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Top 5 Tips to Prepare You for the ASVAB

When considering joining the military it is important to consider your method of preparation for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).  How you score in the four core areas on the ASVAB contributes to your score on the Armed Forces Qualifying Test. This will determine whether or not you are qualified to enlist into the United States Armed Forces.  So you could say that this test is rather important.  These tips five tips will assist you in achieving your highest possible score on the ASVAB.

• Get to know the test.

  The ASVAB consists of the following subtests: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Auto and Shop Information, Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension, Electronics Information, and Assembling Objects.  There are 200 multiple choice questions divided among these sections and you will have 3 hours to complete the test.  Below there is a list of how the test is broken down into subtests and the time allotted for each. 
  
  Hint: Since it is multiple choice, there is no penalty for wrong answers.  So if you do not know, take an educated guess!
  

• Set a time aside for studying.

  Set a small portion of your day aside most days of the week.  Possibly 30 minutes in the evening after the kids go to bed or thirty minutes of your lunch hour.  Use this time to familiarize yourself with the test and to brush up on your weak areas.  As testing gets closer it would also be beneficial to give your brain some exercise during this time.  Play a game that involves logical thinking such as Tetris or Sudoku.
  

• Practice makes perfect!

  I am sure you have heard this saying before and it applies just as much in this instance.  By taking practice exams you learn how much time to devote to each question, your strengths, and your weaknesses.  Take a couple practice tests before you begin studying, this will allow you to access the areas you need to focus on. Take a couple of practice test in the middle of when you began studying and when you will take the test to access where you are at and what still needs to be polished.
  

• Take practice test under normal testing conditions.

  There will likely be no television in the background when you take the test and that should be the same for where you take your practice test.  Go to a library or somewhere quiet where there will be no noise except for that of others.  Strictly monitor the time allotted for each subtest according to amount of time given in the actual test: 

 

• Be smart about your health!

  Get a good night sleep the night before the test.  (Shoot for eight hours.)   Eat a substantial breakfast the morning of the exam.  This is will kick start your body and brain into working effectively and efficiently.  Eggs, fruit, toast and milk or orange juice is a balanced breakfast that will leave you full and energized.  To ensure that you do not lose steam before you reach the end of the exam, pack a water bottle (no soda or energy drinks!) and a healthy snack.  A banana is a great snack choice. 
  

Good luck and happy studying!