Resubmission

[MidWestEwo]

Unfortunately I was not selected in the February boards and I am eager to resubmit. I feel my package was weak from my ASTB score of a 49 5/5/5, and my gpa of a 3.0 in behavioral sciences. I didn't do so hot on my ASTB mainly because I am a non-technical major with no flight experience. I also had to take a paper test first, and then a computer test the second time in which I improved on my old score. It is not an excuse, but I think I did well considering my education background. I want to resubmit as soon as I can, but I don't know what to do to significantly make my package better. I had strong recommendations, volunteer work, clubs, student government, and a motivational statement straight from the heart. Would some interviews be a significant change? Should I take the PRT to put on my application? What about throwing another LOR on?

They make it so hard by not telling people why they got rejected, so I guess I am just trying to find other people that have been/are in the same boat as me. I feel that I belong in the Navy, and I will even consider adding more designation choices besides SNA on my next app, but I don't want to waste the board's time with a weak resubmission.

 

[Twitterpate03]

Retaking the test is a given. You definately can raise it.

Maybe go for another LOR? Can't hurt.

And tweak your motivational statement, add to it that you have already been declined but you refuse to give up!

That's what I would do.

But don't give up. I have the same GPA and lower ASTB scores. And I got in, so don't assume you know why they said no either.

 

[sciguy]

My package was very similar to yours bmaru, and I was a non-select for SWO. I have started rewriting my motivational statement from scratch. Thinking about retaking the OAR, my recruiter wants to wait until I hear from the Supply and Oceanography Boards in a few weeks.

 

[TheSparo]

I too am resubmitting my packet after this semester after being a non-select for Feb. board.
I hope to improve my GPA, but don't plan on retaking the ASTB as I got 7/7/7 59, so I just don't want to jinx myself in retaking it.

BUT, as for improving it, I have heard to add LORs from senior officers by interviewing with them, BUT, how do I find a senior officer to interview with? I don't know any.. in fact I don't know anyone in the NAVY.

 

[Gills]

I'm in the same boat as Sparo and bmaru. Of course, everyone and thier brother is going to tell you to just study your ass off and retake the ASTB, you'll do fine and get in. Well maybe, if you're like me, you have retaken the ASTB already, which means you have to wait 90 or so days from that point to retake, get a higher score again and resubmit. This may be the way to go for some who can afford to wait, but there are other ways.

Talk to your OR. If he thinks you can get in (big if), you may be able to do things like LORs or Interviews and yeah, running a PRT is not a bad idea. So now you're going to ask: Are these things really enough to boost my package for resubmission? Answer: from the vibes I'm getting from my situation its all up to your OR and the designator you're applying to. If your OR thinks its not worth it, he might say, you have to retake the ASTB if you want to resumit, or you have to wait the six months.

So Basically, talk to your OR.

 

[spinspilot]

Bmaru,
You need to do everything in your power to increase your chances of getting selected. I wouldn't even have asked about the PRT, it should be obvious. Do it. As for the ASTB, Turtl3 is absolutely correct, every night for a few hours. I suck at math and am a poli sci major, I feel your pain. I took it this past friday and scored a 5/6/5. At least you still have another shot at kicking this test in the sack. Everything in your power man, good luck.

 

[navy09]

I didn't do so hot on my ASTB mainly because I am a non-technical major with no flight experience.

Same here, that's a bad excuse. You definitely don't need a technical college degree or flight time to ace the ASTB. If you're having trouble with the math, go back and review what you need to. It's all high school level stuff. Review your basic HS math (algebra, trig, geometry) and you should do a lot better.

The only part I actually studied for was the spacial apperception (sp?). If you sit down and study those for 15 mins you should be able to get the hang of it no problem so you can just blow through them on the test.

It seems that a strong ASTB score really helps the OCS packages, so if you bump your score up you should be in good shape.

 

[Leviticus]

talk about non-technical degree...I have a BA in Biblical Studies, no math there. You've taken the ASTB twice already? I would be more cautious about taking it a third and final time, since it could hurt you. I would suggest that you study and take as many practice exams until you feel confident that you can do better. If, and I believe you can, re-apply for the next board with the scores you have while you wait for the next possible date to retake the ASTB.

Definitely take the PRT and score well beyond the good low required. If you have any way to boost your GPA, do it. And if you can get some flight time, that wouldn't hurt. I was told that I needed 63 hrs to boost my TBAS and had a month and a half to get it...I got them. I just had to fly till mid-night or later, on occasions, and work 50+ hr weeks. Anything is possible, just how hard are you willing and to what end will you strive to get it? I believe you're determined, get it! Also, from what I was told, 5's aren't bad, they're very average, and your GPA isn't bad either. I'd consider the letters and PRT option, try another board, then think ASTB.

 

[JJH]

I was once in your position and had to resubmit. From my experience, I would advise you to re-take the ASTB. You already know the format, difficulty, etc. from taking it already. STUDY, go over concepts that you struggle with, and most importantly keep your head up.

 

[swerdna]

Did you look to the gigantic motivational statement thread? Posting on there and asking for help might work. Also, there are plenty of examples of what is good, and what is bad.

 

[MidWestEwo]

Thanks for the support everyone. I am going to start the process again next month hopefully.