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

[popofosho]

Rn87,

Just dont over think this simple stuff. try to work the numbers in your head with the given answers and narrow it down. Study all the math out of the books recommended. This test is about aptitude, all they want is for you to visualize and solve. there is no exact thing to study for, so just practice your math and that will build your aptitude alone. Keep your head up.

 

[visual_scan]

When I first began studying for the ASTB, I literally did not know how to figure out some of the more complicated math questions, let alone solving them in less that a minute. I went back and strengthened my foundational knowledge. I HIGHLY recommend "Cliffs math review for standardized tests." Go through this book, cover to cover, doing all the problems- even the problems you feel you are comfortable with. It is this disciplne that will reveal the weak areas, teach you the question formats used by test developers, and it'll make you realize that math isn't aptitude, it's a skill like everything else. Strengthen the little foundational skills and the answers will simply present themselves to you on the more complicated questions. Also, accurately test yourself using practice exams out of the ARCO book, and take the same exam over and over again until you can complete it within the time limit and with a 100%...even if that means memorizing the thing. Then go on to a different test. I made a 9/9/9 62 with this approach. Good luck-

 

[Erthwerm]

I took the test today and didn't score as well as I would have liked. 7/7/8 56. I know it's still sort of competitive and it's based on the whole person concept. I am finishing up a PPL, have a 3.0 from undergrad and 3.5 in grad work, do tons of community service. Applying for SNA and SNFO. My recruiter told me these scores are traditionally regarded as competitive, but upon looking at visual_scan's test, I'm now not very confident.

 

[blarged]

I took the test today and didn't score as well as I would have liked. 7/7/8 56. I know it's still sort of competitive and it's based on the whole person concept. I am finishing up a PPL, have a 3.0 from undergrad and 3.5 in grad work, do tons of community service. Applying for SNA and SNFO. My recruiter told me these scores are traditionally regarded as competitive, but upon looking at visual_scan's test, I'm now not very confident.

There will always be someone that scores better on a test than you, does more pushups than you, runs faster than you... You have no control over how well other people do, just make sure you put forward a proud representation of yourself.

 

[visual_scan]

A guy on the Jan 2010 boards was accepted SNA with a 6/5/5 60.... it certainly isn't all test scores. Do everything in your power to improve you application- write a great motivational statement- one that isn't a summary of your accomplishments... but one that really projects what you believe in. Let them know why you are going to make an outstanding officer.

 

[jdhvb]

I got selected NFO for the Jan 2010 board with a 4/4/5 45 ASTB Score. I am living proof of the "WHOLE PERSON CONCEPT". Other than my ASTB score, I knew I had a killer package and I felt really confident in submitting those ASTB scores with everything else I had to balance it. In conclusion, its not all about the ASTB score, but it helps to have awesome scores and I'm not saying to blow the test off. I believed that my motivational statement was killer, and really showed who I am. If you have any questions about my application please feel free to ask me, and ill be more than happy to talk to you about it. Find ways to make your package different from the others, and stands out to the board.

 

[twobecrazy]

I took the test today and didn't score as well as I would have liked. 7/7/8 56. I know it's still sort of competitive and it's based on the whole person concept. I am finishing up a PPL, have a 3.0 from undergrad and 3.5 in grad work, do tons of community service. Applying for SNA and SNFO. My recruiter told me these scores are traditionally regarded as competitive, but upon looking at visual_scan's test, I'm now not very confident.

To agree further with what was posted before me, I certainly don't know why you are wanting to get rid of those scores when you are applying for the first time. If you retake the ASTB now then you will HAVE to wait 6 months until you can reapply. Submit with those scores and if you don't get it then you can retake the ASTB (if you wanted) and make the boards for the following month. Your scores are fine. FYI there was someone in the January board that wasn't PRO REC and he had 9/8/9 67 (if he/she reads this I am sorry to hear about your non-select).

 

[Erthwerm]

To agree further with what was posted before me, I certainly don't know why you are wanting to get rid of those scores when you are applying for the first time. If you retake the ASTB now then you will HAVE to wait 6 months until you can reapply. Submit with those scores and if you don't get it then you can retake the ASTB (if you wanted) and make the boards for the following month. Your scores are fine. FYI there was someone in the January board that wasn't PRO REC and he had 9/8/9 67 (if he/she reads this I am sorry to hear about your non-select).

Thanks, twobecrazy. I really appreciate it. I wasn't saying I'd retake it, but I guess the perfectionist in me wanted 9s and something above 60. I am very confident my package will communicate that I'm Naval Officer material and plan to apply with those scores. Thanks also to everybody else for the encouragement and the pointers. I really am very grateful to have found a community of supportive @$$ kickers.

 

[GS-W]

I just got my results today for test 4, i believe.

This was my first time looking at this, and all i did to prepare was walk into borders and glance through the arco book for about 45 to an hour, took some notes, and for a few hours at home went over the concepts I was rusty on.

I got a 6/6/6 60. A 4/6/6 40 is the passing score and a 9/9/9 80 is a perfect score, so my result wasn't great, but will suffice.

Considering I was given 1 week notice, and studied for about 2-4 hours because of my college workload, I am very pleased! Math wasn't bad, reading wasn't bad, science wasn't bad, just a lot of concepts I learned years ago in middle school, and elementary school that I definitely should have refreshed more.

The nautical terminology and air knowledge or whatever it was, was about 25% common sense, drag, lift, N, W, etc or straight facts I have never heard of. Just random facts that an enlisted person would know off the top of their head, that I was like a dear in headlights about.

I could see myself scoring better if i dedicated a few weeks to studying, and had a lot of the concepts memorized.

My .02 cents, this is definitely a test you can improve on 10 fold with studying!

 

[SDHopeful]

Took the test (form 3) last month and received a 5/6/3 with an OAR of 48. Going to retest in March.

I am disappointed especially at my FOFAR score, however will be better prepared for the math section. The math section killed me, because I didn't move quick enough through the test and had to guess on about ten remaining questions.

Age: 26 (the clock is ticking!)
Degree: B.S. in Business with emphasis in High Tech. Management from Cal State San Marcos
2.9 gpa (worked full time through college)
Lots of Volunteer Activities (200+ hours)
Extras: Active in fraternity, 4 years of Krav Maga, avid crossfitter.
LORs: Boss, Retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major, Retired Marine 06, Army Flag officer.

Applying to both Navy and Marine Corps for SNA/NFO/Supply. Might have to go URL due to approaching age limit (27 in late August).

 

[twobecrazy]

A 4/6/6 40 is the passing score and a 9/9/9 80 is a perfect score, so my result wasn't great, but will suffice.

You are right with the max but the min is wrong. It also depends on what you are applying for that determines the minimums. There was a guy recently selected with 4's and 5's so 4/6/6 is not correct.


SDHopeful,

Are you goingt to retake the ASTB before you submit? It would be better if you submit with those scores and see what happens versus retaking the ASTB now. If you do this then you will be able to submit a new package for the following month instead of waiting 6 months which puts you over the age limit.

 

[GS-W]

You are right with the max but the min is wrong. It also depends on what you are applying for that determines the minimums. There was a guy recently selected with 4's and 5's so 4/6/6 is not correct.

No, the minimum for the Marines is

4 on the oar / 6 on the POFAR / 6 on the FOFAR / 40

It says it on numerous ASTB scoring guides, websites and PDF's It is a pass or fail. If you do not score this well on one of the sections you fail.

 

[twobecrazy]

You are right with the max but the min is wrong. It also depends on what you are applying for that determines the minimums. There was a guy recently selected with 4's and 5's so 4/6/6 is not correct.

No, the minimum for the Marines is

4 on the oar / 6 on the POFAR / 6 on the FOFAR / 40

It says it on numerous ASTB scoring guides, websites and PDF's It is a pass or fail. If you do not score this well on one of the sections you fail.

Sorry I assumed that you were going for Navy OCS! That's my fault thus I am the A@@ for assuming!!

 

[GS-W]

Sorry I assumed that you were going for Navy OCS! That's my fault thus I am the A@@ for assuming!!

Haha you're not an ass. I never mentioned the marines in my original post. Just clarifying though.

 

[gstapes12]

This question goes out to anybody out there who feels like throwing in their two cents.

I've been preparing for the astb for about two months now. I bought the barron's book in november and I've read through the entire thing several times. I've taken both the barron's practice astbs a couple times and I pretty much have the answers memorized. I found the ARCO book and read through that and took the practice test. I found a marine corps practice test and took that. In addition I've scoured this site for any useful gouge and studied it religiously.

I'm taking the test on tuesday. Is there any one thing that I should focus my last few hours of studying on? Is there one thing that any of you felt completely unprepared for? Any last minute tips?

Thanks for your time