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

Callsign_Thunder

New Member
Took my ASTB test yesterday morning: scored 60/8/8/8

I want to thank all the AW residents for their insight and gouge, I really appreciate it. If I have any advice to give, it would be to prioritize the Math and UAV. Now to get Lasik and hopefully boards by December...
 

ichneumonidae

Well-Known Member
Hi all, Just took the OAR portion and scored a 60. I honestly wanted to do better given my GPA, but I am going to apply anyway and adjust the package accordingly if need be. There are so many helpful posts in this thread, so I will try my best to add to it!

First, my materials used (mainly studied math and mechanical), in order of importance to me: Barron's Flight Aptitude Tests edition 3, ASTB Personal Study Guide, OAR Math Guide, and anything else I could get my hands on. There is an online Peterson's practice test that has questions representative of the test, but it is not adaptive so you do not really get a good feel for how your test will turn out. Better than nothing, and paired with the practice exams from Barron's FAT, you will have more than enough material.


Math: This is the section I studied the most for. Of the allotted 40 minutes, my test finished around 25-30 minutes. Started off with basic probability (e.g. 5 green, 4 yellow, 3 red marbles. If randomly chosen, what are the chances of choosing a green or yellow marble?) then basic factoring, DRT problems, a sums problem (e.g. sum all numbers from 2 to 233), rates (multi-leg car trips @ different MPH) and percentages (e.g. w/ random numbers: 74, 70, and 80 on first 3 tests. Test 4's score was 2/3 of the average of the first 3, and test 5's score was 10/9 of test 4's score. What does the student need to score on test 6 and 7 to average 80 on the 7 tests?).

At this point I knew I was doing well because I had a matrix multiplication problem and then a few logarithmic questions of increasing difficulty (e.g. log-base x (sq-rt 2) = 1/6 . and asked to solve for x. Still don't really know the answer to this one.. choices were 1/3, sqrt(6), sqrt(12) and 8 .. yeah, idk. guessed and moved on). Felt I did pretty well given that the problems kept getting more and more difficult.

Not on my test: multi-part work problems (THANK GOODNESS! lol. e.g. Worker A can paint a house in 60 minutes, worker B can paint a house in 40 minutes. How will it take for both of them to paint? I'd be prepared for this though), mixture problems (dk the word for this. How much 100% acid solution needs to be added to make a 12 ounce 40% acid solution 60%?), and that's about it. Saw a lot of what I had found in the ASTB prep in this thread.

My tips for this section (studying): study Khan Academy to refresh (or learn for the first time!) basic factoring, exponent rules, log rules, percentages, rates, and then less-frequented concepts like Matrix Multiplication, Binomial Probability, etc). After you have the basics back in your head, do as many problems and practice tests as you can find. Do them timed, do them untimed. I've attached a document called "OAR Math Guide" that was compiled by a user here. Has a BUNCH of problems and explanations for the answers. ASTB Personal Study Guide was also, as many before me have said, very helpful.

My tips for this section (taking the exam): Do not freak out! Because this test is adaptive, you are necessarily going to get a question that you do not know (unless you get a perfect score, I'm guessing..). So, do your best and then move on. You do not have to be frantic and try and finish all of the questions, but also do not spend too much time on a particular problem so that you can get a solid number of questions in. Use the scrap paper and take nice deep breaths :)

Reading: This is the section I studied least for, which I really regret. I do not know if I had such difficulty on this because I was tired from the Math (didn't feel tired, but you never know) but honestly the passages were really dense and boring. Usually I do well on reading sections (see: 90th percentile on Reading GRE, SAT, etc) but I do not feel like I did very well here. Only thing I wish I would have changed would be to have practiced a bit more. Wasn't surprised by anything asked, just wasn't prepared mentally to tackle this section.

My tips for this section (studying): Even if you are a good reader and usually test well, take a few practice exams. I usually skipped over practicing for Reading in the practice tests because.. well, I was cocky I guess. Do not be cocky and prepare by reading a lot and practicing under test conditions!

My tips for this section (taking the exam): Gonna repeat: Do not freak out! (that's how you get someone to not freak out, right?????) Adaptive, so probably will not make it through the whole 30minutes. Be thorough but do not dawdle. One tip that I find useful on these reading comprehension-type exams: try to be interested in the paragraph. The military/Navy code paragraphs are pretty dense and irrelevant to you now, but the other questions are usually about cool stuff like cellular biology or astronomy. Do not read between the lines or use your own knowledge on the subject, but try and be interested in what you are reading because it helps to stay concentrated! One more thing that is very important, IMO, with this section: eliminate choices! Math and Mechanical concepts are pretty cut and dry. Reading comprehension isn't so much. Definitely use process of elimination. Probably could have done better here.

Mechanical: lots of questions on force, simple machines (how to equal forces on a lever arm, for example, or how much force needed to pick up a weight on a multi-pulley system), an electricity question about a coil around a screw with a 1.25amp charge (something something, asking for resistance of screw), a question that multiple people have mentioned about two cylinders with the same height but two different radiuses (what's the relationship between them, ... wish I would have practiced this problem beforehand, if you can find it anywhere), Bernoulli's principle, buoyancy question, heat transfer, something about what determines the efficiency of an engine (Friction of engine parts, heat loss, and something else..), and a bunch of other things I do not remember. Did not take the whole 15minutes and felt like I Did better here than the Reading, but worse than the Math.

Not on my test: Ideal Gas Laws, Gears, Pistons, Pendulums, maybe something else.

My tips for this section (studying): Khan Academy simple machines, electricity, fluid dynamics, take practice exams to know what you don't know. Focus on concepts and NOT equations.

My tips for this section (taking the exam): For the last time: do not freak out! Honestly, this section was the least taxing. Lots of conceptual questions, only wrote on my scrap paper once or twice for this section. Have fun and, if you are only taking the OAR portion, you've made it!!!


Overall, thank you everyone for all of the gouge and for being such a great community here. This forum is a wonderful resource that I hope to use far into my Navy career.

See you all around (and hopefully in RI!).

P.S. attached the 3 files I mentioned and extra one.
1) OAR Math Guide (a bunch of math problems)
2) ASTB Personal Study Guide (SUPER HELPFUL!!)
3) Free online test: http://www.nelnetsolutions.com/dod/DODHubPage.aspx?sponsor=12894&HubPage=15150
4) The extra one: a really helpful concept-based file compiled by a user here with questions, too ("Air Warriors Study Material")
 

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TheBirdy

Well-Known Member
pilot
log base x (sqrt 2) = 1/6 is equivalent to x^(1/6) = sqrt 2. Raise each side by the power of 6, (x^(1/6))^6 = (sqrt 2)^6. x = 8.

Worker A's 1 min. work is 1/60. Worker B's 1 min. work is 1/40. Using these numbers, (1/60)+(1/40) = 5/120. So together it'll take 120/5 mins. (use the reciprocal) or 24 mins.

The mixture problems are known as dilution problems in chemistry. Using C1V1 = C2V2, (0.4)(12) + (1)(V2) = (0.6)(12+V2). V2 = 6oz.
 

Rahul Sharma

New Member
Hey folks, I am taking ASTB next week. My main concern is with flight simulator and Mechanics. I got the UAV part down with the flashcard. (Whichever direction the red arrowhead is pointing rotate it to north and you will get your new direction) I went through entire threads on here and while I do know basic of what to study for math like (Distant word problems, percentage, probability, ratios, fractions, radical roots, decimal to fractions, logs, comparing outcomes etc.) How do I study for Mechanics? Also, are Navy History and Nautical information are on the new test? I am applying for NFO if I have qualifying scores for it.

Also, How are AFQR, FOFAR, and PFAR graded on what subtests?
 

ichneumonidae

Well-Known Member
Hey folks, I am taking ASTB next week. My main concern is with flight simulator and Mechanics. I got the UAV part down with the flashcard. (Whichever direction the red arrowhead is pointing rotate it to north and you will get your new direction) I went through entire threads on here and while I do know basic of what to study for math like (Distant word problems, percentage, probability, ratios, fractions, radical roots, decimal to fractions, logs, comparing outcomes etc.) How do I study for Mechanics? Also, are Navy History and Nautical information are on the new test? I am applying for NFO if I have qualifying scores for it.

Also, How are AFQR, FOFAR, and PFAR graded on what subtests?

For mechanics, I used the ASTB Personal Guide and Khan Academy. I'd also recommend taking a few practice exams to know which concepts you do not know - the more tests you take, the more opportunities youll have to see what you don't know and need to brush up on.

I didn't take the whole ASTB-E but I am getting all of this from Barron's Military Flight Aptitude Tests, which I highly recommend you get! The AQR is affected by all of the subtests, with special emphasis on the Math. PFAR: Affected by all subtests, with the greatest contribution being from the ANIT and Spacial subtests. FOFAR: Affected by all subtests, with the greatest contribution from Math.
 

Birdbrain

Well-Known Member
pilot
Mechanics is mechanical concepts, like how a pulley works or the mechanical advantage of a hydraulic system or understanding resistance across a diagram of an electrical system. Nautical and Aeronautical History and Information, military or otherwise, are both on the test.
 

aaaMike

New Member
Just tested after 3 weeks of studying and scored 58/7/6/7

I graduated 4 years ago with a business degree and have never taken physics or advanced math courses. This site was immensely helpful.

Only thing that sticks out in hindsight is that I forgot to write degrees on my compass.
 

Zacattackz

Active Member
How do I study for Mechanics?

The easiest method is taking a practice test, finding out what you don't know, then studying that. Every question you miss, understand not only why you missed that question, but how to do any similar question in the future. I took 2 or 3 practice tests which should be plenty of studying material. It only gets tricky with the really broad concepts like induction in a metal rod. Understanding the basic idea doesn't take too long, but ya never know how far your test will go into magnetic induction in step down/step up converters.

Also it's good to understand every question you see posted on these forums that came from the test. Surprise, surprise that exact same question could be on your test! (I definitely saw a few and was thankful I had looked up how to answer them)
 

Rahul Sharma

New Member
Just tested after 3 weeks of studying and scored 58/7/6/7

I graduated 4 years ago with a business degree and have never taken physics or advanced math courses. This site was immensely helpful.

Only thing that sticks out in hindsight is that I forgot to write degrees on my compass.


what specific study guide did you use? Can you attach some docs here, it would be helpful for me as well as other folks who are heading to take the test.

Thanks!
 

Zacattackz

Active Member
Can you attach some docs here, it would be helpful for me as well as other folks who are heading to take the test.


https://www.airwarriors.com/communi...our-questions-here.28348/page-257#post-881690

https://www.airwarriors.com/communi...our-questions-here.28348/page-257#post-879655

https://www.airwarriors.com/communi...our-questions-here.28348/page-256#post-878435

Tons of posts with study guides named, linked, and uploaded. Some are no more than one page away if an ounce of effort is made.
 
Hi everyone,
First post here. Took the ASTB a few of weeks ago and thought I'd detail since this thread was very helpful. Scored a 58 7/7/7 after about 2 weeks of studying (was limited due to finals). I used the Barons book, the Secrets guide, the Peterson Book (free online- http://www.nelnetsolutions.com/pdf/free/mastermilitaryflight.pdf), and the gouge on this forum. I'd recommend making your own study guide and be structured about it.

For the math, Typically what has already been said on this forum. Distance word problems, shared work, etc. Didn't see any matrix related problems but did come across a log problem. Be mindful of the time your spending on each question, I felt like I screwed up a bit there. Found Peterson's to be the best source for problems to do.
For the reading, The material was very dry. But that seems to be the point; stay focused and eliminate any answers that are not explicitly in the text. You should not have to make assumptions about the text to get the answer. Use deductive reasoning.
For mech. comp, I don't recall many calculations at all. Just be proficient with mechanical advantage and the other common concepts. Levers, density, ohms law, Bernoulli's principle etc. I'd recommend doing some calculations while studying in order to nail down the principles.
For ANIT, I saw more questions about aviation than nautical. I was quite familiar with the flight theory stuff (as I have a ppl) and saw some questions related to lift, aircraft components, etc. For this material, download the FAA Private Pilot Handbook directly off of their website. Know some historical facts as well (ie, Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1).
For NATFI, no preparation required. Don't let it make you think any less of yourself!
For the PBMs,
UAV- Draw the compass, if anything to cut down on time. People have said to draw one that you can rotate. However, I drew 8 compasses on a page, each one oriented around a different direction at the top. I found it to work better because it cut the time wasted from physically rotating the compass.
Hearing- Really screwed this up. Because of a technical difficulty, I was launched into the section without reading the directions, so I had no idea what I was doing. Moral of the story, never not know what you're doing.
Tracking- Do your best, the controls are really finicky. I was in my kitchen and saw two bananas and two apples and found a way to do a bit of practice. Had my brother move one apple up and down and I followed with the "throttle-banana". Had my Dad stand next to him moving and apple all around and followed with the "joystick-banana". May have helped somewhat I guess, but there you go.
Emergency procedures- Write each one down and it'll be straightforward.
A good pilot always carries a checklist.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get into MEPS in time to make the deadline for the July boards, so October it is. Best of luck to everyone taking the ASTB in the meantime!
 
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aqwest

Member
Just checking in here with my 2 cents!

Took the ASTB for the first time last week & scored a 59/6/6/7. I was almost positive that I was going to have to retake after I finished the exam, so do not let your nerves get the best of you. I studied for far longer than most people here (upwards of a few months), but my work schedule did not allow for much free time. Concentrate most on what you need to brush up on. I went into this exam knowing NOTHING about the aviation/nautical section, so that took up probably most of my time. I was confident on the math section, so I just looked over the study gouge briefly and made sure I could work each type of problem.

Math: Since it was the first section, I was not very diligent about checking the clock so I think I actually ran out of time with this one. Did not feel like I completed the whole subset of questions. Like everyone else says on here, lots of word problems and shared work. The study guide that everyone has posted (page 230&237 helped me the most) definitely prepared me for what I was getting myself into. No log or matrices for me.

Reading: It’s so dry. I’ve been reading about a book per week for the past few months to shape up on speed reading. It helped a lot between how the actual exam went and some of the practice exams I took before I started actively reading.

Mechanical: All theory for me except one math question. Definitely know all the theories on the study guides and gouge. It asked me the same question (worded differently) three times, so don’t panic if you’re certain that you’re getting something right.

Aviation/Nautical history: This is where I was most nervous. I have no background with this knowledge whatsoever. I downloaded parts of the FAA handbook which helped tons with the theory of how a plane works/etc. My questions were geared towards things I had not studied (more trivia knowledge than anything), so this is the one place I would have probably spent a bit more time if I had a second chance. Get your hands on everything you can. Even if you only skim over it once, you already have a better chance at recognizing the correct answer.

UAV: I drew the compass out as big as I could on a piece of paper, and then drew the NE/NW/SW/SE degree values. I guess you could draw in the N/S/E/W values as well, but those should be second nature at this point. Just keep practicing until you can get all of them correct under 5 seconds.

Hearing: I shut whatever eye of whatever ear I was supposed to be paying attention to. I think it helped, who actually knows.

Tracking: Here’s where things went wonky. My joystick was not calibrated for reasons that are a bit too elaborate to explain here, so it was pretty hard to track for me. Even though I felt like I was doing a horrible job, I still scored “okay”. Just don’t panic or freak out and give up. Also, be careful with noticing the difference between the practice runs and the actual exam. I thought I was in practice so I stopped trying at the end and then the exam ended.. whoops.

Emergency: Write. Them. Down. And you’ll be fine.

Good luck to everyone!
 
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