STAM focuses on survival models, life tables, premium calculations, reserves, and insurance risk theory. The exam tests your ability to apply probability and calculus to real-world actuarial scenarios, including loss distributions, credibility theory, and ruin theory. A strong foundation in calculus and probability is essential, as the exam emphasizes both computational skills and conceptual understanding of how insurance products work.

Most candidates benefit from 3-6 months of focused preparation, dedicating 10-15 hours per week to study. The timeline depends on your background—students with strong calculus and probability skills may need less time, while those needing to refresh fundamentals may need longer. Personalized tutoring can help you identify knowledge gaps early and create an efficient study schedule tailored to your pace.

Students often struggle with survival analysis, premium calculation methodologies, and applying multiple concepts within a single problem. Time management is another major challenge—STAM requires solving complex multi-step problems under pressure, and many test-takers find themselves rushing through calculations. Working with a tutor helps you develop systematic problem-solving strategies and practice pacing techniques so you can tackle difficult questions confidently.

Practice tests are critical for STAM success. They help you identify weak areas, build familiarity with question formats, and develop time management skills under exam conditions. Taking full-length practice exams regularly—ideally every 2-3 weeks during your study period—gives you realistic feedback on your readiness. A tutor can review your practice test results with you, pinpoint specific problem types where you struggle, and help you refine your approach before test day.

Personalized 1-on-1 instruction allows a tutor to focus on your specific weak areas rather than generic review. For students in Milwaukee preparing for STAM, tutoring accelerates learning by clarifying difficult concepts, teaching efficient problem-solving strategies, and building exam confidence through targeted practice. Tutors can also help you develop a realistic study plan, review your practice test mistakes in detail, and provide accountability throughout your preparation.

Look for tutors who have passed STAM themselves and ideally hold actuarial credentials (ASA, FSA, or higher). They should have experience teaching actuarial exams and understand common student misconceptions. When you connect with Varsity Tutors, we match you with expert tutors who have proven success helping students master STAM content and develop the problem-solving skills needed to excel on test day.

Your first session is an assessment and planning conversation. The tutor will discuss your background, identify your strongest and weakest areas, understand your timeline and goals, and determine which topics need the most focus. Together, you'll create a personalized study plan that prioritizes high-impact concepts and builds toward consistent practice test performance. This foundation ensures every session afterward is strategically focused on moving you toward exam readiness.