The Society of Actuaries (SOA) and Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS) offer a series of rigorous exams, starting with Exam P (Probability) and Exam FM (Financial Mathematics), which test advanced calculus and probability concepts. These exams have pass rates typically between 30-50%, making them significantly more challenging than standard college exams—strong preparation and focused study strategies are essential for success.

Students often struggle with the transition from traditional calculus to probability theory and advanced statistical reasoning, as well as the time management required to master complex problem sets and exam-style questions. Many also find it challenging to connect abstract mathematical concepts to real-world applications in insurance and risk management, which is critical for both understanding and exam performance.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows tutors to identify your specific weak areas—whether that's probability distributions, financial calculations, or exam pacing—and create a customized study plan that targets those gaps. This focused approach helps you build confidence, master difficult concepts faster, and develop effective problem-solving strategies that translate directly to exam success.

Most actuarial candidates spend 100-300 hours preparing for individual exams like Exam P or FM, depending on their mathematical background and the exam difficulty. A tutor can help you develop a realistic study schedule that fits your timeline, breaks material into manageable sections, and incorporates spaced repetition and practice testing—proven techniques that improve retention and exam performance.

Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who have deep knowledge of actuarial science, exam preparation, and the mathematical concepts tested on SOA and CAS exams. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your specific goals—whether you're preparing for your first exam or working toward fellowship—and they'll tailor instruction to your needs and timeline.

Practice tests simulate real exam conditions and help you identify knowledge gaps, weak areas, and pacing issues before test day—research in learning science shows that practice testing significantly improves retention and performance compared to passive studying. A tutor can help you analyze your practice test results, understand why you missed questions, and develop targeted strategies to strengthen those areas.

Your first session is an opportunity to discuss your goals, current skill level, and timeline for exam preparation. The tutor will assess your understanding of key concepts, identify your strongest and weakest areas, and work with you to create a personalized study plan that maximizes your preparation time and sets you up for success on your actuarial exams.