AFOQT and UPT Questions

[KevinJH7]

Hey guys,

I have a couple questions about the AFOQT and just the UPT process in general. I plan on applying for some ANG pilot slots this spring and summer.

With the AFOQT, is there any way to predict a score based on your practice test? I am aware that there are many factors that affect the score but just an estimate would be nice.

When it comes to letters of recommendation should each of the letters be personalized to each ANG unit or is a blanket "To whom it may concern:" acceptable?

As far as the weight guidelines go, I am just at the bottom end being about 130 lbs and 6' (it's good for running competitively but not for the AF apparently). I'm going to try to bulk up a little bit anyways but I am perfectly healthy so say I was under the 130 at some point, is there a chance of a waiver?

Thanks for the help. I just graduted a college flight program with a very good GPA and my CFI but it's not proving to be too useful these days!

 

[mhcasey]

Hey guys,

With the AFOQT, is there any way to predict a score based on your practice test? I am aware that there are many factors that affect the score but just an estimate would be nice.

If you can answer all of the questions correctly in the allotted time, you'll probably score well. Which books are you using to study?

When it comes to letters of recommendation should each of the letters be personalized to each ANG unit or is a blanket "To whom it may concern:" acceptable?

Shouldn't matter, but make sure your cover letter/resume are personalized and don't say anything stupid like, "Dear Hog unit, I really love the Viper!" Rather than "To whom it may concern," you might use, "To selection board officials."

As far as the weight guidelines go, I am just at the bottom end being about 130 lbs and 6' (it's good for running competitively but not for the AF apparently). I'm going to try to bulk up a little bit anyways but I am perfectly healthy so say I was under the 130 at some point, is there a chance of a waiver?

Might be waiverable, but dude 130 is only acceptable if Nike is paying you millions of dollars to run. Save yourself the hassle and gain 10 pounds.

Thanks for the help. I just graduted a college flight program with a very good GPA and my CFI but it's not proving to be too useful these days!

 

[astrowhip]

I am going to piggyback on your thread, Kevin. Hope you don't mind.

What are selection boards looking for in recommendation letters? Work ethic? Potential to be an officer?

 

[KevinJH7]

Thanks for the response.

One thing, running is more the result of me being 130 lbs and not the cause so it's not like I'm staying there to be a competitive runner, it's just very difficult to change it.

 

[mhcasey]

What are selection boards looking for in recommendation letters? Work ethic? Potential to be an officer?

I've only been on the selectee end of things, so I can't say for sure. Typical responses I've received are:

• Someone who actually knows you
• Have contact info...they'll probably call them
• Preferably active or prior
• Preferably O-6 or higher
• Leadership

I had letters from a retired Army O-6, a Navy O-6 and former Commander at Corpus (He was a P-3 guy...I took him flying a few times so he could attest to my flying abilities), and a former Secretary of the Air Force and head of UT's Aerospace Department. To my knowledge, the unit that sponsored me did not call any of them. I brought them up in my interview during a discussion on my academics (all 3 had been my professors), but none of my interviewers really explored the topic and frankly, didn't seem to care.

Bottom line: LORs are probably the least important aspect of your package. If possible, try to use them as an extension on your resume/cover letter. For example, you mention you have a PPL on your resume...let someone else brag on your behalf about it.

One thing, running is more the result of me being 130 lbs and not the cause so it's not like I'm staying there to be a competitive runner, it's just very difficult to change it.

I hear Krispy Kream might be going out of business. Perhaps they'll start having sales? I'd also lay off the running and lay on the weight lifting/protein intake.

 

[frog_flyer]

AFOQT: percentile based. There's no way you can predict how everyone else has done on it.

Packages: I'll tell you this. At the unit I got hired at, I had my cover letter personalized to each of the 6 pilots on the board. At the very least, put 69FS UPT Selection Board.

Rec Letter: I had one from my ROTC cc who is a pilot. He's an O-5. My other was from a family friend of 16 years who said my poop don't stink. A guy on the Board did call my O-5 reference.

130 and 6 foot. Jesus, dude. Try drinking some beer.

 

[The Fez]

Hey guys,

I have a couple questions about the AFOQT and just the UPT process in general. I plan on applying for some ANG pilot slots this spring and summer.

With the AFOQT, is there any way to predict a score based on your practice test? I am aware that there are many factors that affect the score but just an estimate would be nice.

I'd use one of the study guides you can pick up at Borders or Barnes & Noble...can't remember the publisher off-hand. They'll get you in the ball park of the questions you can expect. Bottom line, be prepared to work VERY quickly. If you're not done with a section and you've got a minute left, ABACADABA like crazy...there's no penalty for guessing.

When it comes to letters of recommendation should each of the letters be personalized to each ANG unit or is a blanket "To whom it may concern:" acceptable?

You can go the "To whom it may concern" route if you can't find out who's on the board specifically, but you should address the particular squadron/wing's board whenever possible (i.e. 196RS UPT Selection Board). Keep an electronic copy of your letters so you can have whomever wrote them sign a copy for a new board.

As far as the weight guidelines go, I am just at the bottom end being about 130 lbs and 6' (it's good for running competitively but not for the AF apparently). I'm going to try to bulk up a little bit anyways but I am perfectly healthy so say I was under the 130 at some point, is there a chance of a waiver?

I was just at Brooks in January for my Class I. While they seemed friendly and willing to help, I wouldn't put it past them to not recommend a waiver when there's a candidate within weight and myriad other regulations standing right outside in the hall. Bulk up, drink more beer...whatever, just get inside the regs and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the help. I just graduted a college flight program with a very good GPA and my CFI but it's not proving to be too useful these days!

Quick sidenote for your future boards. While GPA and letters of recommendation can help you look good, Guard and Reserve units are looking for someone they think they'll get along with for a long time. Be yourself and relax. Also, RUSH THE UNIT. If the unit you're applying to doesn't know what you look like or anything about you you're just another stranger come the day of the board. Plane tickets/rental cars are a small price to pay for getting some face time with your prospective unit. It WILL pay off.

Good luck!

 

[KevinJH7]

Quick sidenote for your future boards. While GPA and letters of recommendation can help you look good, Guard and Reserve units are looking for someone they think they'll get along with for a long time. Be yourself and relax. Also, RUSH THE UNIT. If the unit you're applying to doesn't know what you look like or anything about you you're just another stranger come the day of the board. Plane tickets/rental cars are a small price to pay for getting some face time with your prospective unit. It WILL pay off.

New Hampshire is my preferred unit and I have visited and met a major on the board. I'll try to get a tour soon and meet some more people.

The study books I have are Barron's Military Flight Aptitude Tests and the ARCO Officer Candidate book. I have one letter of recommendation from a professor who was a career Air Force guy and ran the AF test pilot school for a while. For the others I'm thinking of my last CFI and maybe my cross country coach since I was captain on the team. Both of them are non military though.

Beer intake has not solved the 6' 130 lbs issue yet but protein drinks and lifting is probably a good idea.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[alphaone]

Just FYI, the publisher is ARCO/PETERSONS. The best book is "Military Flight Aptitude Tests"

I'd use one of the study guides you can pick up at Borders or Barnes & Noble...can't remember the publisher off-hand. They'll get you in the ball park of the questions you can expect. Bottom line, be prepared to work VERY quickly. If you're not done with a section and you've got a minute left, ABACADABA like crazy...there's no penalty for guessing.



You can go the "To whom it may concern" route if you can't find out who's on the board specifically, but you should address the particular squadron/wing's board whenever possible (i.e. 196RS UPT Selection Board). Keep an electronic copy of your letters so you can have whomever wrote them sign a copy for a new board.



I was just at Brooks in January for my Class I. While they seemed friendly and willing to help, I wouldn't put it past them to not recommend a waiver when there's a candidate within weight and myriad other regulations standing right outside in the hall. Bulk up, drink more beer...whatever, just get inside the regs and you'll be fine.



Quick sidenote for your future boards. While GPA and letters of recommendation can help you look good, Guard and Reserve units are looking for someone they think they'll get along with for a long time. Be yourself and relax. Also, RUSH THE UNIT. If the unit you're applying to doesn't know what you look like or anything about you you're just another stranger come the day of the board. Plane tickets/rental cars are a small price to pay for getting some face time with your prospective unit. It WILL pay off.

Good luck!