I completely disagree with the sentiment that ARCO sucks.
The ARCO practice guide is structured identically to the ASTB for the tests in terms of questions per section, etc. Yes, the spatial apperception looks different, but it still builds skill. I thought the reading portions were helpful in understanding what was coming my way. The mechanical section was very close as well. Heck, the math too was pretty similar.
I just don't understand why so many people are dead-set against ARCO. Sure, it's not the actual test, but no study guide IS the actual test, not even the wonderful gouge on this site. The pressure of taking the actual exam is going to make the real deal seem more difficult in any case. People seem to just "trust" the site here more. I mean, geesh, the spatial apperception on this site's gouge IS the ARCO book, and it is not the same as the test itself. It is close, mind you, but not the same. Still though, if you can ace the ARCO book spatial apperception within a givin strict time limit (be anal about it), then you're pretty well prepared for the ASTB.
There is good, solid theory presented in the gouge on this site that related to the mechanical and math portions of the exam. That's awesome and great. This is an advantage, but ARCO still explains fairly well why the correct answer is correct. The sample questions here are nice, and generally speaking, yes, more comprehensive than ARCO's book. But that does not mean ARCO is useless at all.
My study material consisted of the ARCO "Military Flight Aptitude Tests" book, and the gouge on this site. I scored a 58/8/9/8 on the exam. I thought both sources were equally helpful.
I'm sick of people knocking ARCO. The skills you need to use to finish this test are the same that you'll need in the ASTB itself. You'll have to apply the skills differently, sure, BUT, it still gives you an idea of what's coming. Even moreso if you give yourself a fair and accurate time limit.
In the end, the ASTB is an exam that you really aren't supposed to be able to study for like an SAT or FE exam. We're lucky to have the gouge we have. When you get in there though, preparation doesn't matter half as much as what you've learned (and mastered) over the years.
~Nate
Originally posted by wildflyin69
The actual ASTB is NOTHING like the Arco book!! Do a search on this site and find the practice tests that are here. Those tests are almost exactly like the actual ASTB (the only thing different is the numbers and a few other minor things). The ARCO book was good for being introduced to the spacial apperception portion of the test, but its usefulness pretty much ends there.
