ItsTurboTime
Registered User
I just took it Nov 29th 2005. Things I'm glad I studied:
I also studied a bunch of meteorology because somewhere I bumped into some cloud questions on a practice test. There was one question regarding weather on the ASTB and I pretty much had to guess anyway, so I didn't really need to study that.
As far as the math and mechanical sections, my mechanical engineering background was the biggest help. The math is almost entirely algebra, so practice some calculations in your head maybe. If you are unfamiliar with how pulley systems, gears, or levers work, find out. Just get a basic understanding of the general rules. Having a good mechanical common sense is the best way to get through this section though.
As for the actual test experience:
I was done with MEPS so I made my way back to the OSO's office, where he took my picture at attention in front of the flag, then put me in a small room with a computer. He had 4 peices of scratch paper and two pencils (one mechanical, one regular style) waiting for me. He said the test just gives itself from here, and it begins with a tutorial on how to use the interface. About halfway through it gives you a 15 minute break, and he even told me to help myself to a bottle of water from his fridge. Once I was done it thought for a second then immediately gave me my score of 8/8/8 65.
My experience was very different from some other's that I've read, so I suggest asking the OSO about it ahead of time. Maybe now you know what questions to ask.
- Nautical terminology
- Aviation terminology
- Spacial apperception (practice)
I also studied a bunch of meteorology because somewhere I bumped into some cloud questions on a practice test. There was one question regarding weather on the ASTB and I pretty much had to guess anyway, so I didn't really need to study that.
As far as the math and mechanical sections, my mechanical engineering background was the biggest help. The math is almost entirely algebra, so practice some calculations in your head maybe. If you are unfamiliar with how pulley systems, gears, or levers work, find out. Just get a basic understanding of the general rules. Having a good mechanical common sense is the best way to get through this section though.
As for the actual test experience:
I was done with MEPS so I made my way back to the OSO's office, where he took my picture at attention in front of the flag, then put me in a small room with a computer. He had 4 peices of scratch paper and two pencils (one mechanical, one regular style) waiting for me. He said the test just gives itself from here, and it begins with a tutorial on how to use the interface. About halfway through it gives you a 15 minute break, and he even told me to help myself to a bottle of water from his fridge. Once I was done it thought for a second then immediately gave me my score of 8/8/8 65.
My experience was very different from some other's that I've read, so I suggest asking the OSO about it ahead of time. Maybe now you know what questions to ask.
