ASTB Score Significance?

[ChrisRustyDog]

From what I understand, the ASTB for a marine aviation contract is evaluated as pass/fail. Does this mean the score is not evaluated beyond pass/fail? Someone with 9/9/9 surely would stick out more than someone who hit the bare minimum right? =P

If the board doesn’t look at the numbers, I’m wondering what people believe to be the most competitive areas in your application. Flight physical is a pass/fail system too, yes (assuming the waivers you have are legit)? So we’re left with recommendations, PFT score, college transcripts and essay? Provided the ASTB score above the pass mark isn’t weighed into the strength of the application, I’m wondering how big of a deal college GPA is as well.

 

[insanebikerboy]

Just do the best you can on every part of it and don't sweat the details.

 

[ChrisRustyDog]

I hear ya man. Only reason I'm sweating the details is because all the slots are taken, so I've got time to really prepare. As long as I'm working that 300/300 PFT and great recommendations, I'm thinking well...my ASTB is passing, but, is it worth it for me to go and study really hard and shoot for a higher score? or does it even matter with the whole pass/fail thing..see where I'm coming from?

 

[Feet Wet]

You can ace the ASTB, flight school, and the FRS, but it doesn't mean shit......we put guys into slots based upon how many pull ups you can do, and how you look in your Service Charlies.

 

[Pepe]

You can ace the ASTB, flight school, and the FRS, but it doesn't mean shit......we put guys into slots based upon how many pull ups you can do, and how you look in your Service Charlies.

Don't forget the apropriate vocals during our Yut's and OohRah's. Very Important.

 

[jtmedli]

From what I understand, the ASTB for a marine aviation contract is evaluated as pass/fail. Does this mean the score is not evaluated beyond pass/fail? Someone with 9/9/9 surely would stick out more than someone who hit the bare minimum right? =P

From what I understand based on my OSO and OSA, Your score is a check in the box. Either you pass it or you don't. If so, then you run a PFT (which is very important to the Marine Corps) and complete the package and flight physical.

So, yes, it's a pass/fail thing.

 

[pharaelga]

Congrats on your pro rec jtmedli. The ASTB is pass or fail even here at the boat school for Marine guys....competitive but not weighed over OOM for Navy guys.

 

[candidate2010]

is it worth it for me to go and study really hard and shoot for a higher score?

I don't think so. From what I've heard you're stuck with your most recent score. So, if you've passed it already, stick with that and focus on your PFT. I've heard a lot of different opinions that a 300 on the PFT really stands out to the board. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[jtmedli]

Congrats on your pro rec jtmedli. The ASTB is pass or fail even here at the boat school for Marine guys....competitive but not weighed over OOM for Navy guys.

Thanks!! I'm 25 so I'm a little too old to risk waiting on the Marine Corps to start accepting apps again for SNA. I figured I would try my hand at a Navy Slot and got picked up for it. It's gonna be a hell of a ride either way.

 

[SynixMan]

Congrats on your pro rec jtmedli. The ASTB is pass or fail even here at the boat school for Marine guys....competitive but not weighed over OOM for Navy guys.

Order of Merit, right? I wondered how boat schoolers picked...

Thanks!! I'm 25 so I'm a little too old to risk waiting on the Marine Corps to start accepting apps again for SNA. I figured I would try my hand at a Navy Slot and got picked up for it. It's gonna be a hell of a ride either way.

There's always the lat xfer option during flight school. Not an option at the moment for YG10, but YG11 might be different. Congrats on the Pro Rec!

 

[jtmedli]

There's always the lat xfer option during flight school. Not an option at the moment for YG10, but YG11 might be different. Congrats on the Pro Rec!

Thanks again. That's what I figured If I still had the desire to go Marine Corps after it's all said and done, but either way there's gonna be hard work and lot's of fun.

 

[insanebikerboy]

Order of Merit, right? I wondered how boat schoolers picked...

Not entirely, there is some quality spread built in as well.

 

[pharaelga]

Not entirely, there is some quality spread built in as well.

That quality spread brought some very surprised smiling faces at service selection..... guys who swore up and down they wouldn't be selected because of grades....

 

[WillieDynamite]

You can ace the ASTB, flight school, and the FRS, but it doesn't mean shit......we put guys into slots based upon how many pull ups you can do, and how you look in your Service Charlies.

So basically I can sign up for a pilot slot and if my PFT score is too high I'll be placed elsewhere?

 

[hawkeyeHandler]

I remember taking the ASTB and then never hearing about it after I got the results. It might be a roadblock if you "fail" it, but it seems to me that if you pass it, a lower score can only hinder you if it's the last thing that is used to compare you to another prospective aviator... Don't think it's very high on the list of metrics to determine your "airworthiness".. simply a way to screen out the guy or gal who doesn't know what an altimeter looks like.