GulfBravoPapa
⭐SuperStar
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- 2,101
Yes.
Hiring Bid FAA-ATO-19-ALLSRCE-61676
- Thread starter MJ
- Start date
9,265 applicants, of those what percentage would get test invites do you think? Doesn't seem terribly unlikely for maybe ~1,000 people out of 9,265 to at least pass the AT-SA.
Probably all of them. In 2016, 9,302 applicants passed the ATSA, 3,027 were selected. Not sure on how many applied vs how many were accepted to take the atsa but being that it's such a high number, they probably invited everyone they didn't disqualify right away due to requirements same as this year.
A really high number of people pass the ATSA, it just depends on how high a score you get.
Gotcha, well, hopefully I got a good score. How soon after taking the test would I be able to call HR and ask about my test score if possible? Or should I just wait until the testing phase is over and wait to see what my application status gets updated to (Referred vs Not Referred).
Last year's numbers might give a good indication. This was from a user named Kirin in the 2018 thread. I don't know how accurate it is.
6,825 Applied
4,968 Referred
3,113 Took ATSA
2,384 Passed
888 Well Qualified
466 Selected (this was before the last TOL wave)
I don't have the exact number, but they ended up hiring around 550 or so, which still left many well and best qualified pool 2 people unchosen.
Me too, man. Me too.
It's really a waiting game. The government does things on their own time and they will send you a email if you pass and if you don't, you will know that the invites to temporary employment were sent out from this thread. Calling just bugs HR and clogs their phone lines. Either way, you either get a email or you don't. Nothing to really call and ask about, honestly. You will know if you got rejected way before your application status changes to not referred from this thread, haha.
So, we'll say the percentages stay around the same.
9,265 Applicants
4,169 Take the AT-SA
3,168 Pass
1,172 Well Qualified
609 Selected
They also said they planned on hiring over 1400 people in the 2019 fiscal year so that doesn't seem like too far from a possibility. I just need to test into the top 609 then.
ChuckMastaT
Trusted Contributor
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Cmsgthokage
Trusted Contributor
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- 686
Damn, imagine starting at a level 12 center at 21...
I don’t regret my time in the military and if I had to do it over I’d join at 18 instead of 20. And this would’ve been in 2010 with 4 year enlistments in the AF and go straight to the FAA at 22.
mAiTaInVFRaToRbElOw
Active Member
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Not in ATC it wasn't. I joined in May of 2009. They had already done away with 4 year ATC enlistments.
Cmsgthokage
Trusted Contributor
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- 686
How lame, never mind then. Lol
I went to a CTI school, skipped basics, and passed the academy.... and I can honestly tell you a CTI degree is one of the most useless degrees colleges can offer. Having CTI won’t give you a leg up over people OTS. That’s the biggest myth ever. I remember going to the academy on my first day thinking I was hot shit and I got humbled real quick in non radar...
Nothing can prepare you for the pressure the academy brings. A lot comes down to work ethic and how you can handle the pressure of the job at the academy.. and make no mistake, when you’re in the academy you will think it’s the hardest thing ever, once you get to your facility you’ll realize how much of a joke the academy is compared to the centers.
If you truly “love” atc, I would recommend you to do A LOT more reading on what the job intels. The ins and outs of the job as best a posible. As it should be just like for any other job.
I also disagree that CTI should be preferred over OTS. They should make an exception for the people that do have CTI degrees that graduated before the FAA started hiring OTS(because the FAA told them that was the only way to get in and many people have spent plenty of money so only seems fair), but again, the FAA doesn’t really care.
Took the AT-SA Friday. I had maybe three or four collisions, tops, and I'm pretty sure I aced the other three sections of part one. Obviously I missed a ton of the math problems in the collision detection exercise, but I feel okay about that.
What I feel worse about is the logic and reading comprehension parts. I've always felt fine with logical problems like I was given, but I felt so limited in my time that I didn't have the proper time to reason a lot of them out. Same with the reading comprehension - especially given that I'm picking answers that seemed sort of right but are worded differently than I would answer. Add a time limit and I'm sure I made a silly mistake or two. I'm glad I practiced with atcprep, but I really wish I'd done some practice in the vein of the part 2 questions.
Other than that, I had a really stupid issue with my test. Apparently, our computers were supposed to have all four of the part 1 tests selected before we even started, but mine didn't - and I thought I could pick which module I did first, so I selected one and then had my test end prematurely. They logged me back on, apologized and said it was their mistake, and then assured me my scores would be saved. It's still somewhat worrying, though.
All in all, it's out of my hands now. Hope I did well!
What I feel worse about is the logic and reading comprehension parts. I've always felt fine with logical problems like I was given, but I felt so limited in my time that I didn't have the proper time to reason a lot of them out. Same with the reading comprehension - especially given that I'm picking answers that seemed sort of right but are worded differently than I would answer. Add a time limit and I'm sure I made a silly mistake or two. I'm glad I practiced with atcprep, but I really wish I'd done some practice in the vein of the part 2 questions.
Other than that, I had a really stupid issue with my test. Apparently, our computers were supposed to have all four of the part 1 tests selected before we even started, but mine didn't - and I thought I could pick which module I did first, so I selected one and then had my test end prematurely. They logged me back on, apologized and said it was their mistake, and then assured me my scores would be saved. It's still somewhat worrying, though.
All in all, it's out of my hands now. Hope I did well!
jtknutson893
Lurker
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- 2
has anyone not received an email to take the test?
I didn't get an email ?? I'm hoping that they send out more.
GuyBeinADude
Member
- Messages
- 49
Signed up to take the ATSA in a week. Called HR today to ask about my status from last year's bid. Was told I was in the "best qualified" group, so it looks like I'm not going to re-test. Hopefully I get the call this time around!
Just took the ATSA this morning. Here's my experience for others to draw from:
General Info - This was my second time taking the ATSA. I didn't use any software to prepare or study in any way. The only thing I did was recap the sections to jog my memory. I didn't call to check where I placed last year and just decided to retake anyway. There were a total of 7 people taking the test with me this time. I was the second to last person to finish (if that even means something). Last year, it was just me and 1 other person. I think this is attributed to how early/late you schedule your PSI Exam. I chose one of the later weeks last year to give myself time to prepare. So I guess if you prefer less people (doesn't really make a difference as everyone was just as quiet) then schedule it later on. Kinda random, but in case it helps someone; my test center was kept pretty cold and they don't allow jackets so I would suggest a long sleeve shirt or sweater without pockets.
Memory Game
I felt that I did pretty good on this last year, but just having the experience I felt I did a little better this year. I know I missed 4 of them due to me clicking the wrong number even though in my head I had it right. I possibly missed 2 more due to my own frustration at miss-hitting. This will be a reoccurring recommendation for most of these: If you miss one, let it go and move on. There's nothing you can do except focus on the rest of the game.
Memory/Variables
Pretty sure I only missed 1 on this section. I did it mentally just by repeating the numbers in the correct abc order in my head. The hardest one is obviously the third where there is two variables and 1 number. I tried to solve the variables as they came up and would then repeat the result in correct abc order over and over again in my head until I answered all 3. So it was easiest when A was the number then you just plug it into b and/or c.
Spatial Relationship
This was by far my most improved section. I saw a tip on here about a week back about looking at the LEFT or RIGHT first, and then looking at the planes and deciding if YES it was RIGHT or NO it wasn't. Last year I took the approach of looking at the planes first seeing if it was LEFT or RIGHT and then looking down to see if they said LEFT or RIGHT. It was just as confusing as my explanation and I missed a lot of them. Further more the slides often changed before I could get an answer in because I would spend too much time figuring things out. So I highly recommend looking at the LEFT or RIGHT first and then decide if YES it is correct or NO it isn't. Again, if you miss one, move on and focus on the rest of the problems instead of the couple you missed.
ATC Simulation
The first section without math problems is pretty straight forward. Remove dots that are going to collide. My conclusion based on things I have read here is that it is probably better to remove more dots than necessary and avoid a collision then to try and keep a lot of dots up and allow a collision. When the math problems come in the second section they are NOT your priority. Focus on avoiding collisions and then answering math questions. When the map is cleared and about to send a new wave of dots I ignored the math problems and just waited for the new dots to come on screen to allow myself a fast reaction to the dots that might collide early. The last thing you want is to be focusing on the math when the new wave comes and have 3 or so collisions cause you weren't ready. Once again, if you do have a collision, move on. Don't dwell on it and focus on preventing any more from happening. In the event that one has already collided and is headed for another collision, it seems likely that its better to remove the already collided dot instead of the "live" dot (just a guess, no idea if this is actually factored in).
Word Problems
Admittedly not my strongest section this year or last. As others have mentioned its quite hard without a pen and paper. I took the route of eliminating the answers that were obviously wrong first. And then at best giving an educated guess on the remaining two or three. I finished the last question with 5 seconds left and I totally guessed on it. Time management is a big on this section. Be sure to answer every question.
Personality Test
I find this one very frustrating. I feel as if I could take this test 10 different times and come up with results on opposite ends of their spectrum. I find it hard to believe that they can draw any accurate information about my personality from this test and it sucks to think that it has an impact (however small) on me getting a TOL. I can't provide any advice for this section.
Reading Comprehension
This is another timed test, but I think its a little easier to manage then the word problems (I finished with 3 min to spare). There will be 6 paragraphs with 3 questions on each. What I recommend doing is giving the paragraph one good read through on the first question and then retain the information for the next two questions. Thus eliminating the need to re-read the paragraph on the second two questions. I think this will help a lot as far as time management goes.
With all that being said, I hope this helps someone. Good luck to everyone! Here's to another 2 months of waiting ?
General Info - This was my second time taking the ATSA. I didn't use any software to prepare or study in any way. The only thing I did was recap the sections to jog my memory. I didn't call to check where I placed last year and just decided to retake anyway. There were a total of 7 people taking the test with me this time. I was the second to last person to finish (if that even means something). Last year, it was just me and 1 other person. I think this is attributed to how early/late you schedule your PSI Exam. I chose one of the later weeks last year to give myself time to prepare. So I guess if you prefer less people (doesn't really make a difference as everyone was just as quiet) then schedule it later on. Kinda random, but in case it helps someone; my test center was kept pretty cold and they don't allow jackets so I would suggest a long sleeve shirt or sweater without pockets.
Memory Game
I felt that I did pretty good on this last year, but just having the experience I felt I did a little better this year. I know I missed 4 of them due to me clicking the wrong number even though in my head I had it right. I possibly missed 2 more due to my own frustration at miss-hitting. This will be a reoccurring recommendation for most of these: If you miss one, let it go and move on. There's nothing you can do except focus on the rest of the game.
Memory/Variables
Pretty sure I only missed 1 on this section. I did it mentally just by repeating the numbers in the correct abc order in my head. The hardest one is obviously the third where there is two variables and 1 number. I tried to solve the variables as they came up and would then repeat the result in correct abc order over and over again in my head until I answered all 3. So it was easiest when A was the number then you just plug it into b and/or c.
Spatial Relationship
This was by far my most improved section. I saw a tip on here about a week back about looking at the LEFT or RIGHT first, and then looking at the planes and deciding if YES it was RIGHT or NO it wasn't. Last year I took the approach of looking at the planes first seeing if it was LEFT or RIGHT and then looking down to see if they said LEFT or RIGHT. It was just as confusing as my explanation and I missed a lot of them. Further more the slides often changed before I could get an answer in because I would spend too much time figuring things out. So I highly recommend looking at the LEFT or RIGHT first and then decide if YES it is correct or NO it isn't. Again, if you miss one, move on and focus on the rest of the problems instead of the couple you missed.
ATC Simulation
The first section without math problems is pretty straight forward. Remove dots that are going to collide. My conclusion based on things I have read here is that it is probably better to remove more dots than necessary and avoid a collision then to try and keep a lot of dots up and allow a collision. When the math problems come in the second section they are NOT your priority. Focus on avoiding collisions and then answering math questions. When the map is cleared and about to send a new wave of dots I ignored the math problems and just waited for the new dots to come on screen to allow myself a fast reaction to the dots that might collide early. The last thing you want is to be focusing on the math when the new wave comes and have 3 or so collisions cause you weren't ready. Once again, if you do have a collision, move on. Don't dwell on it and focus on preventing any more from happening. In the event that one has already collided and is headed for another collision, it seems likely that its better to remove the already collided dot instead of the "live" dot (just a guess, no idea if this is actually factored in).
Word Problems
Admittedly not my strongest section this year or last. As others have mentioned its quite hard without a pen and paper. I took the route of eliminating the answers that were obviously wrong first. And then at best giving an educated guess on the remaining two or three. I finished the last question with 5 seconds left and I totally guessed on it. Time management is a big on this section. Be sure to answer every question.
Personality Test
I find this one very frustrating. I feel as if I could take this test 10 different times and come up with results on opposite ends of their spectrum. I find it hard to believe that they can draw any accurate information about my personality from this test and it sucks to think that it has an impact (however small) on me getting a TOL. I can't provide any advice for this section.
Reading Comprehension
This is another timed test, but I think its a little easier to manage then the word problems (I finished with 3 min to spare). There will be 6 paragraphs with 3 questions on each. What I recommend doing is giving the paragraph one good read through on the first question and then retain the information for the next two questions. Thus eliminating the need to re-read the paragraph on the second two questions. I think this will help a lot as far as time management goes.
With all that being said, I hope this helps someone. Good luck to everyone! Here's to another 2 months of waiting ?
tomguycot
Member
- Messages
- 58
Took it this afternoon.
TLDR; something was wrong with the system or the proctor had no idea what he was doing and I have to reschedule.
Long version
Got there an hour early was allowed to start early, proctor tried to log me into the atsat (the old test) which was understandably giving an error. He ended up calling support and they made a new account for me, made me take the first part on that new account.
Get to second part (SHL?) We can't get authenticated with this screen. Another hour and half on support to have the guy close out of everything now we can't get back in without retaking part 1 and the support guy hangs up on the proctor.
Eventually proctor gives up and tells me and the other guy taking the test to leave and reschedule by phone.
Took an hour to get through PSI phone line to have them tell me they "reset" my test and now I have to call back again tomorrow to reschedule.
Does anyone ever get a TOL after taking the test in the last week of offerings? I aced part 1 when I took it aside from missing a few questions during the collisions portion.
TLDR; something was wrong with the system or the proctor had no idea what he was doing and I have to reschedule.
Long version
Got there an hour early was allowed to start early, proctor tried to log me into the atsat (the old test) which was understandably giving an error. He ended up calling support and they made a new account for me, made me take the first part on that new account.
Get to second part (SHL?) We can't get authenticated with this screen. Another hour and half on support to have the guy close out of everything now we can't get back in without retaking part 1 and the support guy hangs up on the proctor.
Eventually proctor gives up and tells me and the other guy taking the test to leave and reschedule by phone.
Took an hour to get through PSI phone line to have them tell me they "reset" my test and now I have to call back again tomorrow to reschedule.
Does anyone ever get a TOL after taking the test in the last week of offerings? I aced part 1 when I took it aside from missing a few questions during the collisions portion.
ChuckMastaT
Trusted Contributor
- Messages
- 179
Boy, there are a ton of stories about problems with the ATSA this year...
