study tips for the interviews

[bedrock1981]

For those that have been through the technical interviews, how did you prepare? I have a little over a month to study. At this point I am feeling a bit ovewhelmed with material. I graduated over a year ago with a Mechanical Engineering degree. I know we need to know calc and physics cold, but how many questions are asked specific to your major. I know it varies from major to major, but there is a lot of material to cover with an ME degree. Right now I am studying the guide and going over old notes and textbooks. Do they ask questions right out of the guide? Any advice?

Thanks

 

[Thisguy]

Here's the thing that's a little unfair about being an ME:

You've got way more that you can be tested on, than say, a biology major.

For starters, you're going to be interviewed by a mechanical engineer. Second, since you've already graduated, they can ask you anything on your transcript, and you're further removed from it than the other applicants.

Each interviewer will probably ask 2 or 3 questions, some will be basic physics and calc, but I also got strength of material questions, fluids, questions about my senior design project, some Thermo, blah blah blah. I was in the same situation as you, and needless to say, I got, and bombed the 3rd interview.

Good luck.

 

[sonshine]

ok this may be a little off subject but... do they only quiz you on your major during your officer interviews if your major is technical?

 

[Thisguy]

People with non-technical majors at the interviews actually have somewhat of an advantage in my opinion. A poli sci major from the Academy can really only be asked physics and calc questions, and then maybe questions like "derive the formula of a circle" or "derive the spring constant."

Not sure if this answers your question

 

[bedrock1981]

Thisguy,

Thanks for your input, but I was more interested in how to better prepare myself for the interviews. What did you do to study? How much did you study? I know what to do for the calc and phys but the other stuff I just don't know there is so much of it. I'm thinking I will just go over old examples, and go over the major concepts of all the ME classes I took. What do you think?

Thanks

 

[Thisguy]

Bedrock,

That's a pretty good plan. Even though everything on your transcript will be fair game, I don't anticipate the interviewer asking you anything from a senior elective course or anything, but keep in mind the interviewer has your transcript in front of him. I would say study the basics like Thermo, Statics, Dynamics, and Strength of Materials. Also, pay attention to any deficiencies on your transcript, if you got a "C" in fluid Dynamics, you may want to brush up.

 

[sonshine]

People with non-technical majors at the interviews actually have somewhat of an advantage in my opinion. A poli sci major from the Academy can really only be asked physics and calc questions, and then maybe questions like "derive the formula of a circle" or "derive the spring constant."

Not sure if this answers your question

yeah, thats what I was lookin for... thanks.

 

[bedrock1981]

sonshine,

Are you applying for Nuke?

 

[sonshine]

nope bedrock. I was just curious about the officer interviews...

 

[bedrock1981]

Well I had my interviews this past weekend and I did very well. I think I actually over studied for it. I only had two interviews and I had no hangups on either of them. The ADM's interview was very intimidating. I was really nervous before I went in to see him. He let me in though. Glad it's over. Thankyou to everyone for all your input, it really paid off.