Tips and Tricks for the TU Delft Aerospace Engineering Academic Test

The pathway to joining the esteemed Bachelor's program in Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft begins with a competitive selection exam. This exam is a stringent test of your knowledge in Mathematics, Physics, and first-year Aerospace Engineering material. With the program's popularity leading to a limited intake of 440 students for the academic year 2023-2024​¹​, meticulous preparation is essential. This article delves into effective study strategies, resources for preparation, sample questions, and tips on time management and exam-taking techniques to help propel you towards a successful outcome.

Exam Format

The TU Delft Aerospace Engineering entrance exam is sectioned into Mathematics, Physics, and first-year Aerospace Engineering material, with 15-25 questions in each section. The design of the exam is such that completing all questions within the given time is a formidable task, thereby emphasizing strategic question selection. Each question holds an equal weight in points, with only the final numerical answer being considered for scoring, leaving no room for partial credits for the method or intermediate steps.

Preparation Strategies

Understanding the Exam Structure:
Download official documents like the syllabus, formula sheets, and practice tests from the university's online selection platform to get accustomed to the exam's format and requirements​²​.

‍Resource Utilization:

1. Explore TU Delft’s OpenCourseWare (OCW) platform for practice exams and other study resources​³​.
2. Seek advice and insights from current or former TU Delft students via YouTube videos sharing experiences and tips​​​⁴​.
3. Engage with online platforms like DelftPrep, offering over 100 practice questions for Mathematics, Physics, and first-year material alongside realistic exam simulation for time management practice​.

Personalized Tutoring:

Consider engaging tutors familiar with the TU Delft Aerospace Engineering program and its entrance exam requirements for personalized guidance, practice exercises, and insights into the program​⁵​.

Community Engagement:

Participate in forums or online communities for interactive discussions with current students or alumni who can provide valuable insights and share their experiences regarding the entrance exam and the Aerospace Engineering program at TU Delft.

Structured Study Schedule:

Craft a well-structured study plan allocating ample time to each subject area to ensure a balanced and thorough preparation.

Time Management Practice:

Simulate exam conditions to practice effective time management, including completing practice exams within the specified time limits and prioritizing questions to maximize your score.

Official Communications:

Stay abreast of any official updates from TU Delft regarding the entrance exam, especially as the exam date approaches. Check the university's official website for updates on the selection procedure, exam format, and allowed materials​²​​​.

‍Strategic Question Selection:

Given the challenging nature of the exam, a planned approach to question selection is advisable. Initially, skim through the exam to identify manageable questions, focusing on those first to secure points effectively. Aim to answer fewer questions correctly rather than attempting to complete all questions. If a question is taking too long to solve, it's advisable to skip it and revisit later if time permits.

Time Management:
Effective time management is pivotal for success in the exam. Prioritize accuracy over quantity, allocating at least 30 seconds to double-check each answer to prevent errors that could cost points.

Calculator Use:
You are allowed to use a basic scientific calculator during the exam. We highly recommend the Texas Instruments TI-30XB model, as it offer better input visibility and are particularly helpful for identifying and correcting minor input errors.

Conclusion

Success in the TU Delft Aerospace Engineering entrance exam requires a well-rounded approach encompassing not only mastery of the subject matter but also adeptness in exam strategy and time management. By leveraging the right resources, engaging with the TU Delft community, and practicing effective study and exam-taking strategies, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing a seat in this prestigious program and kick-starting your aerospace engineering journey.

‍