Entrance exams

[JaimieP]

Hi guys!

I'm new to the forums, so i guess this is my first question :)

I'm currently hoping to join a flight school in the new year to become a commercial airline pilot. I am very keen on joining oxford or CTC (both integrated) , and was wondering what is the best way to prepare me for the oxford skills assessment, I have an A in GCSE maths and physics, I was also a GCSE maths tutor (part time while i was doing A level maths). I would love to join oxford, but I would also only want to join if I got in first time. How can i increase my chances of this , and prepare myself so that I am more likely to be offered a place at the end of the assessment.

Many thanks, Jaimie

[foliot-pilot]

Hi Jaimie,

Don't know how much help I will be, but I've done both the FTE and CTC assessments (successfully). Whilst I realise that they may not be identical to the CAE tests, I can give you a good idea:

Maths: If you've done GCSE/A-Level maths, you'll be fine. The questions (that I took) weren't as challenging as I was expecting. Long multiplication, division. All multiple choice. Some don't require too much thinking about, as you can sometimes rule out an answer(s) due to them being way off, if that makes sense.

Pilapt: I'm not sure which type of testing CAE will use, but if you take a look on Latest Pilot Jobs provides the latest aviation vacancies around the world.-Latest Pilot Jobs-Latest Pilot Jobs (http://www.latestpilotjobs.com) and click on interview preparation, you can buy a package which lets you practice similar tests/interview questions/group exercise scenario's.

The tests are completely possible to pass first time. Just make sure you're prepared. Do your research. Anticipate interview questions they could ask you, practise your maths/physics (if appropriate) and read up on the industry.

If you do this, you'll be fine.

Good luck.

[foliot-pilot]

...just another thought Jaimie...

quote: I would love to join oxford, but I would also only want to join if I got in first time.

Why do you say this?

One of the qualities a FTO will be looking for is determination and drive. You may well get asked 'tell me about a time you've failed and then gone on to succeed' in your interview.

What will you do if (worst case scenario) you don't get in first time at Oxford? Will you give up? Quit? What will you do if you fail an exam in ground school? Ultimately, if you don't get in first time, it's because the assessment team feel you need more development in a certain area. After all, it's in their interest to take you, you're their customer.

I'm not trying to be harsh, but an FTO will want someone who can recover from a failure and push to succeed. Just some food for thought.

[JaimieP]

Thank you very much for taking the time to reply , it was very useful for me. The reason I said that I'd like to pass first time is because I heard that if you don't pass the assessment first time , your letter of recommendation is not as good. But to be honest , I'd definitely retake (if it comes to it), once again thank you very much!

[JaimieP]

Any more advice would be greatly appreciated!