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

[Josh_Link]

If your math was bad it would have really sunk your OAR, if was probably more your PBM and ANIT that caused the issues.

I know I did not do great on either Math or ANIT. Luckily, those are easily prepared for, but do you know how I can prepare for the PBM section? Any simulators that work with a stick and throttle?

 

[santos23j]

I know I did not do great on either Math or ANIT. Luckily, those are easily prepared for, but do you know how I can prepare for the PBM section? Any simulators that work with a stick and throttle?

there is this GREAT site that someone made on here and it has helped me with aiming. Good luck!

https://jantzenx.github.io/ASTB/

 

[Mandy Rain]

Hopping on this thread, as I'm taking the ASTB here in a couple weeks. Made it through MEPS, no waivers, so the ATSB is the next step in the process. I'm a flight instructor, so I'm fairly confident about the aviation portion. I have the Barron's ATSB book, is there anything else I should be studying?

 

[Josh_Link]

there is this GREAT site that someone made on here and it has helped me with aiming. Good luck!

https://jantzenx.github.io/ASTB/

That is really great! thank you for linking

 

[Nathanrsal]

Hey everyone,

I just took my second ASTB and, unfortunately, got a 53 5/4/4. I know i totally biffed the math portion, and I think I did not do super well on the anit portion. I got 100% on the uav, and only missed a few on the dichotic listening. I felt like I was tracking well on the PBM simulations, but its so hard to tell on that thing. I did the emergency procedures spot on too. Did my math score screw my other scores up that bad? I am really nervous to take it again, as I am not sure if I did really poorly on the PBM or if its just the math/anit. anyone have any insight?

I did not really put a lot of time into studying, maybe a few hours over a week. I was way over confident because I am an mech engineering major and thought I could skate by on the math, I was wrong. I am going to go hard over the next month and study everything I can get my hands on. Any pointers that could help or has anyone been where I am that could give advice?

What was the UAV section like? Was it like the ones on this flash card link: https://www.proprofsflashcards.com/story.php?title=_36014
Or was it with written out degree headings, like "070 degrees" etc.

 

[elariosa95]

What was the UAV section like? Was it like the ones on this flash card link: https://www.proprofsflashcards.com/story.php?title=_36014
Or was it with written out degree headings, like "070 degrees" etc.

If I remember correctly, it was a combination of both, but not to a crazy difficult extent. I think it gave you headings but it also gave you a compass to show which direction your heading is. It's been a few months since I've taken it, so I could be wrong, but the compass rose trick really helped.

 

[Josh_Link]

What was the UAV section like? Was it like the ones on this flash card link: https://www.proprofsflashcards.com/story.php?title=_36014
Or was it with written out degree headings, like "070 degrees" etc.

The test uav section is like the flashcards, it does not giv eyou degree headings. At least it did not for me when I took it last week.

 

[mjr5]

Someone here developed a mock program for the listening/tracking portion Here
I purchased an actual joystick/throttle and used key binding to be able to practice as closely as possible and I think it helped me get used to the inversion a lot. I also brought my own headphones to the exam, obviously didn't want to leave anything to chance.
I know buying a joystick might not be feasible for everyone but I got the T-flight hotas one for ~90 dollars and it was good enough.

How do you do the key binding for this simulator with the throttle/joystick set to be compatible with a regular desktop computer? I've been practicing this simulator for a month using just the regular mouse and keyboard controls because I didn't think a joystick/throttle set was compatible with it. I retake the test in a few days so hopefully the standard version I've been using still helps my multi-tasking/tracking even though I haven't been using a joystick.

 

[enzy24]

How do you do the key binding for this simulator with the throttle/joystick set to be compatible with a regular desktop computer? I've been practicing this simulator for a month using just the regular mouse and keyboard controls because I didn't think a joystick/throttle set was compatible with it. I retake the test in a few days so hopefully the standard version I've been using still helps my multi-tasking/tracking even though I haven't been using a joystick.

I downloaded software called antimicro, was relatively simple to assign keys to joystick movements. I'm sure practicing without a joystick will have been useful regardless, it's good to get used to the inverted positioning whether you're using a mouse or a joystick.

 

[mjr5]

I downloaded software called antimicro, was relatively simple to assign keys to joystick movements. I'm sure practicing without a joystick will have been useful regardless, it's good to get used to the inverted positioning whether you're using a mouse or a joystick.

Thanks for letting me know! I plan on going to bestbuy tomorrow and getting a set so I can use the next few days in that way with the software. Whats the general steps you took for making the joystick/throttle you purchased compatible with downloading the antimicro software to a regular dell desktop computer?

 

[enzy24]

Thanks for letting me know! I plan on going to bestbuy tomorrow and getting a set so I can use the next few days in that way with the software. Whats the general steps you took for making the joystick/throttle you purchased compatible with downloading the antimicro software to a regular dell desktop computer?

It was a bit ago so I don't remember the exact process, just that it was very intuitive. Install the joystick software and make sure it's all up to date and being detected by your computer. Once that's set, just open antimicro, it detects the inputs and lets you assign joystick/throttle buttons to keys and the joystick axes to mouse movements.
It should work with any joystick/throttle theoretically, but I used the t.flight hotas one combo and it worked without issue, and if I remember correctly I read somewhere here that the ASTB uses some variation of the tfllight hotas series. If you have any issues hmu and I'll try to help the best I can!

 

[Switchstone]

Official US Navy word regarding specifically the OAR is, candidates have the option of doing paper or CAT for math, reading, and mechanical. Times for both versions are the same (40/30/15, respectively), no maximum number of questions for the CAT (which makes sense), the paper version has 30/20/30 questions, respectively. And I totally see the need for a joystick for the rest of the ASTB-E, but I'm only focused on the OAR portion. Thanks to all who helped me sort this issue.

If you are AD you can have your ESO try to get a paper copy, but the NRD's were told specifically they are not to have any paper copies.

I only proctor for active duty (as its a volunteer command collateral, I'm not a recruiter), and I specifically asked the APEX folks if the paper test was still an option, as I had quite a few people reach out to take it, but mentioned they would be deploying soon. I was told the paper copy was no longer an option.

EDIT: This was ~ March 2021, so a few months ago.

 

[ed_98]

I really hope the real test isn't filled with wrong answers.

I had another book say that a symmetrical airfoil at 0 degrees AoA produces lift.

 

[ed_98]

Hey y'all! I have been mostly hanging around in the background just browsing through the comments but wanted to leave my own remarks and ask a couple of questions.

First off, I scored 51 6/8/7 when I took the ASTB this past Monday. My recruiter said that those are competitive scores for SNA but I wanted to see some of your opinions. I'll try to break it down by section and how it went then leave off with some general advice. Here is some background on me though:

Senior Year of college at Cal Maritime, getting my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering (3.5 gpa), minor in Mathematics and a USCG 3AE License. Have a bunch of leadership and work experience under my belt with all the jobs and positions I have held while in school.

OAR Specific

Math - This section I breezed right through even though I started to get some really complex systems of equations, exponents and the like. It ended after I would say 15-20 questions, but nonetheless felt really good about this section. I would recommend purchasing Barrons book and maybe some of the others just for the practice tests. Kyle's gouge is also extremely helpful (I will be referencing this a lot) and I believe the link has been posted a thousand+ times on here so I won't spam it again. To be frank, it was a huge step down in the level of math (at least for me), definitely more Algebra and beginner calculus topics but nothing too hard as long as you get some decent practice in.

Reading - I did not study for this section at all and to be frank I believe it was my downfall for the OAR. I was reminded of why I joined Mechanical Engineering, because numbers are easier than words. The reading and text were pretty bland and every question has multiple 'right' answers but only one 'right' answer. I hate these and they drive me nuts but just push through. Also, I would recommend actually studying for it by running through practice problems, and just reading novels/books.

Mechanical - Also, not too bad and the questions are general overview so that was nice. For this section I would recommend just reviewing from Barron's and Kyle's gouge. This will prepare you for any question on this test and the more exposure to the material and practice problems you do, the better.

ASTB Specific

ANIT - This part was not too bad for me, especially with the nautical background that I have from my school. This one is all about exposure and remembering the key planes, dates, people, laws and etc. This one I just ran through flashcards after flashcards and still had some questions come up on the exam that I had no clue on how to answer. It asked about VOR and I was like "Welp...not a clue" but again, just exposure, exposure to practice problems flashcards and the material will prepare you for this section. I also found it helpful to look at the different planes and jets that fly around everywhere and try to always state what they are, what airspace they are in and more. My friends and family found this rather annoying but hey...it helps.

NAFTI - Weird questions, but just pick the one you feel describes you more. This one you actually can't prepare for but I would recommend answering in the way that an honest, determined and responsible person would. Also, since you have some decent time, use it as an additional break from your brain

PBM - For my star wars people out there, "This is where the fun begins"
1st - You take the UAV directional test, practice practice practice the flashcards and draw the little compass thing and use that trick. I was able to answer all of the questions within 1-3 seconds with the exception for one where I got a little disoriented but no matter, just keep going.
2nd - Dichotic listening test. WRITE DOWN WHICH ONE IS THE TRIGGER AND THE CLUTCH. I got really really lucky because I switched them up in the practice test and because something was off in my gut, switched them at the last second for the real and it saved my butt! I started to write down absolutely everything after that little hiccup. I think the leaning into the ear is helpful for some but for me it didn't really make the difference. I found myself closing my eyes or zoning out and just focusing on the one ear. I went full tunnel vision on focusing on just that one ear and it will be hard but keep 'er going.
3rd - Ace combat time. If you are not familiar with a stick and throttle, don't worry, because what is important is shockingly whether or not you play video games and have exposure to good hand-eye coordination, response time and multitasking. Note that I include the ASTB trainer that is on the internet as a videogame, made it a little more fun for me to practice. Nonetheless, in all of your games, invert the controls and get used to that. If you have a decent computer or gaming system, I downloaded Rocket League and Tom Clancy's Rainbow six siege and while it is fun to play with friends, it also helped me get back into the competitive nature of gaming, which is what you will need here. Like everyone before has said, it will suck. The target will move so fast you won't be able to touch the damn thing, but you have to keep on going through each of the scenarios and give the same level of effort for each. When they start adding the dichotic listening test and the emergency scenarios write them all down and make a little paper tent that you can rest right in front of you below the computer screen. That way you can make a quick glance if you forgot and keep going from there. Read the instructions carefully, take a deep breath and tell yourself a little "It's go time" before every section. Lastly, I must repeat it again, play some videogames and improve your hand-eye coordination, response time and multitasking. It will give you a good break from studying the dry material (the rest of this test) and have some fun while you are at it.

Overall
One of the biggest lessons I learned is that yes the material is dry but you have to smack your ego in the face and review it all and do multiple practice problems. I felt like I put myself at a disadvantage because I had the mindset of "Oh I'm a mechanical engineer, I can do this without looking." This is when I realized that it is not about your capability, but your exposure. I had not done some of these simple mathematical equations for quite some time and when I looked at the wording of question I was outright confused. I have been doing finite element analysis, complex analysis yet figuring out how much bob will have to add to his bank account so that the interest rate of 6% will equal 40 dollars...what.
So expose yourself to the questions, and spend a solid amount of time actually studying for this test. I let all of my other responsibilities take charge of my life and so I only got a solid 3-4 days of actual studying in, and it was definitely not enough. Oh, bring some snacks and drink some water as your brain needs the energy.

Let me know if you would like any other information from me or some of the links. I already wrote so much that I didn't want to clutter the screen so I refrained from adding them.

If all else fails, follow your gut. You got this.

I have been doing finite element analysis, complex analysis yet figuring out how much bob will have to add to his bank account so that the interest rate of 6% will equal 40 dollars...what.

omfg man, story of my life with these math test questions, ME here and I completely get it ?

Let me know if you would like any other information from me or some of the links. I already wrote so much that I didn't want to clutter the screen so I refrained from adding them.

From where did you study for the ANIT? specifically all the history and such.

 

[mjr5]

It was a bit ago so I don't remember the exact process, just that it was very intuitive. Install the joystick software and make sure it's all up to date and being detected by your computer. Once that's set, just open antimicro, it detects the inputs and lets you assign joystick/throttle buttons to keys and the joystick axes to mouse movements.
It should work with any joystick/throttle theoretically, but I used the t.flight hotas one combo and it worked without issue, and if I remember correctly I read somewhere here that the ASTB uses some variation of the tfllight hotas series. If you have any issues hmu and I'll try to help the best I can!

I have the software downloaded and my desktop is detecting the joystick and throttle and the antimicro software is allowing me to set the joystick controls inverted and set the throttle up and down to coincide with the online simulator that uses the W and S keys for up/down. However; When I get to the simulator itself the throttle ends up inverted and the joystick remains standard up/down and not inverted. I made sure several times that I was inputting the right controls for each one too but somehow they wont save and end up backwards when I get to the simulator. Do you have any advice or previous trouble dealing with this? Thanks.