1,001 questions about the ASTB (post your scores & ask your questions here!)

[JonSnow42]

Applying for SNA and NFO.

I took the test yesterday and scored a 53 6/7/6. My recruiter was really happy and said those are good scores. I was pretty pleased with the 7 but I messed up 2/3 emergency procedures simply because i goofed. I know there is room for improvement but my recruiter said he didnt want me to take the test again since he was happy with those scores. With my major, GPA and my references( 6 good ones) i have a good package. Here is where I'm stuck, i would like to improve my score and I know I can improve. Is there any downside to taking the test again? Just looking for some other guidance besides my recruiter. Thanks!

 

[SHART]

Applying for SNA and NFO.

I took the test yesterday and scored a 53 6/7/6. My recruiter was really happy and said those are good scores. I was pretty pleased with the 7 but I messed up 2/3 emergency procedures simply because i goofed. I know there is room for improvement but my recruiter said he didnt want me to take the test again since he was happy with those scores. With my major, GPA and my references( 6 good ones) i have a good package. Here is where I'm stuck, i would like to improve my score and I know I can improve. Is there any downside to taking the test again? Just looking for some other guidance besides my recruiter. Thanks!

The only downside would be if you didn't score as well or better. I don't think messing up 2-3 EPs would make a difference. I would apply with what you have and if you dont get selected then look at retaking the ASTB. Better to take a shot now then possibly score less and then not qualify.

 

[Acrancan]

I may be an idiot, but I've scoured this forum and I cannot find emergency procedures. Can you point me in the right direction?

 

[Brand0034]

I may be an idiot, but I've scoured this forum and I cannot find emergency procedures. Can you point me in the right direction?

Here's one set I have saved. They've been mentioned several times but are all the same.
These included for a fire you set the engine rpm to 0%, the fuel to 0% and pressed the clutch button. Engine, rpm to 100%, fuel to 100% and press the clutch button. Last it was propeller, set engine to 100% and fuel to 50% and press the button.

 

[sidhu079]

Just trying to get some advice and guidance before i go and take the ASTB for the last time. Here are the scores i have gotten in the past 1st time OAR:45 AQR: 4 PFAR: 5 FOFAR: 5. 2nd time 44 4/6/5. I get one more opportunity to take it and i am just trying to figure out what i need to be focusing my study on in order to bring my AQR score up to at least a 5. What part of the test effects that score? Thank you in advance

Try understanding the material and the more you practice the better you get. Good luck...

 

[SHART]

Just trying to get some advice and guidance before i go and take the ASTB for the last time. Here are the scores i have gotten in the past 1st time OAR:45 AQR: 4 PFAR: 5 FOFAR: 5. 2nd time 44 4/6/5. I get one more opportunity to take it and i am just trying to figure out what i need to be focusing my study on in order to bring my AQR score up to at least a 5. What part of the test effects that score? Thank you in advance

Not sure if you've taken the test for the last time or not, but what I did and it help dramatically is look over the basics of math and mechanical comprehension and then did the practice tests not only online, bit also in the back of books. I even went as far as taking the Air Force practice tests as it seems they has some harder problems. Then for the compass I drew it out and even put smaller lines for NE, SE, SW, NW. As for the joy stick just try your best as listen closely, and write down your emergency procedures.

 

[sidhu079]

Not sure if you've taken the test for the last time or not, but what I did and it help dramatically is look over the basics of math and mechanical comprehension and then did the practice tests not only online, bit also in the back of books. I even went as far as taking the Air Force practice tests as it seems they has some harder problems. Then for the compass I drew it out and even put smaller lines for NE, SE, SW, NW. As for the joy stick just try your best as listen closely, and write down your emergency procedures.

SHART is commendable for this Input. Thank you!! I am using it.

 

[TDSmango]

What’s up gang, I’m Derek!
Just took my third retest on the 20th of this month. Here was the progression of my scores.
1st try: 54 6 4 6
2nd try: 55 6 5 7
3rd try: 49 6 7 7
A little background information on myself: Applying for SNA. Graduated from a university in Japan majoring in international studies with a 2.93 GPA in March of 2019 and currently getting my degree evaluated just in case. My first score was without using any gouge from the threads in this forum and only the barrons study book.

As you can see I really only needed help on the PFAR. That being said I know my OAR scores are far from stellar as well, especially the last try. I scoured this forum for any tips I could find on the PBM section but each time I saw someone else asking about it, the replies were usually some arbitrary “relax it’s meant to feel difficult” or “look back for gouge” or “ just study hard”. There were a few who suggested aimlab and DCS which seemed great but only thing was I had a MacBook and even though I downloaded windows bootcamp the games were super slow on my Mac. One user who’s name I forgot actually wrote a very detailed comment on the emergency procedures which were very helpful (you rock!). So without further ado, I’ll add my two cents specifically for the PBM section.

1. My biggest advice: Always put yourself in the shoes of the Navy! If I were the navy, I’d prioritize selecting an SNA from least to greatest in the following order:
(Low): jerky, panicky target tracking and not accurate in regards to the orders and which buttons/procedures to press and follow.
(Medium): not as jerky and panicky target tracking and makes some of the correct buttons/ procedure after being directed.
(High):not always on target but smooth movements and within close proximity of the target at all times and presses the correct buttons/ procedures after being directed to do so.

In other words you don’t know when the target is going to juke you out, that’s out of your control. But you DO know and have control over what buttons you need to press when given an order. So the latter is what you should be prioritizing.

2. I personally bought the Logitech x52. Again, my computer was so slow with the games so what I ended up doing was just visualizing with it. I even considered having someone shoot a laser pointer at a wall and I’d imagine tracking it. On the throttle, I noticed both E and I knobs had a halfway notch when turning it. Make sure to reset the knobs to the halfway notch after each emergency procedure for that part because it threw me off!
I also downloaded allianceairwar on iPhone which was kind of helpful except the directional controls are on the left. I also downloaded Modern Combat 5 for iPhone and switched the y axis to inverted... not bad.

3. I know I’m being hypocritical a bit, but a lot of it is mental as well. You NEED to tell yourself that you are going to kill this test before and the entire time you take it...OUT LOUD! If some nobody like me can score decent marks on it, YOU can definitely do much better. I’m rooting for everyone who’s studying for it and all who are already shipped off! Hope this helps!!

 

[sidhu079]

What’s up gang, I’m Derek!
Just took my third retest on the 20th of this month. Here was the progression of my scores.
1st try: 54 6 4 6
2nd try: 55 6 5 7
3rd try: 49 6 7 7
A little background information on myself: Applying for SNA. Graduated from a university in Japan majoring in international studies with a 2.93 GPA in March of 2019 and currently getting my degree evaluated just in case. My first score was without using any gouge from the threads in this forum and only the barrons study book.

As you can see I really only needed help on the PFAR. That being said I know my OAR scores are far from stellar as well, especially the last try. I scoured this forum for any tips I could find on the PBM section but each time I saw someone else asking about it, the replies were usually some arbitrary “relax it’s meant to feel difficult” or “look back for gouge” or “ just study hard”. There were a few who suggested aimlab and DCS which seemed great but only thing was I had a MacBook and even though I downloaded windows bootcamp the games were super slow on my Mac. One user who’s name I forgot actually wrote a very detailed comment on the emergency procedures which were very helpful (you rock!). So without further ado, I’ll add my two cents specifically for the PBM section.

1. My biggest advice: Always put yourself in the shoes of the Navy! If I were the navy, I’d prioritize selecting an SNA from least to greatest in the following order:
(Low): jerky, panicky target tracking and not accurate in regards to the orders and which buttons/procedures to press and follow.
(Medium): not as jerky and panicky target tracking and makes some of the correct buttons/ procedure after being directed.
(High):not always on target but smooth movements and within close proximity of the target at all times and presses the correct buttons/ procedures after being directed to do so.

In other words you don’t know when the target is going to juke you out, that’s out of your control. But you DO know and have control over what buttons you need to press when given an order. So the latter is what you should be prioritizing.

2. I personally bought the Logitech x52. Again, my computer was so slow with the games so what I ended up doing was just visualizing with it. I even considered having someone shoot a laser pointer at a wall and I’d imagine tracking it. On the throttle, I noticed both E and I knobs had a halfway notch when turning it. Make sure to reset the knobs to the halfway notch after each emergency procedure for that part because it threw me off!
I also downloaded allianceairwar on iPhone which was kind of helpful except the directional controls are on the left. I also downloaded Modern Combat 5 for iPhone and switched the y axis to inverted... not bad.

3. I know I’m being hypocritical a bit, but a lot of it is mental as well. You NEED to tell yourself that you are going to kill this test before and the entire time you take it...OUT LOUD! If some nobody like me can score decent marks on it, YOU can definitely do much better. I’m rooting for everyone who’s studying for it and all who are already shipped off! Hope this helps!!

Thanks for your energy. These are greatly expressed thoughts you shared. I am in similar situation with 3rd attempt to retest. Your positive outlook in shedding some on like myself comes from a strong soul like yours. Spirits always up!!

 

[TDSmango]

Thanks for your energy. These are greatly expressed thoughts you shared. I am in similar situation with 3rd attempt to retest. Your positive outlook in shedding some on like myself comes from a strong soul like yours. Spirits always up!!

Glad I could be of some help! I believe you’ll pull through. And once you do, you’ll have quantifiable evidence that you are truly dedicated and will never quit. That’s one thing the ASTB isn’t indicative of if you’ve only taken it once or twice.

 

[pfernandez1515]

Alright I wanted to do a write up on my last attempt on the ASTB this past week. It was my third attempt and I got a 55 7/8/7
A bit of background: I took the test a couple of years ago and failed twice (my recruiter was simply trying to get me in and out), and I finally decided to try the military path again. Since I had only one shot left I decided to study a lot. I did about a month of studying 30 minutes a day, and two weeks of studying about an hour or two a day.
Studying: like everyone else on here has said, just look back at this thread and read EVERYTHING. I needed the most help on physics and math, so naturally I studied those the most. I also studied for the ANIT section the most with these flashcards (https://www.cram.com/flashcards/astb-aviation-nautical-information-test-anit-comprehensive-4718163). I knew the ANIT was my best chance of scoring high because you can prepare for this section the most out of any. I bought and read all of Barron's. I also read everything in Kyle's ASTB Study Kit 2019 (sorry don't have a link for that one). For Physics I looked up a lot of Khan academy videos on circuits and pulleys, and also watched a lot of videos from Kieno Thomas.
Additional helpful links:

(FOR THE LOVE OF GOD LEARN ABOUT THE COMPASS TRICK IT SAVED ME ON THE TEST)
https://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmotc/nami/Documents/ASTB_SampleQuestions_13May14.pdf
Now for the actual test:
Math Section: I felt like I tanked this section. It seemed like every question I got was over something I didn't study. Also I've just never been good at math. Lots of probability questions, lots of shared work questions, one ridiculously hard factoring problem. There were quiet a few times I guessed for the sake of time(probably to my detriment). Also a pattern question that I had no clue on. I didn't prep for this section enough. Also the Barron's book is a good start but way easier than the actual test.
Reading Section: This wasn't too hard for me, I'm a liberal arts major so I read a lot anyway. My best advice here is to concentrate and read all the answers in their entirety, because if you lose focus you'll probably choose a "less than correct" answer. Also drinking some coffee could help you just because it's so boring.
Physics Section: Standard stuff that's always posted on here. There were some pulley questions, classifying a type of lever, and an altitude/air pressure question.
ANIT: Harder than I thought. I had every single flashcard on here memorized and there were just random questions I couldn't possibly know. Obviously know what ptich/roll/yaw is and what the rudder/ailerons/elevators do. A few VASI questions. Know the parts of a ship and boat.
NATFI: Just power through it.
PBM: The compass trick saved my life, I practiced it once, 5 minutes before the test and it was so helpful. For dichotic listening: pay attention and read the instructions, and write down which numbers go to which ear on scratch paper. For the UAV, just relax and try to have fun with it. Playing video games helped me here, it was the most fun part of studying haha. Also remember to prioritize: when doing the vertical and 360, focus on the 360 and keep the vertical in peripheral vision. The same goes for the dichotic listening/emergency procedures: prioritize the listening/procedure, then return to tracking the target.
Last thoughts: take advantage of your break times, go walk around and do some push ups so your mind is fresh. Also drink lots of water, eat some food (I ate trail mix), and drink coffee(if it helps you). Also take it in the morning when your brain is fresh. Also a huge thank you to everyone on this forum, I wouldn't have received the score that I did if it weren't for y'alls help.

 

[Brand0034]

For the UAV portion, how much of a delay is there between seeing the screen with the arrow indication and the headphones asking what car park to identify? I do all the flash cards in my head because it's faster than twisting a compass in my hand then looking.
But if theres a delay, then I'm thinking the compass trick won't affect your reaction time because you can orient the compass before it asks the question.

 

[Wthomps3]

Hey guys! I wanted to put up my scores and trying to apply to be a pilot. I took the Oar/ASTB for the first time today and got a 44 4/3/4. I am a Business major and a psychology minor with a 3.2. I have been on athletic teams my whole life and have been a college athlete the whole time in college while never missing a single class other than traveling for athletics. What can I do to improve my score? I don't need any crazy answers like looking through the forums because I have been doing that all fall. I ordered practice books and have gone through the practice problems this fall. I think I could really improve my score with full understanding of the compass/heading/identifying the parking lot. I filled out paperwork for MEPS and am basically perfect medically/background so just need to focus on OAR/ASTB. What advice would you guys like to give? It would be awesome to hear from someone that could relate to me.

 

[OperationChungus]

I don't need any crazy answers like looking through the forums because I have been doing that all fall.

Honestly, you should probably look through the forums again. A 4/3/4 isn't a qualifying score for SNA or SNFO. There are packets of gouge spread throughout this thread, and I highly advise that you spend the time to search for them. The gouge will contain 100% of the tools you need to do well on that test. Look up and understand how to do each type of problem. Khan academy and YouTube are extremely valuable.

Actually set aside time in your schedule to prepare for this test and even get a tutor if you need to. You only have two more shots at this. Good luck.

 

[jlebsock]

Link to "kyles astb study guide". Should help for those who are like me and dont want to click through hundreds of pages on this forum just to find that "one thing" everyone is talking about. Got it from sskanchiraju.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AvPi5oH_h_13TGajDvflDWkftwXO8LS6