Customer Reviews

The Boston Institute of Finance Stockbroker Course: Series 7 and 63 Test Prep + CD

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

As other reviews have stated, this book may be cheaper, but it is unfortunately disappointing. I have been studying for over two months now and while I believe I will pass, I believe it is more through my background than this book. Yes, the book is boring, but then again so is the Series 7 and 63 (its a right of passage, not an actual lesson in being a RR or IA).

Some of the typical typos include math formulas that are incorrect (wrong symbols and wording), outdated percentages (such as the change in capital gains taxation), and sentences that don't quite make sense. Additionally, the book seems to bold words for random reasons, unlike what many are used to, such as definitions.

As for the organization, the book feels as if multiple authors wrote it without asking one another what they were writing about. At some points the chapters are very repetitive, while others make reference to future materials that aren't found.

As for the test CD, some of the questions are just plain wrong and it is easy to think you clicked on an answer when you really didn't and receive a "wrong answer" remark.

My biggest complaint is the feeling that the book isn't as up-to-date as it should be even though it was published in 2005. In a field that can change so quickly, it is essential that the test materials focus on current issues, especially when your future employment depends on the materials presented.

Ultimately, I believe that if you study the materials in this book and really focus you will pass the test. However, will you score a 100% based only on the information in this book? Simply put, "No." I have always been happy with other materials from the Boston Institute of Finance so this was a disappointment.

I would advise going with a Dearborn book.

Follow-up:
Just following up on my review. I did indeed pass the Series 7 & 63, but just barely. Areas that are NOT included with this book are money laundering and the Patriot Act, which are quickly becoming two very large areas on the test. I am now teaching others to take the 6, 7, & 63 and have chosen to go with other materials to teach the students.

This is what I get for trying to save a few dollars. This book is totally unreadable. I couldn't get through one page without falling asleep. It was like someone just came up with a series of random thoughts and put them on paper. There was no organization at all. I would be amazed if one person passed using this book alone.

Really??? This volume definitely needs to be cleaned up. There are a number of TYPOS and the software FREEZES my system running XP.

Warning--do not sign up for their Internet course. I would rate them lower than one star if I could.

I definitely agree with all of the other people that gave this one star. I have seen several different Series 7 books and this one is by far the worst. The book is disorganized, difficult to read, and missing a lot of important information. Save your money and buy another book.

This book is a real stinker!

I found the information in this book very helpful and easy to understand. Other books I have used are very overwhelming. This is a great book if you are looking into the Series 7 for the first time.

I find this text to be easy to read and understand, and with the companion CD which emulates the actual computer testing environment I recommend it as a great resource for the Series 7 & 63 tests. At this price for a textbook and a CD its also a great value. This resource is not all inclusive and you should also supplement your knowledge base with additional resources and classes if possible.

I had taken the 7 twice by the time I got this book. This book is more like a text book than the other material I had and it helped me understand the material better. After studying, I passed, enough said.

Very very very poorly written. The book jumps from one subject to another and then back again with no reason. There are other books out there that are much better. You cannot pass with this book. Believe me, I know.

I used this book in addition to their online course and passed the exam just last month. I think the book is a great supplement in addition to other tools. I definately consider their online course one of the best out there - Mia