NROTC ASTB, Let it ride or re-take threshold for NFO or SNA pursuits

[Herman_Snerd]

Those interested in NROTC SNA/ NFO roles take the ASTB exam and submit this as part of their application package. My understanding is that the ASTB scores only count for the most recent time you took the test of one’s 3 attempts. So if you had an 888 on try 1, and retake the test on a bad day/ get a tougher version of the exam and get a 656, then your score is 656, as any older score(s) are jettisoned.

For those familiar with this process, may I ask please. Is there a score at which you would “let it ride” from attempt 1 or 2 vs re-take the exam for NROTC to see if you improve? Are there scores which won’t hurt you, scores that will help you? If you had at-least a 777, would you retake or let it ride? Also, how would an above average OAR score (higher than 60) factor into the Navy's interest in where you would serve to meet it's needs, if at all?

An online source shown above describes what's measured and what the min scores are to be considered for these roles. Not sure of it's validity - thoughts?


Thanks – I’m just a parent trying to understand the process. Thanks as always for your perspectives/ guidance.

 

[NelsonNPKP]

You're correct on the first part. You can only take the test three times and you keep your most recent score even if it's worse. From my understanding, the OAR isn't factored in for NROTC Mids going for SNA/SNFO. As far as "letting it ride" there's no real threshold and don't take this for a fact, but it usually gets said that 7s across the board are good.

For all things ASTB related, I recommend checking out the AirWarriors forum. I'll link their 1001 Questions about the ASTB thread below. Hope this helps!

https://www.airwarriors.com/community/forums/astb.47/

https://www.airwarriors.com/community/threads/1-001-questions-about-the-astb-post-your-scores-ask-your-questions-here.28348

 

[FastFood44]

It's a massive question; The lower end of the NFO spectrum is 6/7/6, 7/7/7 I'd say, as long as you have a decent GPA (3.4 or higher), you have a good shot at NFO based on numbers I've seen

If you're shooting for pilot, 7/7/7 could use some work because it is at no way guaranteed with that score.

 

[goirish1]

Personal experience DS1...had a 8.9.9
DS2 had a 7.7.8, both received SNA. DS2 pondered retaking but talked to his advisor and they decided to let it ride. High gpa, excellent prt scores, strong leadership within battalion, and high ranking may have been contributing factors.

At the end of the day, it will still depend on needs of Navy....I've seen a class go through where only 1 received SNA and 6 got NFO when they all wanted pilot slots...the next year, 5 received SNA.

 

[Herman_Snerd]

Thanks @goirish1, @FastFood44, and @NelsonNPKP - appreciate the guidance and experiences shared. Interesting stuff and congrats to those of you and your families already on this path / living out that dream.

While I'm asking, do you or others happen to know what weight is given to prior flight experience by the board? Experience in a peer group who are all hoping for SNA/ NFO ranges from a commercial pilot/ flight instructor to having a PPL to having 25 hours of flight lessons.

While OAR is reportedly not used to calculate whether someone slots SNA or NFO, does an above average OAR score make one a particularly attractive candidate to other specific positions (intelligence, subs, nuc eng, SWO, the guy who uses a mallet to test if the warhead is "good", etc.), how is OAR used in this process, if at all?

All perspectives and feedback welcome.

 

[FastFood44]

No idea on the prior experience question... in large part because of the ~35 MIDN who have got aviation during the 5 years that I have been keeping track of my own unit, only 2 people have had flight experience.