Rolling Boards/ June 2013 Board

[WEGL12]

Thank you; this is very helpful! Any idea on the competitiveness of my scores? I feel as they are average at best, and I should re-take before submitting. I only studied for about a week and come from more of a law/poli sci/crim just/gov/comm background so much of the mechanical was new to me as well as the aviation/nautical section (which I find very interesting). Any input would be greatly appreciated.

I agree with Alex. I would say your scores are on the lower side with the exception of your OAR being close to average. Study for a few weeks and retake it. Try to get the scores up to increase the strength of your overall package. Your recruiter might let you submit your package so you don't miss an upcoming board date. Even then you should retake the ASTB because I believe the package can be updated after its submitted.

 

[exNavyOffRec]

Thank you; this is very helpful! Any idea on the competitiveness of my scores? I feel as they are average at best, and I should re-take before submitting. I only studied for about a week and come from more of a law/poli sci/crim just/gov/comm background so much of the mechanical was new to me as well as the aviation/nautical section (which I find very interesting). Any input would be greatly appreciated.

The recent boards have been a bit odd, so I will go off of what is the norm and that is those scores are low, I say that because you scored the minimums (guessing 4 is your AQR?).

Retaking the ASTB is grounds for reconsideration in less than 6 months.

 

[BusyBee604]

I was told that now is the time to apply for pilot, and that I should apply as soon as possible. What is some of you guy's educated opinions on the competitve of my package compared to the current need for pilots? Should I submit my package ASAP or wait and retake the ASTB in 31 days? [/qu0te]


What I would do in your shoes if I wanted (I did)... to become a pilot... (I also did), and wanted jets... (got 'em)... is this: Normally, with the below average (but not disqualifying) ASTBs, I would recommend an immediate, intense study program then retake the tests, REALLY improve your scores and submit your package; however, considering your excellent GPA (which should more than compensate for the low ASTBs), aaanndd the sudden 'shortage' of NAs (which may not last too long); I would roll the di and give it a shot ASAP. Then, see below if non-select:

I have basically only used the Barron's Study Guide. It was pretty helpful, but I found I need to study much more on the mechanical section as well aviation and nautical information. Any suggestions?

If non-select per above, I would first search these OCS threads for the Dude (can't recall his AW handle) who recently scored an amazing 9 9 9 73 on the ASTB (and posted the letter to prove it)! Being a good Shipmate, he also posted a list of the study guides/gouge/study techniques that contributed to his testing success. Like, if you wannabee a winner, do what the winners do, doh

Well, I'm admittedly a gambler, but that's how I'd roll in your situation. Other advice may vary. Good luck... whatever you decide!
BzB

 

[Trey4383]

Thanks for the input everyone. Given the current need for Pilots/NFOs and most recent selection rates, I believe I may submit my package ASAP and study while I wait in the mean time. That being said, can one submit his or her package prior to going to MEPS? I've completed everything except my motivational statement and the trip to MEPS. Thanks again.

--Trey

 

[Surf]

Thanks for the input everyone. Given the current need for Pilots/NFOs and most recent selection rates, I believe I may submit my package ASAP and study while I wait in the mean time. That being said, can one submit his or her package prior to going to MEPS? I've completed everything except my motivational statement and the trip to MEPS. Thanks again.

--Trey

As far as I know you cannot submit a package until you get a PQ from MEPS. This is one of the more involved hurdles in the application process, but it's not that bad. From what I've read on AW, if you get a non-select the first time, it looks great to work harder and re-apply a second. Submit your packet and see what happens, you will only know when you try.

-Alex

 

[GISpirate12]

As far as I know you cannot submit a package until you get a PQ from MEPS. This is one of the more involved hurdles in the application process, but it's not that bad. From what I've read on AW, if you get a non-select the first time, it looks great to work harder and re-apply a second. Submit your packet and see what happens, you will only know when you try.

-Alex

Not true. I did not receive my PQ letter until after I found out I was selected... lol that was the only thing that I was waiting on! Now its the waiting game for the background check to come back. You cannot actually receive an FS letter until FINDOCS are submitted.

 

[Surf]

Not true. I did not receive my PQ letter until after I found out I was selected... lol that was the only thing that I was waiting on! Now its the waiting game for the background check to come back. You cannot actually receive an FS letter until FINDOCS are submitted.

Thanks for the clarification, how long have you been waiting Brandon? My background check was submitted last Thursday, and I was told most likely a month +- a week or two...

 

[GISpirate12]

Trey,
I just graduated with a degree in Public Policy, along the lines of PoliSci so I know where you're coming from. With those scores you would be better off taking it again, and study for at least a month in advance, just to get 'muscle memory' if you will. I scored 6/7/6 and my recruiter told me I was on the lower end of the competitive scale but still ok. If I should get a non-select the first time around, I would immediately take the ASTB again to better those scores. Stick around AW it is a HUGE help!

And if your scores of a 6/7/6 were considered low, GAHLEE I would have hated for you to get the scores I received! BZB can tell you how much I griped, complained, b**ched, and complained more about my scores. My advice to you is just putting together the strongest packet you can, and have patience. Patience is a serious virtue in all of this. Having Eagle Scout, developing a community-wide greenway park, strong LORs, and a powerful motivational statement all had a strong hand in my application. Along with the power of prayer... although some people don't like me mentioning the "P" word up here NOT that its a bad thing at all, just saying lol

 

[GISpirate12]

Thanks for the clarification, how long have you been waiting Brandon? My background check was submitted last Thursday, and I was told most likely a month +- a week or two...

Well I had fingerprints taken approx. 2 weeks ago. Found out yesterday that my best friend reference was paid a visit to from Homeland Security. Just a matter of time now!

 

[Surf]

And if your scores of a 6/7/6 were considered low, GAHLEE I would have hated for you to get the scores I received! BZB can tell you how much I griped, complained, b**ched, and complained more about my scores. My advice to you is just putting together the strongest packet you can, and have patience. Patience is a serious virtue in all of this. Having Eagle Scout, developing a community-wide greenway park, strong LORs, and a powerful motivational statement all had a strong hand in my application. Along with the power of prayer... although some people don't like me mentioning the "P" word up here NOT that its a bad thing at all, just saying lol

Haha yes I have learned more about patience throughout this process than I've learned throughout my entire life. Congrats again on the Pro-Rec, hope to join you soon.

 

[GISpirate12]

Thanks man I appreciate it! SO pumped. Got me a scheduled Walt Disney World trip with my family for the middle of June. Gotta go out in a BANG!

 

[Mr Spenz]

The needs for SNA/SNFO are still considered high? I would have thought their needs wouldn't be as high after these last few boards. Any rumor on rolling boards or just the scheduled July board?

 

[RiseR 25]

Hello All,
I just took my first ASTB today and scored 4/5/5/47. GPA 3.72 BS in Poli Sci. 5+ Letters of Rec from former employers/professors. Also, one year of Law School. I understand my ASTB scores aren't great, but my OSO tells me that my GPA and other attributes can help balance that. My choices are SNA/NFO (primary/this order) SWO/Intel (secondary/not in particular order). I was told that now is the time to apply for pilot, and that I should apply as soon as possible. What is some of you guy's educated opinions on the competitve of my package compared to the current need for pilots? Should I submit my package ASAP or wait and retake the ASTB in 31 days? I have a couple questions that accompany this:

1. If I submit my packet and it goes to the board, can I re-submit if I am not selected based solely on a higher ASTB score, or do I need to wait 6 months?
2. I have basically only used the Barron's Study Guide. It was pretty helpful, but I found I need to study much more on the mechanical section as well aviation and nautical information. Any suggestions?

Thanks Everyone

--Trey

You mentioned OSO... are you applying for Marines or Naval Air? Marines put a higher emphasis on physical fitness when evaluating Officer Candidates.

The fact that you have a GPA like that and the recommendation letters already helps you big time. Submit the packet as is and study hard so you can be prepared to take it again. Barron's helped me over ACRO, but that's my experience. From what I've seen the different books cater to different types of brains.

 

[Mr Spenz]

You mentioned OSO... are you applying for Marines or Naval Air? Marines put a higher emphasis on physical fitness when evaluating Officer Candidates.

The fact that you have a GPA like that and the recommendation letters already helps you big time. Submit the packet as is and study hard so you can be prepared to take it again. Barron's helped me over ACRO, but that's my experience. From what I've seen the different books cater to different types of brains.

Isn't the min. Scores for marines a 4/6?

 

[RiseR 25]

Isn't the min. Scores for marines a 4/6?

4/6...? Didn't quite catch that.