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

[michaelsturek]

what did you use for the math section and mech section?

I used a lot of information from this thread and I also purchased the "ASTB-E Secrets Study Guide" by Mometrix. I have had a pretty solid math and physics foundation coming from Exercise science, so I just used the book as a refresher on topics. The book has a practice test that I took a couple of times and that helped me. I have had no flying experience so I really focused on Aviation and Nautical terminology/history for my studying. Moreover, I also just looked up "ASTB Tips" on youtube and came across a youtube channel by a guy named Kieno Thomas who has posted a ton of videos of practice problems, the answers to those problems, and helpful ways to study. The videos are 6 years old, but they helped me a lot.
For the PBM section, I did not buy any sort of simulator or practice in any way. I tried to find as much information online as I could and watched more youtube videos about it. I played a lot of video games when I was younger and I don't know if that helped me or not, but oh well. Someone posted this graphic earlier in the thread for the Emergency procedures section and that helped me a lot, I will attach it to this. As for the UAV section, I practiced that a ton. Basically what I did was I found a flashcard set and put it on shuffle so it wouldn't be in the same order every time and I would set a 2-second timer on my phone and would go as quickly as I could. I hope that helps you, good luck studying and on the test!

 

[lordfaerun]

Hello everyone,

I took my ASTB about a week ago in an attempt to apply for the pilot through the ISSP program. I scored 46 4/4/3, I have noticed that many people have recommended using the ASTB app for studying which I will try out. I primarily used Barron's study guide I am not sure how good of a resource this is. I have till the end of March to prep again. I was wondering any good hints for the PFAR and FOFAR sections. I completely botched the UAV section during EPs and set the indicators in the opposed direction for the first two EPs failing them, but never hear the audio indications for missed EP. As well for my math section, seemed to end very quickly me. Only getting in about 15ish questions with almost 20 minutes left on the timer. The questions were primarily statics and probably questions, is this a common thing or did that mean that most questions were missed and the test just moved me forward?

Thank you for any help.

 

[elariosa95]

I completely botched the UAV section during EPs and set the indicators in the opposed direction for the first two EPs failing them, but never hear the audio indications for missed EP. As well for my math section, seemed to end very quickly me. Only getting in about 15ish questions with almost 20 minutes left on the timer. The questions were primarily statics and probably questions, is this a common thing or did that mean that most questions were missed and the test just moved me forward?

1) There are no audio or visual cues for getting the EPs right or wrong. Be sure to write down any information you might (i.e. will) need for each section. This includes, but is not limited to, directions for knobs, the procedures, etc.

2) The OAR is adaptive, meaning it will cut the test early when it feels like it has a gauge on your aptitude for the section. Rule of thumb: if you notice the questions are getting more difficult, you're doing fairly well.

 

[Differentbcm]

Been a lurker here for a hot minute absorbing all the info. Currently a USMC MECEP at a NROTC. Passed the ASTB today (3rd attempt) with 7/6/8. My first two scores were (4/6/3, 5/5/5). Best advice I can give is to purchase the ASTB test prep app ($17, someone in this thread is the creator).
-The math and mech sections are spot on from the test prep. The ANIT section helped but there were some odd questions I encountered on the exam such as multiple questions on VOR. No questions on navy rates, jersey colors, or airspaces (but this differs for other people)
-Like others have mentioned, get the Logitech X-52 and practice at least an hour everyday for 2 weeks. I scored in the 110-130 range usually.
-Use the compass trick on the app, I averaged around 2.5 seconds and missed 1 on that section
-If I recall correctly the emergency situations go in order. that being said, once you finish with the first one, set your dials to be ready for the upcoming one so all you have to do is press the clutch when the situation arises.
-Always happy to answer any questions, other than this thread I was given little to no advice so I thank all of y'all! Good luck.

set your dials ? what are you referring too?

 

[cjwinton01]

is there anyone who’s done worse on a subsequent take? it seems that folks almost always seem to improve.

 

[Biff42]

is there anyone who’s done worse on a subsequent take? it seems that folks almost always seem to improve.

Ill let you know on the 17th ?

 

[BB Poison]

is there anyone who’s done worse on a subsequent take? it seems that folks almost always seem to improve.

Not personally but I've seen others do worse. If you understand where you need to improve from your first attempt and study appropriately, I don't see why you would do worse.

 

[cjwinton01]

Not personally but I've seen others do worse. If you understand where you need to improve from your first attempt and study appropriately, I don't see why you would do worse.

it’s my third attempt and I last took it more than 3 years ago. Got 7s but those aren’t enough these days lmao. Gotta get 9s on what is pretty much a “first time” but with no retakes.

 

[mcwisconsin]

it’s my third attempt and I last took it more than 3 years ago. Got 7s but those aren’t enough these days lmao. Gotta get 9s on what is pretty much a “first time” but with no retakes.

Honestly, I personally wouldn't risk 7s. The Navy might not be picking up SNAs like they were the past few years, but eventually the numbers will go up. A 3 year break between tests means you probably forgot what you do/do not know, so you'd be starting over from scratch. Up to you though - if you have the time to study now and if you really want to get picked up ASAP, then sure it's worth it.

 

[Prox]

I have a question about the ep’s if anybody can shed some light on it. I saw a little bit back that someone mentioned pre-setting the dials. Do the ep’s always come in the same order? On my attempt, the ep’s were exactly in the order that they were listed in the instruction section.

 

[FlyingGamecock]

I have a question about the ep’s if anybody can shed some light on it. I saw a little bit back that someone mentioned pre-setting the dials. Do the ep’s always come in the same order? On my attempt, the ep’s were exactly in the order that they were listed in the instruction section.

Always the same order that it’s listed

 

[Biff42]

Always the same order that it’s listed

Do you remember if for both the i and e knob that 100% is the same direction (counter clock wise/ clockwise) or each knob different.

 

[FlyingGamecock]

Do you remember if for both the i and e knob that 100% is the same direction (counter clock wise/ clockwise) or each knob different.

Don’t remember that but it’s not something to worry about. You’ll have to to practice before the actual portion starts

 

[Biff42]

Don’t remember that but it’s not something to worry about. You’ll have to to practice before the actual portion starts

Copy. I royally fucked up the EP portion on my first attempt

 

[cjwinton01]

Honestly, I personally wouldn't risk 7s. The Navy might not be picking up SNAs like they were the past few years, but eventually the numbers will go up. A 3 year break between tests means you probably forgot what you do/do not know, so you'd be starting over from scratch. Up to you though - if you have the time to study now and if you really want to get picked up ASAP, then sure it's worth it.

I hear you’re saying and you make some good points but it’s difficult when we just don’t know what’s going on with selections for the next year or so. I’m only 24 but by the july board I’ll be 25 and that clock don’t stop ticking. If exNavyOffRec is still lurking, feel free to chime in and give a somewhat lost 24yr old some much needed advice on what to do with his “lucky” 7s, thank you.