The ASVAB
ASVAB Study Guide- Strategies for the Best Possible Score
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On a whole the ASVAB test is designed to be at high school test taking levels, therefore some of the information should be common knowledge. However, because there are a number of various subjects those who study and prepare for the test will have a better chance at passing and increasing their score.
You are allowed to retake the test, however there are restrictions. First off you can’t retake it just to improve your score if you’ve already passed. Retakes are typically reserved for those that didn’t pass the first time.
There are also time restrictions for when you are eligible to retake the ASVAB. After your first attempt you can retake it after 30 days, but after your second attempt it increases to 6 months before you can try a third time.
Preparing for the Test
Preparing for the ASVAB is easier than ever thanks to the internet. There are now practice tests and study guides available online to help you prepare and you should take full advantage of them. You shouldn’t, however, try to memorize these resources thinking they’ll be the questions on the actual test. The ASVAB is strictly regulated by the Dept. of Defense and these resources will only have questions similar to what you’ll actually see on the ASVAB.
After taking these prep tests analyze your results. Identity the areas in which you scored the weakest and focus on learning more and improving them. You should also put most of your focus into the four categories that will be used to calculate your AFQT since that determines if you qualify to join the military.
The other categories serve mainly for job placement purposes so the remaining categories in which you have no desire to work in can be given the least of your study time.
Once you’ve taken the prep test and identified where you need to improve start studying. Find materials that hone in on those subjects and learn as much as you can. Throughout your studying take the prep test again to measure how well you’re improving. This will give you an indicator as to whether or not you need to spend more time on one area in particular.
Taking the Test
When you take the ASVAB you should approach it as you would other tests. Be well rested and focused going into the test so you can give it your full concentration. Other things to remember when taking the ASVAB:
- Never leave a question unanswered. It’s multiple choice so choosing any answer is better than none since incomplete answers are still counted.
- Don’t spend too much time on a question you’re stuck on. The test is timed to so don’t want to find yourself scrambling at the end to answer questions because you spent too long on one that you were unsure of. You risk missing other questions that you would have otherwise gotten right if you wouldn’t have been under a time crunch.
- Use the Process of Elimination. With multiple choice tests narrowing the field of possible answers will help you make the best decision. First rule out the options that clearly aren’t right and you’ll increase your chances of getting the question right
- Double check that the right choice has been selected and don’t second guess you’re first instinct. Statistically people tend to get questions wrong more often when they change them. You also don’t want a slight oversight to ruin your score such as accidently marking a right answer but for the wrong question.