Retake the ASTB now or later?

[Flying Toaster]

I took the ASTB about a year and a half ago while considering the MC without studying much (OSO said just take it, you only need X score). I did, and scored a 5/6/5 which was all I needed at the time. I'm confident if I actually made a concerted effort there are quite a few points more left in there, and at the very least I could get the same. Anyway now I've decided on the Navy the scores have obviously become competitive. I've been debating whether to submit my package first with those scores, and if I don't get picked up be able to retake it and resubmit right away. Or take my chances at not being able to reapply right away and just retake it now. Just for reference the rest of my packet is pretty solid. I think the answer is pretty clear, but I just want to make sure I'm not missing something. Thanks in advance.

 

[LazersGoPEWPEW]

I had scores similar to those back in 2008. If I applied now I don't think I'd get picked up. If it were me I'd retake it.

 

[Lucy]

What was your OAR score? That will matter now too.

 

[Flying Toaster]

What was your OAR score? That will matter now too.

To be entirely honest I don't really remember. Although for some reason 51 is standing out in my mind, does that sound about right (in relation to my other scores)?

 

[Lucy]

Ya, a 51 with 5/6/5 is plausible. However, that score is really on the low side, more so if you are going pilot/NFO. Feb selects had 6's/7's and scores in the 56-60 average range, higher end for SNA. Even SWO was around a 53 I think. If you do end up testing make sure you study well.

 

[usmarinemike]

Take it again. Study for a little while first, especially if you've been out of college for awhile. Get the general concepts and then work on the speed off your computations. Those are kinda the keys to success in a nutshell.

 

[chnsx7]

i say study to the point where your comfortable again, and then just own the exam!

 

[Flying Toaster]

Since this thread came back up, I reread the answers and realized I should have made my question a bit clearer. Doesn't retaking the ASTB count as a major change to one's packet and consequently allows a resubmit before 6 months? Maybe holding off on retaking when I can get better scores is gaming the system, but I feel pretty happy with everything else, so should I just submit soon as is? Then if I don't get picked up, retake and submit for the next boards?

 

[SynixMan]

Since this thread came back up, I reread the answers and realized I should have made my question a bit clearer. Doesn't retaking the ASTB count as a major change to one's packet and consequently allows a resubmit before 6 months? Maybe holding off on retaking when I can get better scores is gaming the system, but I feel pretty happy with everything else, so should I just submit soon as is? Then if I don't get picked up, retake and submit for the next boards?

[smart ass]Going from 5/5/5 to 8/8/8 would be an improvement, yes...[/smart ass]

Being nicer, retaking the ASTB and getting a better score would be helpful to your package. It's probably the easiest way to improve your package. Make sure you study and make an appreciative difference.