GulfBravoPapa
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Just read all the directions and utilize the practice tests available to you prior to completing the actual test sections.
sailor_pianist
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I took it last year and passed/received a TOL. There is no indication of when a section/scenario is ending. This is a test of endurance, memorization, speed, and accuracy. I would advise you to use atctestprep.com. I pushed my test date back as far as I could to allow ample time to study, and was fortunate that atctestprep updated their software to reflect the new AT-SA. Some portions of the practice software are identical to what you'll find on the actual test. I utilized this practice software until I could perform each section quite well at the hardest level (difficult). Practice each scenario all the way through, as the timing on the test prep is similar to the timing for each scenario on the AT-SA. Each section on the test feels like it will never end, so build up mental endurance. I used mental math apps to practice long- term multiplication when I wasn't busy throughout the day. The math on the actual test varies from being easy to near impossible when you throw in separation you're having to focus on (i.e. 2467.75 x 552.34), so get good at educated guesses. For the logic games and reading comprehension I used LSAT practice questions, which are more difficult than what you'll find on the test. This test is MUCH more difficult than the original AT-SAT, so studying prep for the old test will leave you at a disadvantage. I studied a total of about 2 months and the test was still a beast.
Good luck!
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breakaway2000
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^ Good stuff. For the near impossible head math questions, remember to round to get you in the ballpark.
Ex. 2467.75 x 552.34 turns into...
2,500*500 =
250,000*5 =
1,250,000
The answer will be above 1,250,000.
Ex. 2467.75 x 552.34 turns into...
2,500*500 =
250,000*5 =
1,250,000
The answer will be above 1,250,000.
sailor_pianist
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Exactly! The easier math questions will have answer choices closer together than the harder ones (I. E. 25 X 5=? A. 120 B. 125 c. 128 D. 130). I will add that unlike the original AT-SAT, the math questions on the screen only stay up for short period of time (2-3 seconds), while the answer choices will stay up for longer. You'll have to memorize the question quickly if you're not able to answer it immediately (separation should be the primary focus).
For the question above, math tricks will help. If both numbers being multiplied end in 5 the answer will end in 5, so you really don't even have to do the math in the above problem.
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- Facility
- ZSU San Juan CERAP
to your first question, Im guessing you are referring to the separation exercise. the objects come in waves. they aren't continuous. so if you don't see any conflicts right away, you don't have to worry about more coming out until all of the original objects are gone. it will make more sense when you see it.
as to your second question, in some of the exercises it is better to leave an answer blank than to guess wrong. in others, its better to guess wrong than to leave it blank. it should be in the instructions. there will always be a penalty for a wrong answer. sometimes there is no (or much smaller) penalty for no answer.
pinesolius
Active Member
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Dang, this is a great resource! Thanks all.
StealthChain
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Is anyone able to explain why there are math questions on the test? I'm not horrible at math, but at the same time it is definitely not my strongest suit.
GulfBravoPapa
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Because math is used daily in our career to calculate distances, over takes, speeds, spacing, angles, etc
StealthChain
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Tons of crazy equations to remember or is it pretty simple just with strange numbers?
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So they got back to me and sent me a copy of the software. I plan on making a couple short videos with it, but my initial impressions are pretty good. It does have the AT-SAT material in it, but it’s in a separate section. Ignore that section entirely. It worked well and tracks your scores and progression. I can see it being helpful in preparing. If nothing else, it helps build muscle memory, develop techniques that work for you without anything being at stake, and eliminate some anxiety of going into the test blind.
The collision test is directly applicable to the job. I feel like this is a really good aptitude test for radar.
GulfBravoPapa
⭐SuperStar
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If this is a question in regards to the ATSA I don't know. As far as actual work... Not really crazy equations. And a lot of what math you'll need to know depends on what you end up working. Some facilities have all the technology that does most of the work for you on final (ATPA) others you will have to manually calculate overtake speeds in your head to determine if the sequence will work.
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its simple multiplication and division. just big numbers that normally you wouldn't whip up in your head on the spot. there is also a section that is simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division with variables. I forget exactly how that exercise worked. it wasn't too difficult, but the problems keep coming, so you get a little mentally fatigued (at least, I did- I kept waiting for the end of the drill so I could breathe!)
Bart Harley Jarvis
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So I went ahead and bought the ATCPrep software and have been doing some practice tests, specifically the in-air pong style collision with math at the bottom. It would be nice to know if it's in our best interest to guess on ones we don't know versus just not answering. There were some also I completely missed because I was more focused on the collisions. I'm getting 90%+ on the collision part and 70ish% on the math so I'm not sure how important it is to bring up my math scores as opposed to keeping priorities and focusing on the collisions. I know though most likely no one really knows the answer to this haha.
HighFrequency
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I passed the AT-SA and mostly ignored the math after a certain point. When a radar scenario was up and active I would prioritize removing conflicts. Most people I know that passed did the same. I honestly think it's there to distract and overwhelm the majority of test takers.
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sailor_pianist
Member
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I have to disagree with you on that one. I think it's meant to text your multi-tasking skills. I wouldn't entirely disregard the math. I answered as many I possibly could, but separation was primary.
HighFrequency
Trusted Contributor
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Oh yeah, didn't mean it's meaningless. Totally agree with you. Just meant that the radar game took priority over the math 100% of the time for me. Once I knew no collisions were happening I'd answer as many math questions as I could. I brushed up on mental math in the month or two leading up to it and was really quick at accurately estimating answers.
My logic was to keep in line with the duty priority. Radar game = separating aircraft, math = additional services. Worked out for me. I think most people I took it with got caught up in trying to balance both equally and suffered for it.
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I did this and also figured out what number it should end in (ex. 4 x 3 = 12 should end in 2) and that would eliminate two answers right away. I took mine the day after finals for school, so I didn't get to study, BUT I do play lumosity on the regular.
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Rustydawg81
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Awesome info in this thread. I just found out I got selected for the test last week and will being taking it in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the awesome post. And thanks for the chance at the test prep giveaway as well!
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