Hello everyone, long-time listener, and first-time caller. Just finished my ASTB and want to give my run down of the test, along with the study materials I used. I studied hardcore for about a week (4-5 hours a day).
I will link everything I used at the bottom of this post.
Thank you all for the incredible information provided in this thread. I thought I was dumb after reading this thread, but good scores are possible.
Major: Finance
GPA: 3.2
AGE/Year: 20/Senior
GOAL: SNA
OAR: 65
AQR: 8
PFAR: 8
FOFAR: 8
Math:
This section was honestly way easier than I thought it was going to be. I got basic algebra, geometry, complex problems involving the volume of different prisms, root problems, multiplication matrices, and exponent problems (involving a lot of different rules). I also got an interesting question involving the term "L" at the end of a sequence, which I had never seen. It has something to do with Log. For this section, I studied using the super long ASTB math practice set (something like 100 questions), both Kyle and Gomez drives, and watched the Organic Chemistry tutor on YouTube for help with concepts I didn't know. I found it particularly helpful to try and visualize the concepts in my head while solving to better understand how the problem worked. I didn't get any work-time problems, DRT problems, or log base exponent problems.
Reading:
Straightforward, really dry. Try your best to understand the passages by breaking them down. I found reading out loud made this section easier.
Mechanical:
This section was also easier than I thought it would be. Had simple pulley single problems (fixed vs movable), simple inertia problems, horizontal velocity, mechanical advantage, and electrical problems involving simple circuits and definitions (Ohms for example.) MA of pulleys equals the number of supporting strands. There is a YouTube video by Smarter Every Day that helped me visualize pulleys. I also used the Kyle and Gomez drives for this. Again, taking time to visualize each concept helped me find the solution.
ANIT:
This section was also easier than I thought it would be. Every question had a one-word answer. I had questions on control surfaces, a lot of questions regarding elevators on an aircraft, and one naval history question. No nautical-themed questions. I used the CRAM flashcards for this and they were sufficient.
UAV:
This is where the ASTB Prep App helped me the most. I prepped using rapid-fire mode on the app and that reflected on the test. I also use the paper compass method during practice and the test. I got every question right, most in under 3 secs. Some questions took me longer than others (5-6 sec) but that didn't seem to affect my score.
NATFI:
Another straightforward section, pick the best choice and move on. Don't dwell on answers.
Dichotic Listening:
I studied using the ASTB prep app. The test was the same, although the target ear switched between left and right during the actual test. I removed the headphones on the non-target side and didn't miss any. Get the hang of it before the test and you'll be good.
Stick and Throttle:
I splurged and bought the X52 throttle and oh boy it worked. I was consistently scoring a 18-20% on the ASTB Prep App sim. The test seems a lot smoother than the prep app. I practiced throttle and stick separately and then together. I thought I did horrible on the stick tracking, but I powered through. Take the time and breath. I missed a couple of numbers on the S+T+Dichotic Listening and still scored well. DO NOT STRESS, I thought I was doing so bad, but I passed.
Stick, Throttle, Emergency Procedures:
I thought this section was going to tank my score. I'm fairly certain my test glitched because I never saw the combinations for the knobs for each emergency. I guessed on every one and I think I guessed correctly because Fire and Engine went away, but Prop wouldn't when I pressed the clutch. I thought this was going to tank my score and I believe I would have scored a 9 if I had the correct combinations.
THANK YOU ALL!!! PLEASE REACH OUT WITH ANY QUESTIONS!
LINKS!!!
ANIT CRAM FLASHCARDS
GOMEZ DRIVE
KYLE DRIVE
A BUNCH OF MATH QUESTIONS
FREE STICK+THROTTLE SIM
SMARTER EVERY DAY PULLEY VIDEO
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY TUTOR