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

JRDrezzoo

Member
Hello all, i recently scored a 6/9/7 on my ASTB, but scored a 46 on my OAR so I am planning to retake to qualify for BDCP I-SEL. My main concern is bringing up my AQR. Does anyone know the specifics on what exactly goes into my AQR? Is it simply a representation of my OAR?
 
Hello, first time posting here - I took it on a bit of a whim as I'm soon to start a new job and wanted to get a take in before. Went 60 6/5/7 with a few hours of cramming. ANIT and PBM killed me. Literally got like 50% raw score on the UAV portion and some of the ones I got right I took over 30 seconds.

Also have a 3.8 with a B.S. in accounting, seems like Im on the low end for being competitive for SNA in terms of test scores but high end in terms of GPA. Not sure if Im going for a re-take yet because a) not sure if I'll be medically clear for aviation anyways and b) I'm not committed to flying yet as I'm also kind of drawn to SWO and the idea of driving a ship. Right now I look at it like, if the Navy lets me fly I'll fly.

One question, does the board put any weight on professional certifications, or further education, or is it strictly GPA? I dont have a masters but I am a CPA and I wonder if that would make a difference for SNA.
 

Pinpenguin

New Member
Hi guys, I just took the test today and I got a 48 5/7/6. I am a business major with a 3.08 GPA and graduate later in December.

Honestly, the hardest part was probably the math for me. I did not adequately prepare for it as I thought I did (I focus too much on the mechanical and aviation part that forgot about mainly studying math). I got a lot of work problems with probability and geometry, and one taxing problem one working problem and basic algebra like exponents and long factoring.

I didn’t really study for the English part, but I did have to reread a couple times which really wasted a lot of time and I had to rush at the very end.

The mechanical section was really easy. I’m pretty sure I only got two wrong but it’s just basic high school physics. I used Gomez’s drive and the ASTB app for it.

For the ANIT I feel like I did really well in this part but I did miss two questions. I used the ASTB app to study mainly and watch some videos online for the history part.

For the NATFI I got a 61. I felt like a horrible person taking this survey and honestly don’t know if I did well in it or not.

For the PBM, the ASTB app and buying the Logitech X52 really helped me out and was a great investment. I wish I got it earlier to practice more but due to circumstances, I was only able to get it the week of the test.

My recruiter said this is a good competitive score but honestly, I don’t know if I should retake it or not. What do you guys think?
 
Last edited:

CaiqueB

SNA BDCP Applicant
Hi guys, I just took the test today and I got a 48 5/7/6. I am a business major with a 3.08 GPA and graduate later in December.

Honestly, the hardest part was probably the math for me. I did not adequately prepare for it as I thought I did (I focus too much on the mechanical and aviation part that forgot about mainly studying math). I got a lot of work problems with probability and geometry, and one taxing problem one working problem and basic algebra like exponents and long factoring.

I didn’t really study for the English part, but I did have to reread a couple times which really wasted a lot of time and I had to rush at the very end.

The mechanical section was really easy. I’m pretty sure I only got two wrong but it’s just basic high school physics. I used Gomez’s drive and the ASTB app for it.

For the ANIT I feel like I did really well in this part but I did miss two questions. I used the ASTB app to study mainly and watch some videos online for the history part.

For the NATFI I got a 61. I felt like a horrible person taking this survey and honestly don’t know if I did well in it or not.

For the PBM the ASTB app and buying the Logitech X52 really helped me out and was a great investment. I wish I got it earlier to practice more but due to circumstances, I was only able to get it the week of the test.

My recruiter said this is a good competitive score but honestly, I don’t know if I should retake it or not. What do you guys think?
I believe the next board application due date will be around Sept. If I were you, I would study my ass off for a month and retake a week before the application due date. A month should be plenty of time to get some good studying in and get some pretty high scores. If you think that you won't be able to get a better score, just wait and keep studying. Also, the NATFI doesn't affect your score, so don't worry about that.
 

Pinpenguin

New Member
I believe the next board application due date will be around Sept. If I were you, I would study my ass off for a month and retake a week before the application due date. A month should be plenty of time to get some good studying in and get some pretty high scores. If you think that you won't be able to get a better score, just wait and keep studying. Also, the NATFI doesn't affect your score, so don't worry about that.
Gotta tysm!!! If for some reason I don’t make the deadline for the Sept board when will the next one be?
 

Turtlefly

Member
Second attempt: 53 7/8/6

First attempt was a 45 5/6/6 (more on this later)

I am applying for SNA with MEPS tomorrow.

OAR: 53
AQR: 7
PFAR: 8
FOFAR: 6
Age: 22 - Male
GPA: 3.21
Degree: BS Aeronautical Science
Flight Hours: 250 (Private through CFII)

While my family has been enlisted Army for the past 4 generations I am a first generation pilot. I used the ASTB app for the performance and the google drives (Gomez mainly) for math and mechanical.

After my first attempt I scheduled a meeting with Lou through the ASTB app and he was amazing. It is a $100 flat fee and he meets with you for as long as you need. He does not tutor as in teach you how to do the questions, but gives you study strategies and test taking tips. If you are needing any guidance on how the process from ASTB through your entire Navy career it is worth the money.


Math: Gave me a lot of algebra and probability with a little geometry with cubes. The Gomez drive is 1:1 of the test so if you can do with worksheets you will be fine. Take your time but don't overthink it. This math is a lot simpler than it looks.


Reading: My only tip is to stay focused and write down what the test is asking. It will not say "Which is the most correct" on every question. As stupid as it sounds on my first attempt I forgot what I was looking for on the question bank.


Mechanical: Gomez drive will get you through this. No math was needed it was all theory (If I pull a yo-yo string this way which way does the yo-yo move). Understand pulleys and Bernoulli.


ANIT: I have been flying for 4 years and I am a licensed flight instructor and tutor private/commercial students. If flying is new to you drill this hard. I was asked about left turning tendencies, air pressure in relation to altitude, and aerodynamics. The boat stuff was easy just do the cram flashcards.


PBM: Buy a mouse if you do not have it. Buy the X-52. My first attempt not having the x-52 I used an i-pad. Met with Lou and he said get serious and buy the equipment. Took it again and got an 8. Practice like its a sport, 30 minutes every night.

Treat it like lifting weights and shoot the sh*t:

2 minutes of throttle
2 minutes of joystick
2 minutes of combo
-add dichotic and emergency when your score is in the green-
4 minute tik tok break
Repeat 3x

If you buy an x-52 with the ASTB app I promise you a 7 or higher



General tips: THIS TEST IS ADAPTIVE. Meaning it will find your strengths and weaknesses. My flight experience means I got few airplane questions, but that does not mean anyone should read my post and go "Gee he got no airplane questions so I should be ok". Once the test knows you have a weakness it will ask you about 2 or 3 more times before it kicks you out and gives you a bad score.

USE THIS THREAD FOR STUDY MATERIAL.
Comparison is the thief of joy and will kill your confidence since one guy said he got a 9/9/9 no problem.

I will be applying to the next board (which is when?) as soon as my MEPS goes well.

Stay f-ing hard and don't let them out work you,
 

asax12

New Member
Hello, I had a question on the DLT portion and hoping someone can chime in here.

I have been practicing the pbm on different platforms: Jantzen, TBAS Study Pro, ASTB Prep App.

There seems to be a difference in the format of the DLT portion between these platforms:

TBAS Study Pro/ASTB Prep App:
- you are given a target ear (left or right) that will switch throughout the assessment. Your task is to focus on the target ear and hit the clutch button for odd numbers and the trigger for even numbers

Jantzen sim:
- this is where it is different, the DLT portion asks you to only hit ODD numbers in your left ear (when it is the target) and only hit EVEN numbers in your right ear (when it is the target)
- this would mean you do not select any even numbers in the left ear when it is the target, you do not select any odd numbers in the right ear when it is the target.

Based on what I’ve read here the buttons on the X52 are mapped to: clutch (odd), trigger (even)

If anyone could help provide some info on how it is formatted on the actual ASTB that would be immensely helpful!
 

fighter-cat22

SNA BDCP Applicant
If anyone could help provide some info on how it is formatted on the actual ASTB that would be immensely helpful!
The TBAS study pro is more like the real thing. You’ll get a target ear, then listen for both even and odd, then it will switch to your other ear.

The real thing is also harder than the TBAS sim. On the sim it tends to stagger the calls so only a few might be at the same time. On the real ASTB, every single callout is in both ears simultaneously.
 

Pinpenguin

New Member
Second attempt: 53 7/8/6

First attempt was a 45 5/6/6 (more on this later)

I am applying for SNA with MEPS tomorrow.

OAR: 53
AQR: 7
PFAR: 8
FOFAR: 6
Age: 22 - Male
GPA: 3.21
Degree: BS Aeronautical Science
Flight Hours: 250 (Private through CFII)

While my family has been enlisted Army for the past 4 generations I am a first generation pilot. I used the ASTB app for the performance and the google drives (Gomez mainly) for math and mechanical.

After my first attempt I scheduled a meeting with Lou through the ASTB app and he was amazing. It is a $100 flat fee and he meets with you for as long as you need. He does not tutor as in teach you how to do the questions, but gives you study strategies and test taking tips. If you are needing any guidance on how the process from ASTB through your entire Navy career it is worth the money.


Math: Gave me a lot of algebra and probability with a little geometry with cubes. The Gomez drive is 1:1 of the test so if you can do with worksheets you will be fine. Take your time but don't overthink it. This math is a lot simpler than it looks.


Reading: My only tip is to stay focused and write down what the test is asking. It will not say "Which is the most correct" on every question. As stupid as it sounds on my first attempt I forgot what I was looking for on the question bank.


Mechanical: Gomez drive will get you through this. No math was needed it was all theory (If I pull a yo-yo string this way which way does the yo-yo move). Understand pulleys and Bernoulli.


ANIT: I have been flying for 4 years and I am a licensed flight instructor and tutor private/commercial students. If flying is new to you drill this hard. I was asked about left turning tendencies, air pressure in relation to altitude, and aerodynamics. The boat stuff was easy just do the cram flashcards.


PBM: Buy a mouse if you do not have it. Buy the X-52. My first attempt not having the x-52 I used an i-pad. Met with Lou and he said get serious and buy the equipment. Took it again and got an 8. Practice like its a sport, 30 minutes every night.

Treat it like lifting weights and shoot the sh*t:

2 minutes of throttle
2 minutes of joystick
2 minutes of combo
-add dichotic and emergency when your score is in the green-
4 minute tik tok break
Repeat 3x

If you buy an x-52 with the ASTB app I promise you a 7 or higher



General tips: THIS TEST IS ADAPTIVE. Meaning it will find your strengths and weaknesses. My flight experience means I got few airplane questions, but that does not mean anyone should read my post and go "Gee he got no airplane questions so I should be ok". Once the test knows you have a weakness it will ask you about 2 or 3 more times before it kicks you out and gives you a bad score.

USE THIS THREAD FOR STUDY MATERIAL.
Comparison is the thief of joy and will kill your confidence since one guy said he got a 9/9/9 no problem.

I will be applying to the next board (which is when?) as soon as my MEPS goes well.

Stay f-ing hard and don't let them out work you,
Second attempt: 53 7/8/6

First attempt was a 45 5/6/6 (more on this later)

I am applying for SNA with MEPS tomorrow.

OAR: 53
AQR: 7
PFAR: 8
FOFAR: 6
Age: 22 - Male
GPA: 3.21
Degree: BS Aeronautical Science
Flight Hours: 250 (Private through CFII)

While my family has been enlisted Army for the past 4 generations I am a first generation pilot. I used the ASTB app for the performance and the google drives (Gomez mainly) for math and mechanical.

After my first attempt I scheduled a meeting with Lou through the ASTB app and he was amazing. It is a $100 flat fee and he meets with you for as long as you need. He does not tutor as in teach you how to do the questions, but gives you study strategies and test taking tips. If you are needing any guidance on how the process from ASTB through your entire Navy career it is worth the money.


Math: Gave me a lot of algebra and probability with a little geometry with cubes. The Gomez drive is 1:1 of the test so if you can do with worksheets you will be fine. Take your time but don't overthink it. This math is a lot simpler than it looks.


Reading: My only tip is to stay focused and write down what the test is asking. It will not say "Which is the most correct" on every question. As stupid as it sounds on my first attempt I forgot what I was looking for on the question bank.


Mechanical: Gomez drive will get you through this. No math was needed it was all theory (If I pull a yo-yo string this way which way does the yo-yo move). Understand pulleys and Bernoulli.


ANIT: I have been flying for 4 years and I am a licensed flight instructor and tutor private/commercial students. If flying is new to you drill this hard. I was asked about left turning tendencies, air pressure in relation to altitude, and aerodynamics. The boat stuff was easy just do the cram flashcards.


PBM: Buy a mouse if you do not have it. Buy the X-52. My first attempt not having the x-52 I used an i-pad. Met with Lou and he said get serious and buy the equipment. Took it again and got an 8. Practice like its a sport, 30 minutes every night.

Treat it like lifting weights and shoot the sh*t:

2 minutes of throttle
2 minutes of joystick
2 minutes of combo
-add dichotic and emergency when your score is in the green-
4 minute tik tok break
Repeat 3x

If you buy an x-52 with the ASTB app I promise you a 7 or higher



General tips: THIS TEST IS ADAPTIVE. Meaning it will find your strengths and weaknesses. My flight experience means I got few airplane questions, but that does not mean anyone should read my post and go "Gee he got no airplane questions so I should be ok". Once the test knows you have a weakness it will ask you about 2 or 3 more times before it kicks you out and gives you a bad score.

USE THIS THREAD FOR STUDY MATERIAL.
Comparison is the thief of joy and will kill your confidence since one guy said he got a 9/9/9 no problem.

I will be applying to the next board (which is when?) as soon as my MEPS goes well.

Stay f-ing hard and don't let them out work you,
what did you do differently to study for the math section between your first and second attempt?
 

aepy

Member
First Attempt: 60 8/9/8, applying for SNA

Took the ASTB today, I appreciate each and every one of you who posted about their experiences, couldn't have done it without you guys.

OAR: 60
AQR: 8
PFAR: 9
FOFAR: 8
LPSS: 68

Prepped for about 2 weeks for the OAR portion of the test, probably prepped around 2 months on and off for ANIT and PBM. I also did a coaching session with Lou from the ASTB Prep app. He doesn't tutor you on questions to prep, but rather gives pointers and directions on how to approach them. Would definitely recommend checking out if you're a little lost.

Math: To give a little background on myself, I took classes up to Calculus 3, so math came pretty naturally. Got a few simple probability questions, logarithms, matrices, exponents in a fraction, factoring, and DRT. They didn't go super in depth, like for example having to solve P(A|B) into P(A&B), etc. Told me I had 40 minutes and kicked me out around 12 minutes in. I went through each worksheet on the Gomez drive at least once, and I think I did the probability worksheets (i and d/combinatorics) 3-4 times. Even if I knew how to do some of the worksheets, I downloaded and plugged it into ChatGPT and asked, "Tell me all the formulas and tricks I need to know in order to solve all of the questions in the worksheet," or something along that line. Be prepared enough to a point where you don't need to search up anything and complete an entire worksheet.

Reading: I didn't really study for this section at all. I would say reading in general is neither a strength or a weakness. Read a few navy documents and called it a day. Like what everyone says, very dry military instructions. I had no idea what it was saying half the time. Got kicked out in the last 3 minutes

Mechanical Comprehension: I took AP Physics 1 and 2 in high school and pretty much went off of that. Don't remember too much but I remember a good amount of electricity, pulleys, kinematics, etc. Mostly theory, like everyone says, I had maybe 3 questions where I had to actually calculate/estimate. Got kicked out when I had around 10 minutes left.
Nice refresher on pretty much everything you need to know for this section
After a few videos on youtube here and there, mostly studied off the ASTB Prep app
I wish I was more prepared for this section; definitely understudied. Please go through as many practice tests as you can for this. Focus more on the concepts than the calculations.

ANIT: Watched the first 5 videos of the Private Pilots License Lectures from MIT like everyone said, watched alot of videos from the Free Pilot Training Youtube channel during my drive going to/coming back from work, used the CRAM Anit flashcard everyone says to use, also used Popeye's ANIT Gouge. I used an app called ANKI and imported the flashcards from quizlet (CRAM and Popeye's gouge) I also deleted all of the multiple choice while memorizing the flashcards so I can fully recite it. Also pretty much memorized everything that could come out from the ANIT test portion from the ASTB Prep App. CRAM ANIT flashcards cover a good amount of content that comes out on the test. However, like some people say, it is not enough. I'd recommend overstudying here, since you'll need that same knowledge for flying later anyway. I saw a few questions that did not appear on any gouges or flashcards across the forum.

PBM:
I'm not the type to be frugal and save money when it comes to investing in my education/future. I was able to try different resources for the ASTB, and especially for the PBM portion. I'll list out the pros and cons that I've experienced with each platform.

1. Jantzen-Mike Simulator: (I also want to say they did an amazing job making this, and I really appreciate them making it a resource available for everyone. Not trying to throw shade or anything, but I wanted to give my objective opinions on them, as with any of the other resources that I will be talking about.)
Pros: Free! Does the job well enough, Covers Dichotic Listening (kinda), Emergency Procedures, Vertical(Throttle) and 2D Plane (Stick) tracking. Able to set different timers to practice. Gives you a score at the end to show you how you're doing (dopamine)
Cons: Only up or down controls on the throttle (no control), feels grainy? Up-down movements felt like the cursor was flying away compared to its cross movement counterpart.

2. ASTB Prep APP:
Pros:
Includes all of PBM, Terrain Association, and UAV portions. Accessible since it's on ur phone, tablet or macbook. Able to set timers for practice, also able to separate stick and throttle for practice (Throttle only, Stick only, Throttle and stick together, etc). Gives you a % tracked at the end, green for a "pass," red for a "practice more." Granulated throttle controls, feels pretty smooth.
Cons: DLT sticks to single ear during the entire test, Emergency procedures only happen once at the end instead of how it would happen multiple times during the test.

3. TBAS Study Pro on Steam
Pros:
Probably the most similar to the actual exam.
Cons: The uav section tests accuracy but not how fast you are. Unable to practice the stick and throttle under a certain timer. Had to do the entire PBM to get a "score." Taxing on the PC? I have a 5 year old 1660 TI graphics card, and running the app froze my computer sometimes

If I had to give a tip for the stick and throttle portion of the PBM, start slowly and build up. Mastery with the stick and throttle will take time, and it will be frustrating for the first few days at least if you are new to the inverted controls. I started with the Jantzen Sim at the easiest difficulty and probably did that for 3-4 days. When I started getting decent scores (under 50), I started to increase the difficulty tick by tick. Your patience and ability to keep going through frustrations will reward you eventually.

If you have other questions, I'd be happy to help you out. Stay confident and good luck with your preparations!

Sources (I didn't use all of them):
Gomez Drive
Kyle's Drive
Study guide
Math practice test (114 questions)
Jantzen-Mike Sim
Popeye's Anit Gauge Quizlet
ANIT Miscellaneous Knowledge Quizlet
 
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