• Please take a moment and update your account profile. If you have an updated account profile with basic information on why you are on Air Warriors it will help other people respond to your posts. How do you update your profile you ask?

    Go here:

    Edit Account Details and Profile

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

F

FlyingWalrus

Member
Took the ASTB earlier today and wanted to pay it forward to this forum for helping me prepare and hopefully add some insight to future test takers. Most of what I have to share has already been discussed but hopefully it's still of benefit.

Quick background: This was my third attempt. First one was 4 years ago (don’t remember much) and my 2nd attempt I took was in October right when they implemented the new terrain identification.

MATH: Expect around 12-16 questions. This attempt I had basic & complex algebra, geometry (formulas are provided), ratios, probability, weighted averages/dilution type questions, a couple on exponents, one simplifying a square root of 216 I believe (3sqrt6). Know the pythagorean theorem, percentages (sale price ex: 25% off then 30%). All I remember for now.

No logs, matrices, binary numbers, or system of equations this time around but know last time I had logs, matrices, system of equations and radians to degrees.

Practice as much as you can and don’t get discouraged if you can’t solve practice problems. That’s why its practice… I would say its better to understand a few concepts completely than just having a mediocre understanding if that makes sense. Obviously best to understand everything completely but that's just not realistic. Sorry.. getting late, I am only on the math section and already rambling…

Not sure if I can put links on here but I used a lot of organic chemistry, khan academy and the tested tutor.

READING: I completely botched this my 2nd attempt and actually think this was my best area this time around. For this section you have to select the option that best fits the paragraph. Focus has to be 100% for 30 minutes here (at least for me). I put on the headphones about 10 minutes in to help block out background noise and thought this helped.
eliminate any non-answers. I took very brief notes on each paragraph. For me personally this helped half of the notes were just scribbled words, acronyms and symbols which I would write down. This helped me follow along but I still had to go back a few times to verify answers. I also should mention I didn’t finish this section so who knows.

MECHANICAL: Feel like this section covers a wide variety of everything. For this section I would say it's okay to know a little about alot vs. alot about a little. Pulleys, pressure, gas, principals, ect… go through kyles guides and watch videos on concepts you don’t understand.

ANIT: Know parts of ship, lights, purpose. Know parts of planes and as much as you can about them. I didn’t have any history questions from what I remember this time around. Read the FAA manual if you have time. I had time but still didn’t read it and missed at least one about VFR night fuel reserves. This area is extremely broad. Cram flashcards (400) helped and just learning as much as possible from a wide variety of material.

PBM: This area I performed pretty well but also practiced for countless hours. I know it’s been said on here before and I have to reiterate it again. READ THE DIRECTIONS. 3 times if you have to. Write them down. I learned the hard way the first two times.

Use the jantzen and Mikes sim to practice stick & throttle. You can use a mouse but HOTAS is going to be superior. Also if you can afford it get the ASTB app. I 100% recommend this for the UAV and Terrain identification and practice every day. UAV I missed one. I used the pencil trick and got pretty quick on practice 1.7-2 getting 100% on the app. The actual test graphics are a bit different (yellow pointing arrow towards the heading). On the test my nerves/anxiety really got to me. Knowing this was my 3rd attempt did not help. Because of this probably the first half I was anywhere 3-6 seconds then after I got the flow I was sub 2. I also kept the headphones on for this portion which I found more helpful than trying to read with them off.

Terrain identification I thought I got most if not all right using the pencil trick as others mentioned. Practicing in the app for this section and after you get the hang of the concept, try to find and practice with different landmarks (roads, runways, shorelines, buildings ect…) as the images will be different.
-
At the end of the day it’s a performance based test. Don’t let challenging questions get to you and keep a positive attitude. You won’t use 70% of the stuff you study but will need to know it anyway. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this form!
 
E

exNavyOffRec

Well-Known Member
adamday24 said:
Do you know what the GPA to get a OAR needs to be? Is SWO possible to get into with a 40 OAR?
Click to expand...
The only important thing with the OAR is to not need a waiver, a good OAR doesn't offset a poor GPA and a great GPA doesn't negate the need for a waiver which is something you want to avoid.
 
B

bluetoblue

Well-Known Member
Hey there. Looking to crossover from AF to Navy E to O. Took the ASTB today and was wondering if the immediate selection was still a thing since it’s in the PA and how it works. I scored a 61 8/8/8 70 and the recruiter was super excited and acted like I’m set for a pilot slot. Is it really that easy if you get over the immediate selection scores? Just feels like I’m missing something after coming from how tough every process is in the AF. Thanks!
 
A

awindz9

Active Member
FlyingWalrus said:
Took the ASTB earlier today and wanted to pay it forward to this forum for helping me prepare and hopefully add some insight to future test takers. Most of what I have to share has already been discussed but hopefully it's still of benefit.

Quick background: This was my third attempt. First one was 4 years ago (don’t remember much) and my 2nd attempt I took was in October right when they implemented the new terrain identification.

MATH: Expect around 12-16 questions. This attempt I had basic & complex algebra, geometry (formulas are provided), ratios, probability, weighted averages/dilution type questions, a couple on exponents, one simplifying a square root of 216 I believe (3sqrt6). Know the pythagorean theorem, percentages (sale price ex: 25% off then 30%). All I remember for now.

No logs, matrices, binary numbers, or system of equations this time around but know last time I had logs, matrices, system of equations and radians to degrees.

Practice as much as you can and don’t get discouraged if you can’t solve practice problems. That’s why its practice… I would say its better to understand a few concepts completely than just having a mediocre understanding if that makes sense. Obviously best to understand everything completely but that's just not realistic. Sorry.. getting late, I am only on the math section and already rambling…

Not sure if I can put links on here but I used a lot of organic chemistry, khan academy and the tested tutor.

READING: I completely botched this my 2nd attempt and actually think this was my best area this time around. For this section you have to select the option that best fits the paragraph. Focus has to be 100% for 30 minutes here (at least for me). I put on the headphones about 10 minutes in to help block out background noise and thought this helped.
eliminate any non-answers. I took very brief notes on each paragraph. For me personally this helped half of the notes were just scribbled words, acronyms and symbols which I would write down. This helped me follow along but I still had to go back a few times to verify answers. I also should mention I didn’t finish this section so who knows.

MECHANICAL: Feel like this section covers a wide variety of everything. For this section I would say it's okay to know a little about alot vs. alot about a little. Pulleys, pressure, gas, principals, ect… go through kyles guides and watch videos on concepts you don’t understand.

ANIT: Know parts of ship, lights, purpose. Know parts of planes and as much as you can about them. I didn’t have any history questions from what I remember this time around. Read the FAA manual if you have time. I had time but still didn’t read it and missed at least one about VFR night fuel reserves. This area is extremely broad. Cram flashcards (400) helped and just learning as much as possible from a wide variety of material.

PBM: This area I performed pretty well but also practiced for countless hours. I know it’s been said on here before and I have to reiterate it again. READ THE DIRECTIONS. 3 times if you have to. Write them down. I learned the hard way the first two times.

Use the jantzen and Mikes sim to practice stick & throttle. You can use a mouse but HOTAS is going to be superior. Also if you can afford it get the ASTB app. I 100% recommend this for the UAV and Terrain identification and practice every day. UAV I missed one. I used the pencil trick and got pretty quick on practice 1.7-2 getting 100% on the app. The actual test graphics are a bit different (yellow pointing arrow towards the heading). On the test my nerves/anxiety really got to me. Knowing this was my 3rd attempt did not help. Because of this probably the first half I was anywhere 3-6 seconds then after I got the flow I was sub 2. I also kept the headphones on for this portion which I found more helpful than trying to read with them off.

Terrain identification I thought I got most if not all right using the pencil trick as others mentioned. Practicing in the app for this section and after you get the hang of the concept, try to find and practice with different landmarks (roads, runways, shorelines, buildings ect…) as the images will be different.
-
At the end of the day it’s a performance based test. Don’t let challenging questions get to you and keep a positive attitude. You won’t use 70% of the stuff you study but will need to know it anyway. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this form!
Click to expand...
What did you end up scoring?
 
E

exNavyOffRec

Well-Known Member
bluetoblue said:
Hey there. Looking to crossover from AF to Navy E to O. Took the ASTB today and was wondering if the immediate selection was still a thing since it’s in the PA and how it works. I scored a 61 8/8/8 70 and the recruiter was super excited and acted like I’m set for a pilot slot. Is it really that easy if you get over the immediate selection scores? Just feels like I’m missing something after coming from how tough every process is in the AF. Thanks!
Click to expand...
The new PA came out after the last board so this is the first cycle it is being used which means this is the first cycle the immediate selection is being used. Hopefully your recruiter is good and is able to get your application submitted right away.

The USAF process is tough because they prioritize pilot spots for the USAFA. The USAFA gets the majority of the spots, then AFROTC gets some and then OTS get whatever is left over and from the USAF recruiters I have known sometimes that isn't any. The USN does a split between USNA/NROTC/OCS and often it is a pretty even split.
 
B

bluetoblue

Well-Known Member
exNavyOffRec said:
The new PA came out after the last board so this is the first cycle it is being used which means this is the first cycle the immediate selection is being used. Hopefully your recruiter is good and is able to get your application submitted right away.

The USAF process is tough because they prioritize pilot spots for the USAFA. The USAFA gets the majority of the spots, then AFROTC gets some and then OTS get whatever is left over and from the USAF recruiters I have known sometimes that isn't any. The USN does a split between USNA/NROTC/OCS and often it is a pretty even split.
Click to expand...
Oh wow didn’t know it’s the first cycle being used. Guess I got lucky with the timing then! Ya Monday I’m having my commander sign the conditional release and then the recruiter said they’ll push everything up for me after that! So fingers crossed! And ya that’s definitely true with the Air Force. Last OTS board I applied for they dropped 9 pilot slots for 455 applicants. The way the Air Force treats OTS it seems like the only reason they even have it is because they HAVE too haha. Didn’t know that about the navy though so that’s cool! Definitely appreciate the better balance.
 
yourtmate

yourtmate

Member
Recently took the ASTB for the first time and received a 60 8/8/8. I’d like to share my thought process behind some of the methods I used since I credit this forum for most of my preparation.

Background: I’m a recent computer science grad with a 3.4 GPA. I work as a software engineer with helicopters for big defense and have 1 year of xp. Before than that, I didn’t have a background in aviation knowledge. Since I am going for SNA, I really focused and split most of my time on MATH, ANIT, and PBM sections.

MATH (~40 minutes): I spent majority of my time preparing for this section as it demands the most practice and covers a breadth of basic math concepts. The Digital SAT Math course and Algebra 2 course on Kahn Acadmey were a huge help in preparing, as it allowed for a structured learning experience with practice problems that were explained. I made an account which allowed me to see which topics I’ve reviewed, completed, and mastered. I also did the worksheets and math sections from the tests in the Gomez and Kyle drive. Be prepared to see problems relating to radians/degrees, percents, exponents, radicals, laws of logs, polynomials, volume (cylinder and cone), find a number in base 4, triangle and circle geometry (angles and area), probability, DistanceRateTime, and matrix multiplication.

READING (~30 minutes): I did not spend any time directly study for this section. I felt like my reading comprehension was pretty decent from previously reading non-fiction books. But I definitely had to go back and reread certain parts of a paragraph for this section as I often ran into two competing right answers. I used process of elimination to eliminate 2 obviously wrong answers, then chose the best between the remaining 2 answers.

MECHANICAL (~15 minutes): Did not spend a huge amount of time on this. I just went through all the mechanical questions/reading material in Barron’s and Gomez to understand the basic concepts and formuals. Kahn Academy also has a highschool physics course; even though it went into more mathematical detail than you needed to know in regards to the test, it’ll still help develop basic physics understanding. Be prepared to run into questions regarding Newton’s Laws, bernoulli's principle, work, pressure, density, volume, distance rate time, rotational motion, springs, basic thermodynamics, screw/bolts, and pulleys.

ANIT (~ 5 minutes): For this section I went through Barron's Prep Book, parts of the FAA handbook, the cram anit cards, and reviewed any quizlet cards I can find relating to ANIT ASTB. With little to no aviation knowledge, I found that playing microsoft flight sim with a stick and throttle helped develop a functional intuition of each part of the plane (primary controls, flight instruments, and flight dynamics). Expect to see problems relating to primary/secondary flight controls, angle of attack, VOR flying, stalls, parts of a plane, parts of a ship. Luckily I had no questions related to naval/aviation history.

PBM: The Jantzen sim remade by MotorCookie and the ASTB app by Alex Hastings are going to be your bread and butter for this section. This whole section just takes consistent practice. You can really treat it as a game if you get the app and use the stick and throttle. I used to play video games and I honestly think that helped.
  • UAV: I used the compass trick and ASTB app to eventually consistently get 100% accuracy at an average reaction time of 1.6 seconds. To train for this, start slow and prioritize accuracy over speed. I practiced this multiple times a day. Over time, you will get faster. Ended up getting 100% with a reaction of ~1.8 seconds on the exam. I didn't take my headphones off. I found the audio to be quick enough to tell me which direction to click. Was nervous during this section but kept in mind to prioritize accuracy over speed. I'd like to emphasize that the key with the compass trick is to poke your pencil/pen through the middle of your compass rose so you can turn it using one hand FAST.
  • Throttle, Stick, Dichotic Listening: Practicing with the jantzen sim on the hardest difficulty made the actual test feel pretty easy. The actual test is probably 1 or 2 levels higher than the default difficulty. I practiced with the X52 stick and throttle (with and without dichotic listening) for about 30 min to an hour every night leading up to the test for 2 weeks. I would put on music in the background and just play the sim trying to improve my scores. For dichotic listening, I leaned my head in the direction of the target ear, which helped. For emergency procedures, write them down and react fast. Not too difficult.
  • Terrain: I think I got 1 or 2 wrong out of 18. Use the pencil trick as explained by seadog18. When finding a "straight line" on the right picture, you don't really have to find a particular road or edge that is straight. Instead, I picked two noteable points on the right picture that made a "straight line", found those points on the left picture, and aligned my pencil with those points to get the new direction.
Overall my time split between the sections were roughly: 40% Math , 30% ANIT, 10% Mechanical, 20% PBM. ~80 hours or so over 3 months on and off. I'd also like to note that during the OAR portion of the test, I felt like I was doing horrible and that I'd need to retake the test again, but in the end it worked out. So don't psych yourself out, and have confidence all the way until the end. It's adaptive, so if you prepared and its hard, its usually a good sign. Hopefully this helps someone as the other posts have helped me. Work hard and good luck.
 
Last edited:
B

bendaggs

Well-Known Member
Hey guys, taking the ASTB Friday. Really nervous for the math section. This will be my first time taking the ASTB. I’ve been working through the big worksheet of 114 problems my recruiter gave me with a tutor at school (pretty sure it was in one of the drives) and been doing the problems on the ASTB app. I’ve also been lurking through this thread for a while. Do you guys have any other tips? Thanks.

(Also going to MEPS on Wednesday, feels like everything is coming together)
 
Last edited:
F

flyhigh321

Member
Gadies and Lentleman, I am utterly defeated. I've been using the ASTB Prep App by Alex Hastings and I am struggling so, so, so bad with the Terrain Identification. Can anyone give me some much needed tips? I have heard of the pencil trick but have no idea how to implement it. I would greatly appreciate any help.

Much Love
 
A

awindz9

Active Member
Is it true during the tracking portion of the test when the joystick is pushed forward the crosshairs move up and when the joystick is pulled back the crosshairs move down? I thought it would be the opposite.
 
E

Empire16

Active Member
I
flyhigh321 said:
Gadies and Lentleman, I am utterly defeated. I've been using the ASTB Prep App by Alex Hastings and I am struggling so, so, so bad with the Terrain Identification. Can anyone give me some much needed tips? I have heard of the pencil trick but have no idea how to implement it. I would greatly appreciate any help.

Much Love
Click to expand...
I probably got 50% of them right on the actual test and ended with a 8 fofar. Get as good as possible at it of course, but also focus on the UAV portion. I got all of them right and most of them under 2 seconds. You still can kill it!
 
elariosa95

elariosa95

SNA (Primary - VT-6)
awindz9 said:
Is it true during the tracking portion of the test when the joystick is pushed forward the crosshairs move up and when the joystick is pulled back the crosshairs move down? I thought it would be the opposite.
Click to expand...
It does that during the initial calibration. It’s the opposite during the test
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top