allocate study time more efficiently.

Practice tests reveal gaps in your knowledge, help you develop pacing strategies for the actual exam, and reduce test anxiety by familiarizing you with question formats and time constraints. Working through full-length practice exams under timed conditions is one of the most effective ways to build confidence and identify which topics need deeper review. Many successful test-takers complete at least 5-8 full practice exams before sitting for the real test.

Look for tutors who have passed LTAM themselves and have experience helping multiple students prepare for the exam. Ideally, they should understand both the technical content and the most common student misconceptions, plus be familiar with the exam's evolving syllabus and question styles. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who combine deep actuarial knowledge with proven teaching ability.

Your first session typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify your current strengths and weak areas, a review of your study goals and timeline, and an overview of the most important topics to prioritize. Your tutor will also discuss your learning style and preferred pacing so they can tailor future sessions to maximize your progress. This foundation helps ensure every subsequent session is focused and productive.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows a tutor to focus entirely on your specific challenges—whether that's mastering survival models, improving calculation speed, or building test-taking confidence. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, your tutor can adjust explanations, practice problems, and pacing based on what works best for you. For students in Grand Rapids preparing for LTAM, this targeted approach often leads to faster progress and higher exam scores.

Score improvement varies based on your starting point, study consistency, and how quickly you apply feedback from your tutor. Students who work with an expert tutor typically see gains in both accuracy and speed, often improving by 10-20 percentage points over their practice test baseline. The key is identifying your weak areas early and dedicating focused practice to those topics with your tutor's guidance.