Here are 5 hacks that will ensure better understanding of the Quants section:

1. Numbers are your friends.

Usually, big calculations can throw us off our game, and we end up blundering. That’s because the complex string of numbers often makes us forget that we know numbers. In order to get better at numbers, consider 20 random calculations (can be addition, subtraction, multiplication or division  – whichever you’re most uncomfortable with) and solve it within a set period of time. This will increase your focus and deal with numbers better. You’ll also start figuring out shortcuts for big calculations, and remember tables easier.

2. The formula to become the formulae wizard

Take down a list of the important formulae, and take a long, hard look at them. You don’t need to rote learn the formulae. Once you know how they were derived, or even the logic behind their output, it gets much easier to keep track of them. Every morning, before you begin your studies, take aside a couple of minutes to just look at your list of formulae. This stimulates learning by visual memory. If you’re an auditory learner, then record a tape of yourself reciting those formulae and play it whenever you wish to.

3. Analyse to Maximize

More important than any other hack is this age old tradition. The reason why mock tests exist is so that we can prepare for the real ones. But, instead of directly beginning with timing yourself, for the first couple of tests, don’t. Once, you get the idea of how long it’s taking you to figure out the question, you can work on minimizing that time. Analysis after a test will help you see which areas require work.

4. Strengthen your language

Understanding the problem question is the biggest hurdle. The longer it takes you to figure out the data, the more marks you lose. Having a strong understanding of the language that the test is in, will encourage you to focus wholly on the data provided instead of decoding. That means more time to actually work with the data, and solve more questions.

5. Keep all options open

Ah no, this doesn’t mean that all options are correct. It just means that sometimes there are more than one interpretations of a question. You need to consider the entire data given, pay attention to the footnotes or the conversion values given. These areas usually require you to be thinking laterally instead of factually. So, for the sake of the question given, you have to forget what you think is factually correct.

The most important point here is, that constant practice and being in touch with the subject will get you closer to your target score. Unless your test has negative marking, attempt everything. But, if you’re unfortunate enough to be attempting a test with negative marking, you need to learn to choose which topics you’re the strongest at, and decide which questions you will solve.

You can always connect with a Study Partner to help you stay focused and keep you motivated. You can register at www.StudyPal.co to connect with a prep buddy nearby.

The FRM or Financial Risk Manager exam is a professional certification examination conducted worldwide by the GARP or Global Association of Risk Professionals for risk professionals and is globally recognized.

FRM consists of two paper based tests – FRM Part-1 and FRM Part-2 which need to be cleared in sequence; that is though you can appear for both the parts at one single time; the second paper will be evaluated only if you clear the first one. Held in May and November every year; this highly professional and demanding test requires great precision and practice on the part of the examinee.

StudyPal brings to you 5 tricks to grace your FRM exam; straight from our experts, to help you crack FRM a lot more easily:

1. THE GARP WEBSITE

The official website of the GARP or Global Association of Risk Professionals hosts two very crucial reference material for your FRM prep; the Study Guide and the AIM statements. The Study Guide; an open resource available to everyone; provides a broad overview of the exam syllabus whereas the AIM Statement is available only to ones registered for the FRM exam and lists the learning objectives topic wise. As a serious examinee; going through these details before you settle down to study will help a great deal in chalking out the study plan and get the top scores you have always dreamt of.

2. THE BOOKS

For the FRM exam; it is advisable to go the traditional way around. The GARP website enlists some great reading list that is necessary to pass the exam. These books are generally available with every serious practitioner; and it will be clever on your part if you take this list seriously. Buy the books and go through them if you want the easiest way to study that will help you grace the test.

3. THE STUDY HOURS
The fact about FRM is; you need dedication to clear the exam. Even if you are good at your work; the certification test is necessarily intensive and demands longer spans of concentration with each paper running into four long hours at a stretch. Practice is the key here and it is advisable to start as early as three to four months before the test to help you build that kind of concentration and mental stamina.

4. USE ONLINE RESOURCES

This is the era of technology. From your personal laptop to the smart phone in your pocket; you can utilize them all to increase your productivity. Surf through online study materials, go through the tutorial videos and download the apps that can help you study and help yourself to the plethora of options open for studying better for the upcoming FRM test.

5. GET HELP

Studying for exams like FRM doesn’t come easy, especially if you are doing it alone all by yourself. It is always a better option to find a study partner or two and form a study group which can meet up at least once a week to discuss the problems and the progress. The healthy competition will not only push you to attain excellence but also help fuel your spirits when then tend to run low.

Now, that the list is up, what are you waiting for? Go and brew yourself some of that strong tea and get set to work for the very best. The world awaits your rising; and FRM is just another test you will definitely ace; provided that you unfailingly work hard towards the goal without flinching.

For preparation related tips from our StudyGurus or to find a Study partner for yourself; signup at www.studypal.co today and explore a world of undiscovered friends and guides, just near you!