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

[exNavyOffRec]

I just finished my First Attempt on the ASTB and scored a 41 3/3/3...
Math: was very straightforward. Surprisingly, I did not have much probability, such as dice/card problems, but I did end up with lots of algebra and geometry-based questions, which were straightforward with the formula sheets that you are given.
Reading: Can't say much about it. self-explanatory but not bad.
Mechanics: Did not study for it except to know about bernoulli's principle and I only had 2 questions about it. Not much math but lots of circuit and RPM questions. I definitely got a good understanding of Work, Energy, and Power because they asked many easy questions, as simple as choosing the correct formula for Work, for example.
ANIT: Be sure to know the in's and out's of aircraft and the type of aircrafts that are still being flown! Didn't get many questions about Airspaces which I was glad because I was having a hard understanding but do know the VFR's and IFR's heading i.e. IFR 001-179 (5k,7,9k,etc) and VFR 180-360 (2500,4500,6500) and know the runways such as the color on taxiways, runways, location/direction sign etc and know the lights that pilots must when they are on the ground or in flight i.e. "what does it mean when the aircraft is on the ground and sees a flashing white light" "Plane wanting to land sees a solid red light, what does it mean?"
PBM: Terrain bombed it for me so bad, I tried so hard to understand the pencil method, but I was still just not comprehending it for the love of Christ. UAV was also not my strongest but I know it was due to the anxiety I was feeling while taking the exam. I downloaded the ASTB prep app on IOS, and I did great in all of the PBM tests and didn't miss a single question on the hardest UAV difficulty, but I panicked and knew I was messing up big time. The same goes for the cockpit simulator. I did super mediocre when I knew I could lock on really well for a long period of time. The only portion I aced with flying colors was the Dichotic Listening, the first attempt by itself, and the 2nd attempt while also doing the cockpit simulation target.

Overall: Although I felt prepared, I let my anxiety and nervousness get the better of me, and I know I will be studying more rigorously. if you haven't downloaded the ASTB prep app I highly recommend it because the OAR portion really helped me out a lot and so did the PBM's

If you guys have any more ideas on how to help a fellow peer out, I am all ears and if someone can REALLY help me out with the Terrain portion that would be awesome

Remember the test is adaptive which means some of the questions you thought you might get you didn't because of the way you answered the questions the computer thought you had plateaued.

 

[bendaggs]

I just finished my First Attempt on the ASTB and scored a 41 3/3/3...
Math: was very straightforward. Surprisingly, I did not have much probability, such as dice/card problems, but I did end up with lots of algebra and geometry-based questions, which were straightforward with the formula sheets that you are given.
Reading: Can't say much about it. self-explanatory but not bad.
Mechanics: Did not study for it except to know about bernoulli's principle and I only had 2 questions about it. Not much math but lots of circuit and RPM questions. I definitely got a good understanding of Work, Energy, and Power because they asked many easy questions, as simple as choosing the correct formula for Work, for example.
ANIT: Be sure to know the in's and out's of aircraft and the type of aircrafts that are still being flown! Didn't get many questions about Airspaces which I was glad because I was having a hard understanding but do know the VFR's and IFR's heading i.e. IFR 001-179 (5k,7,9k,etc) and VFR 180-360 (2500,4500,6500) and know the runways such as the color on taxiways, runways, location/direction sign etc and know the lights that pilots must when they are on the ground or in flight i.e. "what does it mean when the aircraft is on the ground and sees a flashing white light" "Plane wanting to land sees a solid red light, what does it mean?"
PBM: Terrain bombed it for me so bad, I tried so hard to understand the pencil method, but I was still just not comprehending it for the love of Christ. UAV was also not my strongest but I know it was due to the anxiety I was feeling while taking the exam. I downloaded the ASTB prep app on IOS, and I did great in all of the PBM tests and didn't miss a single question on the hardest UAV difficulty, but I panicked and knew I was messing up big time. The same goes for the cockpit simulator. I did super mediocre when I knew I could lock on really well for a long period of time. The only portion I aced with flying colors was the Dichotic Listening, the first attempt by itself, and the 2nd attempt while also doing the cockpit simulation target.

Overall: Although I felt prepared, I let my anxiety and nervousness get the better of me, and I know I will be studying more rigorously. if you haven't downloaded the ASTB prep app I highly recommend it because the OAR portion really helped me out a lot and so did the PBM's

If you guys have any more ideas on how to help a fellow peer out, I am all ears and if someone can REALLY help me out with the Terrain portion that would be awesome

Do you think the app prepared you for the ANIT section? I'm easily getting 90-100 on the app, but I feel like it doesn't cycle enough questions.

 

[MARTY TARTY]

Do you think the app prepared you for the ANIT section? I'm easily getting 90-100 on the app, but I feel like it doesn't cycle enough questions.

To a certain extent. The app did help a lot when it comes down to the information itself, but when doing the quiz reviews and the test, not so much because, like you said, they start to become redundant, and so it's more of memorization rather than actually knowing the information itself. I recommend using the app for the notes and chapters it offers then to also use this link: https://www.cram.com/flashcards/astb-aviation-nautical-information-test-anit-comprehensive-4718163 . There you will get all the information you need.

 

[bendaggs]

To a certain extent. The app did help a lot when it comes down to the information itself, but when doing the quiz reviews and the test, not so much because, like you said, they start to become redundant, and so it's more of memorization rather than actually knowing the information itself. I recommend using the app for the notes and chapters it offers then to also use this link: https://www.cram.com/flashcards/astb-aviation-nautical-information-test-anit-comprehensive-4718163 . There you will get all the information you need.

Thank you, I'm supposed to take it in early March. Super nervous, I really struggle with math in high school/college. Currently going to tutoring twice a week with the OAR math practice guide that my recruiter gave me. Not sure if it's enough yet.

 

[flyhigh321]

Took the ASTB yesterday and thought I would share my thoughts. I scored 8/9/8 and I studied everyday for about 2.5 weeks. I would study twice a day, math and mechanical comprehension in the morning, and then PBM/ANIT at night. I used barrons and the ASTB Prep App.

MST
This section was pretty hard. Felt like most of what I studied for was not in this section. I had a few questions I had no idea how to do but I could find the answer by process of elimination. I'd recommend just having a solid foundation of a wide variety of topics and doing a lot of practice tests.

RST
Not the best reader and this section sucked. Probably did the worst on this section. Just be prepared to read a lot of dull information. There are usually two answers that are correct, just pick the one that is more correct.

MCT
I had a good mix of conceptual and mathematical problems. Barrons is pretty solid. I would also recommend watching a lot of physics youtube videos. A few hours after I took the test I saw a video of myth busters that went over a question I had on the test (got the answer wrong).

ANIT
Having PPL definitely helped for this section. There were a few questions that were very simple for anyone with even remote exposure to aviation. However, a majority of the test questions were pulled from the FAA pilot's handbook of aeronautical knowledge. Really no way around this. I also had a good bit of navy/nautical terms.

PBM
The ASTB prep app and Jantez sim will help you a ton. Do these every day for 45 min and you'll be alright. Try to get 100s on hard mode on the sim and 42/42 on the UAV under 2 sec reaction and you are good to go. Terrain Identification was also pretty tricky but I had a guy on this thread explain the pencil method to me and it helped tremendously.

It is a pretty hard test but it's not impossible. Study hard, read the thread, and relax and you'll be alright.

Hey JRCarl22, excuse my ignorance, what is the Jantez sim?

 

[aidan162]

Good evening ladies/gents,

I’m an NFO hopeful and have been spending loads of time studying for the ASTB, so far almost exclusively using Alex Hastings’ ASTB Prep app for iOS.

First and foremost, holy cow is there a wealth of information there. Save a few typos they’ve really done a great job, though I haven’t tested yet so I suppose I can’t say for sure. I really enjoy the practice tests available there. I’ve also been using Khan Academy videos for some of the more advanced math I’ve been told to expect.

Now, a few questions which I’m sure will be seen by some as stupid questions. I was reading over the program authorization my recruiter sent and saw that an AQR/PFAR/FOFAR of 6/6/6 satisfies I-SEL criteria. Realistically, how difficult is this to attain? I also saw that no waivers were allowed for a candidate to be considered for immediate-selection, does this include medical waivers? I got a waiver for a herniated disc when I joined the reserves, will I have to send off for this same medical waiver again at/after my commissioning physical or is it already on the books, so to speak? And one more question, I’ve been told that the NAFTI is looking for honesty and consistency from you, what should you do if your honest answer is not consistent with your previous honest answers?

What does I-SEL mean? Those are my current scores and don't have any waivers, but I have no idea what that means 😂

 

[yourtmate]

Hey JRCarl22, excuse my ignorance, what is the Jantez sim?

It's a web-based throttle and stick tracking simulator to be used in preparation for the PBM portion of the ASTB.

Check out this forum with more details below:

FREE ASTB Simulator Program (For the Performance Based Measures section)

Hello Everyone! A buddy of mine and I realized there was no real way to train for the "throttle and stick" portion of the ASTB, so we decided to change that. I'm a computer science major at USNA and I felt like I should use what I know for something useful, so I made a trainer anyone can use...

www.airwarriors.com

 

[ActuallyPoetic]

Not sure if this is the right place to ask. But, what does immediate selection entail? I have pretty competitive astb scores and was talking to my recruiter about ideally leaving for the April 28 OCS date since I have some personal things to take care of before leaving. But by submitting my package via immediate selection, does that mean I leave for OCS in like two weeks? His explanation about submitting packages, board dates, etc confused me in all honesty.

He also brought up just submitting my package through regular means, but that I would have to submit it asap before March. Any clarification would help.

 

[MARTY TARTY]

Is there anybody who can give a better explanation of the pencil method for Terrain Identification??

 

[elariosa95]

Is there anybody who can give a better explanation of the pencil method for Terrain Identification??

This but you put the compass rose on a pencil to turn it faster

 

[ejgonza]

Just took the ASTB today. Scored a 4/4/4. I have been studying off and on now since July 2023 so I was a little disappointed with my scores. I have primarily been using Barron's and the ASTB prep app to study. I felt that a lot of the math questions I had today were ones I never encountered in Barron's or the ASTB prep app.

I also don't think that I was fully rested so I think that had a lot to do with how I performed. I felt that the math and reading section were my worst.

I am a not the best test taker or have the best study habits. Im looking for a better method or study guide to help me improve my scores so when I take it again in August. Has anyone tried these websites/study guides?

https://ocs.asvab-tutoring.com/course/astb https://www.petersons.com/testprep/...SATP4nC725VVzyWfv_9FyYisl94r7sKwaApYjEALw_wcB

Anyone have any study guides that are math heavy? Or any recommendations? I primarily had questions of probabilities, fractions, and geometry when I took the test. I am shooting for at least a 7 in the PFAR section. I hope this is possible to achieve within 5 months

Thanks!

 

[NEVFR]

Just took the ASTB today. Scored a 4/4/4. I have been studying off and on now since July 2023 so I was a little disappointed with my scores. I have primarily been using Barron's and the ASTB prep app to study. I felt that a lot of the math questions I had today were ones I never encountered in Barron's or the ASTB prep app.

I also don't think that I was fully rested so I think that had a lot to do with how I performed. I felt that the math and reading section were my worst.

I am a not the best test taker or have the best study habits. Im looking for a better method or study guide to help me improve my scores so when I take it again in August. Has anyone tried these websites/study guides?

https://ocs.asvab-tutoring.com/course/astb https://www.petersons.com/testprep/...SATP4nC725VVzyWfv_9FyYisl94r7sKwaApYjEALw_wcB

Anyone have any study guides that are math heavy? Or any recommendations? I primarily had questions of probabilities, fractions, and geometry when I took the test. I am shooting for at least a 7 in the PFAR section. I hope this is possible to achieve within 5 months

Thanks!

Do you have a joystick and throttle setup? What about studying for the UAV and terrain ID?

 

[ejgonza]

Do you have a joystick and throttle setup? What about studying for the UAV and terrain ID?

I do back home but not with me at school. I think I did pretty good on the UAV, I only got 3 wrong if I remember correctly. I'm not entirely sure about the terrain ID. I was getting the majority correct during my practice run. I did use the ASTB prep app for both.

 

[NEVFR]

I do back home but not with me at school. I think I did pretty good on the UAV, I only got 3 wrong if I remember correctly. I'm not entirely sure about the terrain ID. I was getting the majority correct during my practice run. I did use the ASTB prep app for both.

Use Kyle and Gomez's gouges. Ditch Barron's as a primary study tool. I prepped with it and it didn't prepare me at all. I have heard good things about the ASTB prep app though and I use it nightly before I go to bed. I do one round of UAV and Terrain ID. I plan on taking it in June, so I am trying to stay consistent with the study routine. Good luck!

Kyle's: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AvPi5oH_h_13TGajDvflDWkftwXO8LS6
Gomez's: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IxIizps2bu2ljw1bYjFPajWv8RYvLWyv

 

[awindz9]

Can I get help from someone who has taken the test and tell me what settings I need to use on Jantzen and Mike's ASTB trainer? The past week, I have been using the first version, which doesn't have emergency training settings, but now that I have discovered the updated version, it seems a lot more chaotic. On the real test, will there be a voice saying left and right along with odd and even numbers? I've been practicing hard on both settings, but I would like to know which interval settings and reaction times I should use to get as close as possible to the real test. Thank you for your help.