Intro

[Cluttered]

Hello all,

I've been lurking on the site for about a month now (since I started the application process). Although this site is geared towards those interested in flying...I want to say it's great even for those of us that want to stay grounded. I graduated from the University of Texas in 2006 and since then have had professional experience in sports business development and a brief experience with healthcare.

What caused me to go from lurking to posting today was the fact that I took the ASTB this morning for the first time and scoreda 44. Although I had done some studying (gouge on here and other sources) but not extensively. I was pretty depressed when I saw the score flash onto the screen as I thought I had done better. However, my OR didnt seem to think that was as bad a score as I thought. When I got home I came to AW to check other scores and based on my selection of Intel, SWO and Supply it doesnt seem too bad (although for Intel I think it is low). His feeling was that we complete the package and send it in and as he said "throw it against the wall and see what sticks" and if I am hit with a non-select then I can retake the ASTB and resubmit.

I havent done the fitness test yet but here is the package I have so far:

26 years old. Applying for Intel, SWO, Supply.
3.1 GPA with BA in History (minor in Business Admin.) from University of Texas.
44 OAR (I think I received a 3/3/4 for my other scores...but I wasnt aware that for Intel I had to take those until a day ago).
3 LOR - One military WWII battlefield commission vetern, one professional boss and one college professor.

Knowing that package...Is 44 as bad a score as I initially thought? I understand posters on AW are not all-knowing and that the higher you score the better but I wanted to just get some quick thoughts from those willing to share them.

Second and final question - People seem to put a lot of importance on getting LOR's from military sources. However, it seems some people end up getting those letters from people that really dont know them (family friend...so they've been to a couple bbqs?). I would think having letters from other sources that know your work or study habits as well as those other personal qualities would be viewed more highly by boards....Am I totally off-base in this thinking?

Anyway...Sorry for the long post but taking the test today got me to do a lot of thinking. I love the site and look forward to continuing to communicate with everyone.

Cheers,
Cluttered

 

[KLT]

hey Cluttered,

I can relate to most of what you say on here, and even though I am still waiting to see if I get selected for the May boards, I just wanted to give you my two cents as far as the inquiries you ask about.

well, for starters, unless you are in a rush to get your package into the boards by the first of the month, I would consider retaking the ASTB. I was in a similar situation going nuke, pilot and NFO, and having to take the ASTB right after my PRT and Medical on the same DAY so that I could make the May boards.. it was rough to say the least. Then when the test was over I got my score( 48 5/5/6) which I think would work for some of the other designators, but for Pilot, usually people need in the 7's and a high 50 or 60 score. If I get chosen I will be lucky. Nonetheless, I am studying for the ASTB because I know that with all the gouge out there ( esp on AW) that it is really plausible to study and get a good score, a better score. I know that Intel is VERY competitive, and that the boards are few and far apart, ( i think) so perhaps consider studying your butt off and retaking it. Just know that you have to wait 30 days to retake and the latest score always replaces the previous one, without regard to which one is higher of the two. Then the third and LAST time you can take it is 90 days after the second chance.

Motivational statements are important from what I hear, even more personal than a college essay, perhaps. I have also heard that the reviewers can tell whether the person writing the LOR actually knows the applicant or is just doing them a favor, so you are right about getting those good LOR's that show you are determined, trustworthy and a good leader.

good luck!

 

[Ken_gone_flying]

44 OAR (I think I received a 3/3/4 for my other scores...but I wasnt aware that for Intel I had to take those until a day ago).
3 LOR - One military WWII battlefield commission vetern, one professional boss and one college professor.

Knowing that package...Is 44 as bad a score as I initially thought?

First of all, welcome to AW. Your scores are pretty low compared to those I've seen applying for the same programs, especially intel. Don't be discouraged though.

The first time I took the ASTB I studied very little. I had never heard of AW and had no gouge. The first time I took it my test scores were pretty close to what you got. So, I studied the material for about 3 weeks and took it again once the 30 day waiting period was up and got a OAR 50 5/7/6. That was good enough to get me in (Pilot).

I suggest submitting your package and if it gets rejected, just take the test again and then resubmit. Remember, you have two more opportunities to take the test. Also remember that the most current score counts, not the highest score. So, study hard using the Arco Books and all the gouge you find on here. Hope that helps some. Good luck.

-Ken