Hi all.
This is my first post. I've been a lurker here for several weeks. I just took the POSS-C for the first time and I passed. I would like to share a few things of note that helped me. Not only my approach, but also some observations.
First observation: The ASVAB is definitely a useful study tool. However, I think it could be more of a teaching tool for a very important lesson. That lesson is: The POSS test isn't for everyone. If you are struggling with the ASVAB and the general guidelines for taking the ASVAB, i. e., the time allotment, etc, you will struggle with the POSS. The questions are roughly the same. The time allowance for the POSS is miniscule in relation to the ASVAB.
Second observation: Statistics regarding the POSS test are somewhat scarce, but it seems that the pass rate is somewhere in the neighborhood of 15-20%. Understand that the odds are stacked against you, but they can be overcome.
Third observation: Due to statistics, only a certain type of person, or a certain way of thinking, which is likely directly related to the type of person, will pass the test. I may be wrong, but, that's what statistics are for.
In summary, one can study, follow a routine, consistently meet smaller time allowances during practice, and a whole host of other strategies. But, if you start your practice and you are way off base, not to be crude, just honest, the POSS test may not be for you.
I believe anyone can work to diminish certain weaknesses, but if the basics evade you, the POSS will be very difficult due to the small time allowances and unknown expectations for correct answers vs. incorrect answers.
Understand that it is very likely that most people in the test session can answer most of the questions with enough time. But, time is of the essence when taking the test. If you're not answering the questions on the ASVAB or EEI POSS practice test, the POSS will test you to your limits and your success is not likely.
Also, the stress level is much higher in the POSS testing session. It's your career on the line. It hinges on you passing that test, because without passing the test, you have no chance at an interview. Simply, there is a lot at stake.
So, a bit about my approach.
I bought an ASVAB study guide. Quite honestly, it was of little import to me. I could answer question after question well under the time standards. I took the second test and I completed it in about half of the time allotment. At that point, I said, "well, I can easily nail the majority of the questions," so I stopped.
I started with the assembly/ spatial relations section of the test. I thought that would be the section that got me if any module would. So, I got an idea: I went to my garage, turned my radio up as loud as I could, and started the assembly part of the test. I thought, if I can do this with the distraction of the music and fight the urge to not sing every song, I could think the song and solve the problems with an occupied mind, I could do it in the silence of the testing session. It must have worked.
I walked into the testing session extremely confident. I have always thrived under pressure. I don't know if it's because of athletics or growing up with a dad who always reminded me that my best was never good enough. I looked the room over to get an idea of who was a bit nervous, who was about to pee their pants, who already had, who had a bad poker face, and who was for real. Before the test began, the tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife. After I stated the fact, the bad poker faces melted. At that point, I was thriving. I felt confident that many were defeated before the test began. I don't mean that I didn't want them to do well also. I had an understanding, or at least a belief that only certain types of people will pass this test. I felt like I would, and I rode that confidence from start to finish.
I hope this can help others do the same. I do not mean this to discourage anyone. This is purely opinion with hopefully some good advice to someone inside.
Now, off to the interview...
I hope someone will find this useful. I hope that it does not discourage anyone, but