Yeah, I thought I'd mention it though. I spent a few years at community college and the teachers would put books on reserve since not everyone could afford them. They also taught us stuff like buying, photocopying, and returning >_>
My question goes outside of the pilot category, but does anyone know how competitive it is to become an EOD Tech? I'm currently studying for the ASTB, and I'm also working with a trainer to make sure I'm 110% prepared for the fitness aspect.
Hmm, I'll have to ask the recruiter I've been speaking with because he said the next board for EOD Tech was in Feb. Thanks for your info.
Feedback Ok I just took the OAR test and got a 37 which is horrible. My OR told me that the score is just passing. I felt very strong on the reading and Mechanical part of the test. In the math part is where I struggle. This is what I used for my study: Arco 8th edition Officer Candidate Test ISBN-10:0-7689-2794-3. Military Flight Aptitude Test 7th edition ISBN-10:0-7689-2793-5. The marine gouge that its floating around. The study guide word document that its floating around. My toughs are the following after taking form 4: Arco books combine covered a total of 6 questions (3 for math and 3 for mechanic) The marine gouge covered 1 question (which is also covered on the arco) The study guides and .pdf's floating around are a joke they are very easy compared to the real test, even compared to the arco books. I think that the ASTB tests have been updated and made harder since they are more applicants than before. (can someone confirm this) In order to help future OCS candidates we should all input what we can remember from the test. (preferably if you took the test from May 09 to today) This would help create an updated study guide. After I completed my test I went to my car and wrote as much as I could remember. I will be posting withing the following days an updated study guide. As far as I go, I'm retesting in 31 days. Any help besides the gouge found in here would be appreciated . I just order ARCO GRE/GMAT Math Review 6th to see if more of the problems I miss on test are shown on the book. Any one else took form 4? I was told that the score I got is good for marines is that true? Also my OR suggested to submit with those low scores to see what happens, should I retest or submit? Have a nice one guys.
The tests have not been changed for several years. If you go to the NOMI website all of this is explained on there. I think it as updated in 2004 not sure of the exact year, but around there. I studied all of the information on this website and I feel that the math was very accurate to what was on the actual test. The only thing that I felt was much different was the Mechanical Section. I had test form 5 and a few of the questions on there, I was like WTF? Binary code, pressures of different sized tires and what kind of torque they give. Those are the only two I can remember that I didn't know. The one's that are on the test that you definitely should be familiar with is: Pulley's, Mechanical Advantage, Levers, and circuits. That's just a few that I can remember. I scored a 49 and am going to stick with that score unless I do not get accepted. The only reason that I believe my score was not higher was because of the time restraints. If I could give any advice would be to really PRACTICE time restricted practice tests. As far as you submitting with that score depends on how competetive the rest of your pkg is. If you have an awesome GPA, LOR's etc, you might have a chance. I also think it would depend on what program you are applying for. You could always just submit it and continue to study and take the test only when you are fully prepared!
hey everyone, out there. i figured i'd pipe up since i'm always on here reading all this back-and-forth. i just want to throw a hand out to those who end up not doing so great. i'm sick of reading all this - "i studied for a week and got a 65. geez, do you think that score's ok?" give me a break! i studied my ass off and got a 44, and am really disappointed i have to take it again. some people just aren't good at taking tests - i have a 3.9 GPA from college, so i know i'm no idiot. so for those of you who bomb and don't want to admit it - it's ok! you are not alone! that said, i also want to thank all of you who participate in these chats and offer help even though you are already done with this ASTB business. you are saints, i tell you! the day i feel sure i never have to take this test again, i want it out of my mind! until then, i appreciate all the info. floating around here. i'm applying to USNR Intel, so i'm no "airwarrior" or aviation nut. if that makes me the odd (wo)man out, so be it. this is all very helpful, regardless!
So I took the ASTB last Friday (13Nov09). The verbal was easy, just had to read closely. The Math was not as tough as it appears in the Arco book but please memorize the formulas and the steps to solving the problems. The flight portion was far tougher than I expected. There were questions I didn't even know existed. Study as much as you can and just remember that unless you're a professional pilot, there is no way to know the detailed physics of flight. Just do your best. There is a website where you can find all the answers and explanations to questions found in the Marine Gouge as well as questions in the Arco book. http://www.navy-officer.com just lick on ASTB and learn all you can on every link there. I discovered this too late. So after all that? 5/5/6 for a 48 OAR. I want to take it again but I will if I'm turned down for Intel. With my MA in international relations and my MBA, my recruiter feels I'm well positioned for the intel board. Thank you all for your help. I will keep you posted as to my progress. Study hard and Fair Winds, Calm Seas and Semper Fi!!!
I'm with you on that Claire. I feel so disappointed in my score but I'm going to apply and see what happens. Hang in there Claire, hopefully will be sitting in intel class together facing the death by powerpoint. Hang in there.
Taking my ASTB next week. Took practice tests earlier today, may do another tonight. I was a Mechanical Engineer so the math and Mechanical comprehension were a breeze, now I just have to get my Spacial Apperception and my Nautical and Aviation Info down.
FAA handbook study guide I have exhausted the search function so I figured I would ask this question here.... Im getting ready for the ASTB and am having trouble the aviation information section. It was recommended that I read the FAA handbook offered by my OSO. http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/ In my attempt to work smarter and not harder, I was wondering if anyone with experience can help guide me with what chapters offered in the handbook would pertain to the test. If I have to read all 17 then so be it, but I would like to save time and study whats pertinent so I can focus on my other weak areas. Thank you gentlemen
Ok, I'm with Claire... I took the test and am an engineering student. Definitely didn't do that great, and was pretty upset. I think it was just a case of test taking anxiety.... getting ready to take it again. It's a bummer to hear about everybody else doing so well, but at least with a low score things can only get better!
Hey everyone. This is my story....I applied for the Navy and a commission in march of 2009. I scored a 43 overall and don't remember my OAR. I was denied a commission and my recruiter put together a reconsideration packet. In order to be reconsidered, I would have to show some sort of improvement in this packet. so I gathered additional O-6's LORS and my recruiter told me to retake the test. Guess what I scored a 39 EVEN LOWER. Well to make a long story short, we went ahead and submitted the packet anyway. THey lost my paper work it was never processed. I finally got a call last September from a processor in LA and he apologized for losing my packet and had suggested that i retest. Now this is going to be my Third adn Final time. I've studied for months for both tests and I am super scared of taking this my third adn final time and failing. I don't want this to be the end of my Navy Officer dreams! What do you folks suggest I do. is there any other way I can get a commission. I have a BA in Sociology and Minor in Spanish. My GPA was a 3.2. Do you have any suggestions on how to conquer this test guys? Please advise! Thanks and Happy New Year good luck to all applicants.
Deja vu all over again. Maybe the forum tweaked out and reposted, or you're bleeding your post all over the place. Either way, relax. Good luck on try #3; I'm on #2 myself.
Damn, Gary, I feel your pain. I didn't do too well either (48) but I think the best study guide suggestion I've seen is from "SoCal_Warrior" here it is. If it works, be sure to thank him. My first ASTB was pencil/paper and I got a 5/5/5/50. I moved and the new recruiter told me NOT to retake it, but I studied my ass off and on the electronic version I got a 8/9/9/62. (Oct'09 Boards I was pro-rec'd SNA/SWO/NFO) STUDY MATERIALS ARCO Books (Both of them) Navy/Marine Gouges & ASTB Study Materials FAA Pilot Manuals - Instruments, Flight Basics, Navigation, Weather Google Searches - I studied naval aircraft/ahip designators, basics of flight, mechanical comp, math, naval/aviation history and anything useful that cropped up. AirWarriors METHODS Flashcards Note Cards I would read the information then write out the important highlights I wanted to remember. Then I would reread the information and study my note cards. I actually did any practice exams I found as actual exams and my sister timed and graded them. Then we went over which type of problems I was continually having difficulty with. LATHER, RINSE, REPEAT Hope it helps and good luck!
i feel terrible for you papak. i also am on my last round. 44 the last time i took it, which is definitely not good enough. it sucks knowing that i'll sit down knowing that this is my LAST CHANCE. no pressure right? but either way, good luck!!! we both need it.
Patrick, your study guide was EXCELLENT. i made several hundred flash cards out of it and it was very effective. Just took the test yesterday and got an 8/8/8 65. Recruiter told me it was the highest score he had ever scene on the form of the test I took. So thanks!
Hey guys, this is kind of a specific question, but has anyone run into quadratic equations on the math skills portion of the test? I have the Barron's book and the Air Force AFOQT practice tests includes some quadratic equations. So far, none of the gouge provided around AW (or related sites) asks anything about quadratics. I like to think of myself as a fairly intelligent college graduate, but for the life of me I have never, never, ever been able to absorb and understand quadratic equations. And BTW I haven't seen many people referring to navygouge.com. It's a good quick link to all of the gouge and info around AirWarriors, located in one concise site.
bpr2006, nevermind that pm i sent you. I found Patrick's guide on this thread. Patrick, awesome stuff man. I've been collecting gouge and studying books for months now and this is the most concise guide I have found so far. A+
Hey everyone, This is my first time on here and I am in desperate need to pass this ASTB. Like as many of you may relate to me flying is my ONLY pursuit in life. In other words I will rather die then not be a Marine Aviator once I commission. I have taken the damn thing twice already and scored the same 4/5/5 both times, I am told I am still one point off from pilot qualification. I am a senior PLC candidate and I am on a time table. I plan on taking it again in September when I return from OCS training this summer. PLEASE I AM BEGGING EVERYONE and ANYONE to assist me in preparing for my LAST and FINAL attempt to become an aviator. I have been trying to access these links on here to columbia university test preps and this 'Marine Gouge" links, but all of them are discontinued or have broken links. I don't care if all you say is good luck, say a prayer, or provide effective advice...anything from you all are highly appreciated. My email is silverguard@neo.tamu.edu if anyone would like to contact me that way. I thank all of you for taking the time to read my desperate message. Semper Fi, Nick '10
It seems to me that the hardest part of this test is the aviation/nautical section. Simply because of how much information there is to study from. I am not exactly sure how deep I should go into instruments and gauges and flight principles. I am scheduled to take the test on the 29th, I feel strong in every area except for the aviation and nautical vocab. I have been reading the flight manuals that are posted on the Navy-Officer website. But its about 20 chapters long with 20 pages in each chapter. Anyone got some advice to which pages I should focus on? Thanks for any help.
Check your email!!! Hi Nick, My 18 yr old son, Nick also, took the ASTB for the first time in Jan. and scored 8/8/9 63. He has no previous flight experience (an orientation flight only). He used the Barons and the ARCO books to prepare along with a pdf doc.(attached) as a study guide. He stressed learning how to take the test by timed practice. You must set a timer to get used to the routine. He made copies of the answer sheets so he could take it multiple times to get the pace down. He did not try to memorize the questions but rather learned the format of the questions and learned to READ THE WHOLE QUESTION AND ALL THE ANSWERS before answering. He studied the books (related areas) and the pdf and took a test at one sitting.(allow time and in a distraction free area) Found and studied his weak areas and would take the test again a few days later. Alternating test so he did not repeat the test. This process took two weeks and he didn't kill himself. Reviewed sections 30 minutes at time 3 or 4 times throughout the day, in the bathroom, during commercials or whatever. Timed practice test is the most important. Don't try to memorize the answers you miss, just learn to be better at the TYPE of questions you miss. I hope this helps. I am an Ex-military instructor pilot and am currently an airline pilot and MD-11 instructor pilot. I suggest, if you have never flown, to take an orientation flight in a light airplane. This helps with spatial and flight control concepts. Nice to know the difference in an elevator and flaps and how they work. Cost around $100. Bottom line: do timed test, work on weak areas, and RTFQ!! (Read The ___ Question!) I hope this helps and good luck in your dreams. Never give up. Be Positive, Enthusiastic and Persistent. There is no substitute for professional persistence. Tony
Definatley know the parts of a plane, i.e. rudder, flaps, trim tab...etc. As well as the basics on Thrusts, Drag, Weight, Lift...some knowledge on weather such as atmospheric pressures, density, different types of clouds...basic instrument knowledge such as altimeter, horizontal axis, the difference between ground speed and true air speed (I believe that is the right way of saying it). But yea thats what I can think of off the top of my head. The basics for the Aviation is the same amount and general knowledge you will need for the Nautical...know your port, starboard, forecastle, stern, bow, etc. and know the position of the red and green lights and what they mean. Definatley ask around more so you can get every bit of information, but this is pretty much what I can advise for you to look at for this section. I don't have trouble with the Aviation/Nautical section, but Math and Mechanical is where I live at....and the neighborhood isn't that great!! Good Luck! -Nick '10
Hey everyone, I need more information. I have enjoyed reading everyone's responds. I am in college and will graduate with my BS in May, and I need help passing the ASTB. I am 33 years old and there is only two positions in the Navy for me. The position are Intell or Information Warfare. If you have any extra information please help. I want to be able to pass the first time. I have until the age 35 to be a Navy Officer. The books I purchased are Barron's Mechanical Aptitude and Spatial Relations Test 2nd ed, ARCO Military Flight Aptitude 7th ed, and GRE Mathematics Subject Test 4th ed. I need to improve my math and reading skills. Thank you so much for your help.
