I’m honestly terrified right now. I’ve been studying for the Series 7 Monday through Saturday since July 8th, but I’m so scared of failing again. I passed the SIE on my first try back on July 3rd (started studying for the SIE June 17th with no background in finance at all), and then jumped straight into Series 7 started studying July 8th. I took my first attempt on August 20th (scored 63%) and my second on September 23rd (scored 68%). The pressure is really on because if I fail this next time, my job will 100% let me go.
I really want to pass and have put in a ton of study time, but I’m struggling to retain all the random facts. It’s just not sticking the way I need it to. I switched to Achievable last week (was using STC before) and I’m currently on Chapter 7 of their online textbook. I’ve even gone through “Series 7 for Dummies.”
Any advice? Encouragement? Direct guidance? I feel stuck and could really use some help.
(For context, I have no background in finance or business—my previous roles have been as a mom, homemaker, and school teacher. This whole field is new to me, but I know I can be successful in this job if I can pass these exams!)
Hi @BritneyR. I previously responded to you with some helpful guidance on how to succeed with the Achievable course, so make sure to read that again for reassurance on how to prepare properly. I have also taken a look at your study progress and have some tips for how to improve. You are going through your exams too quickly - some in just 6 minutes. I suggest slowing down and reading each question and the possible choices thoroughly. Sometimes, reading the answers and going backward to the question can help, too, when you are stuck, and it can help you better understand the choices and why they are there. When you finish an exam, you need to spend a significant amount of time reviewing it afterward. That way, you can better understand the concepts and see which areas you need to look into more and which areas you already have down. As a general reminder, your exam readiness score and how you do on the full-length practice exams are good indicators of how prepared you are for the real exam. Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to support you as you continue to study. Thank you, -Brenden
Thank you for the feedback. The exam I went through fast (6mins) was Chapter 4: Corporate debt #1, I felt like I knew those answers, I made an 85%, but you are right if I slow down that 85% may have been 100%.
I missed the mark with the Series 7 by 4points, that hurt. I am doing EVERYTHING in my power to retain this information, but man oh man does FINRA like to write questions in the most convoluted confusing way. I have been teaching in some way or fashion for over 10 years and I have utilized every study tool recommended and read through the STC manual twice, I switched to Achievable once my company told me they were giving me a 3rd opportunity.
I am praying that working my way through Achievable and utilizing my other study skills (reviewing my lime green poster boards all over my walls) I will pass, because otherwise I will 100% be fired. I know I can be successful in this career if I can just get past the test.
Also very curious at what kind of job position were you able to get with no finance background? But good luck on your 3rd attempt on the 7 series exam!
@Crystal_Glover For the SIE, I dedicated 50-65 hours per week to studying from June 17th to July 3rd, Monday through Saturday, with Sundays as my only day off. In total, I prepared for 14 days.
I began studying for the Series 7 on July 8th. I’ve taken the exam twice so far (unfortunately not passing either time), but I’m scheduled to take it again on October 30th, and I’m confident this will be the time I pass!
To answer your question, I’ve secured a position as a Financial Advisor, which aligns well with my passion for finance and education. I have extensive experience in education, and transitioning to a career where I can help people reach their financial goals while also advancing my own financial success seemed like a more fulfilling path than continuing to teach 13-14-year-olds subjects they often weren’t interested in learning.
Good morning @Brenden and @Justin Could you please review my account and check my progress? As I approach test day, I’ve been working diligently through the material. I really wish I had started with Achievable from the beginning instead of STC. The structure and design of Achievable is something I genuinely appreciate—it just makes so much more sense to me.
Hi @BritneyR, it looks like you’re doing well overall! My advice is very similar to Brenden’s:
Slow down a bit, aiming to use 1/2 to 2/3 of the time. This will help you avoid accidental errors, give you more time to carefully think about the question, consider the concepts, and master the topics more thoroughly.
It looks like you’ve skimmed through many of the chapters, which is natural given you have a lot of exposure to the material. That said, if you have a weaker understanding of some concepts, please give those sections a read to fill in any gaps.
Most importantly, spend much more time reviewing your past exams! After you finish an exam, give yourself a brief break to recover, and then immediately review it question by question. Give yourself a day or two to let the material sink in, and then retest yourself using the “Focus” mode of that same exam. This will help you master the topics you’re getting wrong; with focused review, you’re likely to keep making the same mistakes.
Keep at it, with plenty of review, and you should be in good shape!
I take the REAL Series 7 in 6 days, I bought Kaplan Qbank Monday and took one of their practice test yesterday and made a 71. I was REALLY distracted today and made a 58 on my practice test with Achievable (lots of personal family things going on, yay motherhood) My readiness score is currently an 87%. Any guesses on what my chances of passing the actual exam next Wednesday are?
Hi @BritneyR, I think you’re on the right track and will pass if you keep up your studying until the end!
I reviewed your account again and have one major piece of feedback: review the exams you’ve taken!
I know I sound like a broken record, but it is absolutely essential to go through question by question and review everything missed or guessed. The exams help uncover weaker areas, but it’s carefully reviewing those topics that will improve your master of the material to get it right next time.
I reviewed a couple of the exams, but I will make it a point to be more intentional about reviewing even the questions that I got lucky on and just guessed. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
