ASTB Prep question

[mc282000]

Hey guys, I've been reading the site for a couple weeks now and first off wanted to say thanks to all of you as its been a great resource. I've recently decided to pursue a long time dream of becoming a pilot in the military, which lead me here.

I've chosen the Marines as my service to begin with and am now preparing for the ASTB and PFT. My question I was hoping you all could help with revolves around how best to study for the ASTB. I've done my research in terms of the material covered, gouge, websites and literature, however, I'm not sure where to begin or what the most advantageous method of study would be. Should I be studying one topic a week? Or one topic a day alternating topics daily? Or should I study a section of the test until I am 100% confident in it and then move on to the next? I would rank my strength in the sections of the test from strongest to weakest as follows:

Math
Spatial Apperception
Reading Comprehension
Aeronautical/Nautical Information
Mechanical Comprehension

It seems logical to start at the bottom as this is where I probably need the most improvement. However, I don't want to start there and then have to cram in any brush up work for math before the test.

Any suggestions, comments and or help you all can offer is greatly appreciated. Thanks again to all of you and a special thanks to those of you currently serving our country.

 

[badger16]

I'd study everything daily...and work longer on stuff you have problems with. Also work a lot on math because it plays a BIG role in most of your scores. Good luck to you. I took the ASTB about 3 months ago or so. If you have more questions PM me. Cheers.

 

[BackOrdered]

Once I got the Arco book, it went wherever I went everyday. Lunch breaks at work, studying, between classes, studying, laying in bed at night, studying, down time at work, studying, doctors office, studying, waiting on an oil change, studying, and finally I'd study even harder on time I actually designated for studying. You'll be amazed at the hours you can put in everyday if you are reading your study material during down times.

 

[FastMover]

If you don't have any previous knowledge of airplanes or ships you will want to spend a good bit of time reading up on those subjects. There is a wide variety of questions that they could ask, but they tend to stick to the basics, so don't sweat it.

Here are a few sites that will help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airplane
http://www.boat-ed.com/wa/course/p1-3_boatparts.htm
http://science.howstuffworks.com/hydraulic1.htm
http://www.ndt-ed.org/EducationResources/HighSchool/Electricity/hs_elec_index.htm

 

[FormerRecruitingGuru]

I have the PDF version of the ARCO book saved on my computer. If anyone needs it, just PM me and i'll be more than happy to foward it.

 

[mc282000]

Thanks for the links and the encouragement. I think I'm going to hit a couple subjects a night and just make sure I cover every subject 2-3 times a week. I don't plan on taking the ASTB for atleast a month or two, so that should give me enough time. I don't have any physics, mechanics, aeronautical/nautical background, so I've got some catching up to do. I'll let you guys know how it goes. Thanks again.

 

[mc282000]

Update:

Got my ASTB results back today and I'm stoked :icon_smil,

Took Form 3-
AQR 8
PFAR 8
FOFAR 9

OAR 65

I've also since took my first PFT, got a 280 (20/100/21:16). All I've got left is the Cyclo Eye exam and the Antrho measurements and my package will be ready. Long shot for 197 if any slots are still available, hoping to get Pro-Recd for 198 if nothing else.

Some other pertinent stats:

Positives:
GPA - 3.58 cum laude
LOR's - former coach, former pastor, former boss, two co-workers and a Navy Seal family friend (recruiter said my LORs were excellent).

Negatives:
Marijuanna Waiver
Hit and Run Waiver (age 19, 6 years ago)
Sinus Surgery Coming up will require waiver

Hopefully my package is strong enough. I'd love to be heading out to QTown in January. Anyways, thanks to everyone on this site for all the encouragement as well as the gouge. It was right on point.

 

[Ken_gone_flying]

Update:

Got my ASTB results back today and I'm stoked :icon_smil,

Took Form 3-
AQR 8
PFAR 8
FOFAR 9

OAR 65

I've also since took my first PFT, got a 280 (20/100/21:16). All I've got left is the Cyclo Eye exam and the Antrho measurements and my package will be ready. Long shot for 197 if any slots are still available, hoping to get Pro-Recd for 198 if nothing else.

Some other pertinent stats:

Positives:
GPA - 3.58 cum laude
LOR's - former coach, former pastor, former boss, two co-workers and a Navy Seal family friend (recruiter said my LORs were excellent).

Negatives:
Marijuanna Waiver
Hit and Run Waiver (age 19, 6 years ago)
Sinus Surgery Coming up will require waiver

Hopefully my package is strong enough. I'd love to be heading out to QTown in January. Anyways, thanks to everyone on this site for all the encouragement as well as the gouge. It was right on point.

Hey, nice ASTB scores. Thats definitely a good start and a step in the right direction. The only thing I would be mildy concerned about would be the sinus thing (because sinuses are very important for flying jobs). What is the issue exactly? After the surgery, should whatever problem you are experiencing be corrected? Actually, a hit and run? So you were charged with a felony?

-Ken

 

[mc282000]

Thanks Ken.

Below are two posts of mine that deal with the Sinus and Hit and Run thing. Its not as bad as it sounds (I hope )

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138185

http://www.airwarriors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=137886

My OSO said I may have to meet with the CO out here to get her endorsement regarding the Hit and Run, but she hasn't confirmed that yet. She did say that from her interactions with me, she didn't think that would be a problem. Wasn't charged with a felony as there weren't any injuries.

In terms of the sinus issue, I'm hoping that will also work out considering I recently flew to FL without any Barometric Trauma. From what I understand, if you can prove to NAMI that you are Asymptomatic, then the waiver shouldn't be an issue.