For every new military recruit, the ASVAB is an important part of the enlistment process. Doing well on it can mean better benefits, better rank, and better opportunities. Of course you want to get a high score, so here are some tips you should remember for acing the ASVAB.
Take a Practice Test
The first thing you should do, before you even think about studying, is take a practice test. You can take three different versions of a full-length test, and three different versions of a short test, at Military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab. It’s a good idea to take one full-length test to begin. A practice test will show you what a real test will be like, and, more importantly, it will help to determine the subjects you’ll need to concentrate on most in your studying.
Determine Your Focus
There are four sections of the ASVAB that are most important. These are arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, word knowledge, and paragraph comprehension. These sections will hold the most weight in determining your score. Decide your skill level in each section based on your practice test, and focus on spending more time on the sections you’re least skilled in. Do not neglect to study all the sections; just put more focus on the ones you need the most help with.
Develop a Plan
It’s a good idea to make yourself a weekly study plan. You should plan to study for at least one hour per day. Devote one hour per week to each section, and divide up the rest of the time between the sections you’re focusing on. You should also set aside one hour each week to review areas you had difficulty in during the week. If you are serious about sticking to your plan and studying on a regular basis, you have a much greater chance at doing well on the test.
Consider Extra Sections
There are four extra sections on the ASVAB, and they are general science, auto and shop information, mechanical comprehension, and electronics information. These sections are not as important toward your overall score. However, if you want to qualify for a particular job or specialty, you may need to receive a certain score on these sections, too. Find out from your recruiter what scores you might need, and then devote some of your study time each week to the pertinent extra sections.
Use Good Test-Taking Skills
The ASVAB is very similar to any other multiple-choice proficiency test. General good test-taking skills will serve you well on it. Make sure you get a very good night’s sleep the night before the test, and make sure you arrive to the testing location on time and with all required supplies and identification. While taking the test, do not spend too much time on questions you’re unsure of. Move on, and go back to them if you have time. If you don’t know an answer, guess, and don’t leave any answers blank. Incorrect answers do not count against your final score on the ASVAB.
Arnie Jefferson is a military serviceman and freelance writer who loves to blog about everything from advice on getting great scores on recruits ASVAB’s to new robotics technology.
Photo Credit: The 4th Infantry Division