Can't prepare for FEAST test???

[killua]

I have read in several places on this forum that you can't prepare for FEAST test? Why is that? I don't see logic behind this statment. FEAST test is bassicaly a bunch of logical games. I am sure that I am not the only one that sucked when they tried random PC game for the first time, but as I kept playing it I become better and better? In the last two years I gained 20 IQ points(I know, online tests, but you get my point) and I think all the intergrals and math at my college is responsible for that. I can do basic math much fast now. I am sure you had that expirience too. Same with memory. As you grow up your muscles become stronger, as your mind. If you can train your muscles, why woudn't you be able to train your mind? All the people that performed mental feats said they trained that ability. Sure, they were born with that ability much higer than normal people, but they trained it to become better.

Now, please, enlighten me, why is it that you can' prepare for FEAST test? I read they test your natural ability that you can't exercise? Really, you know to add, substract ect. naturally? You haven't ever exercised it?

[Moira]

You can train for it. But you cannot prepare for every bit of it.
Just one example: like with IQ tests, you may be able to do them at home, but how do you perform when the stress factor comes in?

[killua]

Better than if you didn't prepare. Also, it is possible to train yourselves to perform better under stress. Humans can better themselves at almost anything. If animals can learn to dance and draw then humans can lear to perform satisfactory in a mere IQ test.

[student88]

I wouldn't bother trying to prepare for them. They'll also be looking for a learning curve. If you've been preparing for them your learning curve wont be as evident - making the assessors think you're unable to learn from your mistakes.

[killua]

What learning curve? I don't know about you but since elementary school I have been steadily advancing in school work. Times when I was learning slowly were times when I wasn't studying.

I won't study IQ tests when they accept me, I will be studying ATC stuff. Learning curve, what role does it play?

[paperclip810]

I think the point people are trying to make is that you can't just learn things like spatial awareness - people have a natural ability (or inability), although that may be able to be enhanced. Sure, you can learn the way spatial awareness questions are asked, but it's not your natural ability that's showing through.

Even if you get to college and you learn "ATC stuff", some of what you need just can't be learnt - you're either good at it or not, and you have to accept that is the case with ATC. The understanding at the moment is that these FEAST tests provide an indication of your brain's natural abilities and whether they are suited to the requirements of ATC.

If ATC was just about who could learn more, study harder, etc, it'd be a lot easier than it is!!!

[killua]

Thats what I am trying to say, there is no natural ability that can't be learned over time. Everyone can add, substract, multiplicate ect... We werent born with it. Everyone can do that acts faster and more precise with practice. It's the same with spatial ability, or any other. With practice you become better. Look at video games, there are dumb people that are great at strategies. Why? Because they practice it.

[paperclip810]

But what happens when something you've never seen comes along? That's where practising things may not help...

ATC is not just a bunch of rules and formulas to apply to every situation (unlike maths) - from what I've seen, good controllers are naturally good - sitting in front of a radar screen for hours on end doesn't seem to make bad controllers better. However, I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one.

[elandel]

Quote: 'I won't study IQ tests when they accept me'

Tad presumtious methinks :)

[student88]

With all due respect - if you've got what it takes you'll get through without having to do preparation other than learning the information on the document.

Good luck and please let us know when they accept you.

[killua]

Thanks :ok: , but my competition for spots is in a year, so I have time. So I have a free year, what will I do for a year to maximize my chances?

[T250]

With all due respect

Good luck and please let us know when they accept you.

Hmm maybe just slightly condescending/ironic, eh student :yuk::hmm::bored:

[T250]

As has been said already, at the end of the day both stage 1 and stage 2 tests boil down to your natural aptitude and whether you have what it takes or not, and this coupled with a satisfactory personality assessment will see you on your way.

A while back in the main NATS selection thread (in the sticky), a poster mentioned that it shouldn't be allowed that failed applicants can re-apply and do the FEAST stage 2 tests again as if they failed them first time then there should be no difference second time, as if you didn't have what it took to pass on your first attempt then its assumed the same is apparent on the second and even third attempt.

Part of the stage 2/FEAST tests involves spatial awareness, it may be worth considering comparing the example of how applicant number 1 has a a natural aptitude for spatial reasoning, exactly what the job requires and then applicant number 2 does not possess the same aptitude but has 'learnt' or 'prepared' it and has no natural ability, rather familiarisation and you can see how further down the line either in selection or during training this will emerge sooner or later and result in disappointment for the trainee.

By all means prepare, but not to the extent that you find you're finding yourself answering questions simply based on familiarisation and not using actual reasoning and thinking yourself, on the spot which is what the tests demand.

Good luck! :ok:

[student88]

Hmm maybe just slightly condescending/ironic, eh student

.. or polite, motivating and positive?

[Anechka]

Good night) I am from Ukraine.Could you tell me which kind of test does FEAST 2 consist?
Looking forward to hearing from you.