Key Steps to Complete the Course

1. Learn the Financial Calculator (or Excel for Updates):

• Calculator Focus: TI BAII Plus is highly recommended for courses relying on physical calculators.

• Excel Shift: Familiarize yourself with Excel functions for NPV, IRR, PV, and FV if applicable.

• Watch Dr. V’s Bootcamp video for step-by-step guidance on calculator functions.

• Practice key calculations like TVM, NPV, WACC, and bond valuations.

2. Watch Course Videos:

• Dr. V’s Bootcamp: A comprehensive video covering critical concepts and calculations.

• Dr. Hartzog’s Webinars: Three-part series for foundational understanding.

• Ray’s 58-Minute Calculation Video: Short, concise guidance on solving calculation problems.

3. Review Conceptual Material:

• Study Quizlet flashcards (e.g., 222-term Quizlet) for key theories and definitions.

• Focus on understanding terms like NPV, IRR, and WACC in context.

4. Use Practice Problems and Quizzes:

• Complete practice quizzes in course resources, focusing on conceptual questions and formulas.

• Work through provided Excel-based problem sets (if applicable).

5. Take the Pre-Assessment (PA):

• Use the PA to identify weak areas.

• Review coaching reports to target problem topics.

6. Address Knowledge Gaps:

• Watch specific videos or seek tutoring for challenging areas (e.g., bonds, WACC, or TVM).

7. Repetition and Review:

• Rewatch videos, revisit practice problems, and run through Quizlet flashcards until concepts stick.

8. Schedule and Take the OA:

• Ensure comfort with both theory and calculations before scheduling.

• Bring scratch paper or use a whiteboard during the exam for visualizing multi-step problems.

Additional Resources:

1. Videos:

• Dr. V’s Bootcamp Video (accessible via course resources).

• Dr. Hartzog’s 3-Part Webinars.

• Ray’s Calculation Video (found in course tips section).

2. Quizlet Flashcards:

• 222-Term Quizlet

3. External Guides:

• Ron Daniel's Finance Bootcamp: Ron Daniel Bootcamp.

4. Math Center Tutoring:

• Contact Ledora Alexander or utilize live cohorts for extra help with calculations.

Quizlet Flashcards:

1. 222-Term Quizlet for C214

2. Dr. V’s Bootcamp Concepts Quizlet

External Study Guides and Videos:

1. Ron Daniel’s Finance Bootcamp:

• Website: Ron Daniel’s Bootcamp

• Includes breakdowns of formulas, calculations, and simplified concepts.

2. YouTube Finance Series (MBA-Level Finance Concepts):

• Professor Michael McLaughlin’s Videos

• Simplified “Khan Academy” style finance tutorials for MBA students.

WGU Course Resources:

1. Dr. V’s Bootcamp Video (found in course resources under "Course Tips").

2. Dr. Hartzog’s 3-Part Webinar Series (available under course announcements or resources).

3. Ray’s 58-Minute Calculation Video (located in "Course Tips" or the main course resource folder).

4. Excel Practice Files:

• Dr. DePinto’s Excel Skills Review Videos and Activity File.

Additional Tools:

1. Math Center:

• Live tutoring and sessions with Ledora Alexander (available via WGU’s math center or course announcements).

2. C214 OA Q&A Checklist:

• Often emailed after completing the PA or found in course updates.

Key Exam Topics (Rough idea)

This is from this Reddit post, my OA looked like the same set of questions.

Core Finance Concepts

• Beta & CAPM (4 questions)

  • Interpretation of beta >1, <1, or =1 in relation to market movements.

• Gordon Growth & CAPM (3 questions)

  • Limitations, assumptions, and weaknesses.

• Math & Formula-Based (10 questions)

  • Use the formula sheet for accuracy.

  • Differentiate current vs. long-term assets/liabilities.

  • Quick ratio calculation – Identify current assets on the balance sheet.

• Goal of the Firm (3 questions, Chapter 1)

  • Always about maximizing shareholder value (scenario-based).

Regulatory & Compliance

• SEC, SOX, & FINRA (5 questions)

  • FINRA (3 questions) – Role, oversight, and responsibilities.

Global Finance & Economics

• International Financing (3 questions, Chapter 16)

• Country Risk (1 question)

  • Why businesses assess risks in foreign markets.

Financial Instruments

• Bonds vs. Equity (2 questions)

  • Identifying debt vs. ownership.

• FCFE vs. FCFF (1 question)

  • FCFE: Cash to equity holders.

  • FCFF: Cash available to both debt & equity holders.

• Common vs. Preferred Stock (3 questions)

  • Features of each.

• Debt vs. Equity Financing (1 question)

  • Debt is cheaper due to the tax shield.

Financial Statements & Methods

• Income Statement (1 question)

  • Know the flow from Revenue → Net Income.

  • Formula:

    • Revenue - COGS = Gross Profit - Operating Expenses = EBIT - Interest = EBT - Taxes = Net Income

• Direct vs. Indirect Cash Flow Methods (1 question)

  • Most commonly used method? (Had to guess).

• % of Sales Method (1 question)

  • Same as PA, but tested cash on hand calculation.

Corporate Finance & Investments

• Competitive Sale (1 question)

  • Involves bids from underwriters, firm selects highest price & lowest interest rate.

• Diversification (2 questions)

  • How it impacts expected returns.

Excel-Based Questions

• Similar to PA exam format, just with different numbers.

• Bond Valuation

  • TVM calculations – Understand which inputs should be positive or negative.

  • Bond price question from PA was repeated with different numbers.

• Savings for rent/college question (same as PA, different numbers).

Tips for Success:

• Take C213 first: The overlap with C214 makes concepts easier to grasp.

• Focus on concepts: Theory questions make up a significant portion of the OA.

• Don’t memorize formulas: They are provided during the assessment; focus on application.

• Trust your preparation: Many pass on their first attempt by mastering key concepts and basic calculations.

Final Notes:

• Course materials and expectations may change. Always check current course resources for updates.

• Consult your mentor or course instructor for specific questions or study plans.

Sources: Compiled and condensed insights from 44 pages of community tips into this study guide.