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PREPARATION
What are the quant background requirements?
The course is fast paced. The prerequisites for the course are
»Linear algebra: matrix/vector notation and manipulations, trace, determinant, eigenvectors, eigenvalues
»Multivariate calculus: derivatives, integrals, Taylor expansions
»Statistics: basic concepts of distributions, probability density function, cumulative distribution function
Absolutely no prior knowledge of MATLAB is required for attending the ARPM Bootcamp.
Please follow through these examples, complete with solutions, and make sure you feel comfortable with those tools.
How do I prepare for the Bootcamp?
Before the bootcamp, it is necessary that you review the interpretation of matrices as ellipsoids. You can find this topic in Appendix A.5 of the bootcamp textbook Risk and Asset Allocation, by Attilio Meucci, which you will receive free as part of your package.
Also, it is advisable that you read through the materials posted on the program page for each day here. In particular, we recommend reading "The Prayer".
Is prior experience with MATLAB or other software necessary?
No, it is not.
REGISTRATION
What kind of visa should I apply for to enter the USA?
Please contact a travel agent or the US Embassy/Consulate in your area http://www.usembassy.gov/. We can provide a formal invitation letter upon request.
Is there a dead-line to sign up for the course?
There’s no particular dead-line as the registration closes when the number of spots available are filled in.
Is there a refund policy?
»You receive 90% of tuition paid, if a refund is requested by July 31.
»You receive 50% of tuition paid, if a refund is requested between August 1 and August 9.
It has been over 48 hours since my registration and I haven't received any confirmation.
Please send an email to arpm.bootcamp@symmys.com so we can make sure we have the correct email address on file.
INTERACTION
Is it possible to raise questions during lectures/seminars?
Very much so.
Is it possible to interact with professors outside the lectures?
Yes, through the Linkedin forum http://www.linkedin.com/groups/SYMMYS-Advanced-Risk-Portfolio-Management....
Do participants get to interact with each other?
Yes, there are many breaks during the lectures and there is a Gala Dinner - open to all participants - that promotes networking with both fellow attendees and people from the industry/academia.
MATERIAL
Is the course material available to view?
You can download the materials from the program pages for each day http://symmys.com/arpm-bootcamp/program.
Do we get a copy of MATLAB as part of this course?
Yes, each participant will receive a full trial version.
Is it necessary to have a laptop during the course session?
It is not necessary, but it can be very helpful, if you go paperless.
Can we record/film the lectures?
Recording/filming is not allowed.
EXAMS/CREDITS
Is there any mandatory exam?
No, there is only a discretionary exam, in case you intend to pursue the Certificate in Advanced Risk and Portfolio Management - see http://symmys.com/arpm-bootcamp/certifications.
What will the exam for the Certificate in Advanced Risk and Portfolio Management be like?
Please see here
How do I prepare for the exam?
You are encouraged to study the downloadable materials in the program http://symmys.com/arpm-bootcamp/program. Also, we recommend that you work through the exercises http://symmys.com/node/170.
Can I take the Certificate in Advanced Risk and Portfolio Management outside the USA?
Yes, we always make arrangements worldwide.
OTHER
There are so many students, would it not be better to have a smaller class?
Having a large number of participants is the only way to make such a high-profile event available at such a reduced price. Nevertheless, there is no downside, quite the contrary. Given the large number of participants, Attilio Meucci always stays precisely on schedule and, hence, covers all course material in timely manner. Furthermore, participants are encouraged to address and discuss course related questions via the Linkedin forum http://www.linkedin.com/groups/SYMMYS-Advanced-Risk-Portfolio-Management....
Is ARPM Bootcamp taking place in NY-USA exclusively?
Yes, for the moment being.
Is there a dress code that needs to be followed during the Bootcamp?
The dress code is as casual as it gets. The course lasts for 6 days so feeling comfortable during the lectures is very important.
