Preparing for the SOA Exam MAS-I can feel like trying to drink from a firehose—there’s so much material, so many formulas, and so little time. If you’re like most candidates, you’re balancing a full-time job, personal commitments, and the pressure to pass on your first attempt. But here’s the good news: how you study matters just as much as how much you study. Over the years, I’ve seen students who spend hundreds of hours and still struggle, while others pass with flying colors in half the time. The difference? Smart, evidence-based time management. In this article, I’ll share seven proven strategies to help you maximize your study efficiency for MAS-I, along with practical examples, real-world insights, and actionable advice you can start using today.

Strategy 1: Prioritize High-Yield Topics #

Not all topics on the MAS-I syllabus are created equal. Some chapters—like Generalized Linear Models and Regression—carry significantly more weight than others[1]. Spend a few minutes reviewing the exam syllabus and the breakdown of topic percentages. Then, map out your study plan so you’re spending the most time on the sections that are most likely to show up on the exam.

For example, Mahler’s Study Guides highlight “highly recommended” and “recommended” problems, making it easier to focus your efforts where they count[1]. If you’re pressed for time, skip the deep dives into low-yield material and double down on the heavy hitters. This isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about making every study minute count.

Strategy 2: Use Active Recall and Spaced Repetition #

Passive reading and highlighting won’t cut it for MAS-I. Research shows that active recall—forcing yourself to remember information without looking—and spaced repetition—reviewing material at increasing intervals—are the most effective ways to retain complex concepts.

Try this: After each study session, close your book and write down everything you remember. Then, check your notes and fill in the gaps. Tools like flashcards (digital or paper) are perfect for this. Many prep providers, like ACTEX and The Infinite Actuary, offer pre-made flashcards covering key formulas and concepts[5][8]. Review these daily, and you’ll be amazed at how much sticks.

Strategy 3: Practice with Real Exam Questions #

There’s no substitute for practicing with actual exam questions. Not only does this help you get comfortable with the format, but it also reveals your weak spots. Ambrose Lo’s ACTEX Study Manual, for instance, integrates hundreds of in-text examples and end-of-chapter problems modeled after real MAS-I questions[6]. Work through as many of these as you can, and don’t just skim the solutions—understand why each answer is correct.

Coaching Actuaries and The Infinite Actuary both offer massive banks of practice problems with video solutions, so you can learn from your mistakes in real time[2][8]. Aim to complete at least a few full-length practice exams under timed conditions. This builds stamina and helps you manage your time during the real test.

Strategy 4: Build a Realistic Study Schedule—And Stick to It #

Cramming might work for some exams, but MAS-I demands consistency. Break your prep into manageable chunks and spread them over several months. Use a calendar or a study app to block out specific times for studying, and treat these blocks as non-negotiable appointments.

The Infinite Actuary’s platform, for example, lets you create a custom study schedule that automatically adjusts if you miss a day[8]. Life happens—if you fall behind, don’t panic. Just redistribute your remaining tasks and keep moving forward. Consistency beats intensity every time.

Strategy 5: Leverage Multiple Learning Formats #

Everyone learns differently. Some of us thrive with videos, others with textbooks, and still others with interactive quizzes. Take advantage of the variety of resources available: ACTEX offers video lessons, interactive manuals, and formula sheets[5]; The Infinite Actuary provides over 150 video lessons and spreadsheet examples[8]; and Coaching Actuaries combines concise manuals, engaging videos, and dynamic practice tools[2][4].

Mix and match these formats to keep your studying fresh. If you’re stuck on a concept, watch a video explanation. If you need to drill formulas, use flashcards. If you want to test your understanding, jump into a quiz. This approach not only prevents burnout but also reinforces learning through multiple channels.

Strategy 6: Track Your Progress and Adjust Accordingly #

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Regularly assess your progress using practice exams and quizzes. Coaching Actuaries’ Earned Level® and Mastery Score® metrics give you a clear picture of your readiness and highlight areas needing more attention[4]. Review your wrong answers, identify patterns, and adjust your study plan to target your weaknesses.

Don’t just focus on the number of hours you’ve put in—focus on what you’ve actually learned. If you’re consistently scoring well on regression but struggling with time series, shift your focus. Be honest with yourself, and don’t be afraid to pivot.

Strategy 7: Take Care of Your Mind and Body #

Studying for MAS-I is a marathon, not a sprint. Neglecting sleep, exercise, and nutrition will hurt your performance more than any missed study session. Research consistently shows that well-rested, healthy students retain information better and perform better on exams.

Build breaks into your schedule. Go for a walk, call a friend, or just step away from your desk for a few minutes. When you’re studying, stay hydrated and eat brain-friendly snacks. And please, get enough sleep—cramming all night before the exam is a recipe for disaster.

Putting It All Together: A Sample Study Week #

Let’s make this concrete. Imagine you have three months until exam day. Here’s how you might structure a typical week using these strategies:

• Monday: Review high-yield formulas using flashcards, then work through 20 practice problems on Generalized Linear Models.
• Tuesday: Watch video lessons on Regression, take notes, and attempt a few end-of-chapter questions.
• Wednesday: Complete a timed quiz on Statistics, review incorrect answers, and revisit the relevant sections in your manual.
• Thursday: Meet with a study group (even virtually) to explain concepts to each other—teaching is one of the best ways to learn.
• Friday: Take a full-length practice exam under exam conditions, then analyze your performance.
• Saturday: Focus on your weakest areas based on Friday’s results. Use videos, textbook explanations, or ask for help in an online forum.
• Sunday: Rest. Seriously. Give your brain a chance to recharge.

Repeat this cycle, adjusting as you go, and you’ll build both knowledge and confidence.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement #

Passing MAS-I is challenging, but it’s absolutely within your reach. The key is to work smarter, not just harder. Use these evidence-based strategies to make the most of your study time, and remember: every hour spent efficiently is an hour closer to your goal.

I’ve seen countless students transform their study habits—and their results—by adopting these approaches. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent, adaptable, and kind to yourself along the way. You’ve got this. Now, go make your study time count.