So I just took astb form 3 this morning. IMHO I think it was a lot easier than form 5. I took form 5 about 2 years ago back in 09. Then again it might be because I actually studied well this time around. My books materials I have are:
Arco Book, Barron's Book, ASTB test prep, Atrickpay study guide, marine aviation guide book handout, Learning Express practice book, and some small sample tests I found online.
My break down:
Math: started off easy then the harder questions started to appear. I think the best thing to do is to move on and comeback to the question if it is too difficult since you are pressed for time. Atrickpay's study guide, Arco's and Barron's book were pretty useful too. But some questions were NOT IN ANY of my review materials. Whatever materials you can get on MATH just study it. You will be well prepared.
Reading Comprehension: I found this part a little tough because a lot of the answer either sounded right or all were wrong. I remembered that every answers are based on the paragraph itself and nothing else. I also found myself in the beginning thinking about some of the math questions i might have missed or didnt mark. the only thing you can do from here is move on. Only way to prepare for this section is just too read actively...newspapers, books, magazines, etc.
Mechanical: I was a bit worried going into this section because i was trying to remember all the formulas i would need for the calculations. But then i also remembered that this part has 3 answers to choose from. If you use the process of elimination for one answer then that leaves you with a 50/50 chance. Also if you do the calculations right for the pulleys or how much force is needed questions then the answer will appear. Some of it is also common sense ( asking which way will one turn if the other turns counterclockwise).
Spatial App: Its true what they say...no matter how many practice tests you do, it will not compare to the ones on the test. A lot of the pictures were views i've never actually seen. But still do as many practice questions as you can just so you become familiar with the views.
Aviation and Nautical: Atrickpay's study guide came very handy in this one. I cannot emphasize how many times you must review this study guide. It is a lot of material but it will pay off. And it's true what they say, this section is the most easiest section to do well on.
Aviation Supplemental test: A lot reading in this part. Kinda difficult because some questions i couldnt really figure out. Basically just a mix up of everything. By this time you might be a little drained as I was.
I'll know my scores by the end of this week or beginning of next week.
