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.