Are you unsure about what the ASVAB is or how to prepare for it? Here’s everything you need to know about the test and how it can shape your future!
What is the ASVAB?
The “Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery”, better known as the ASVAB, is coming up soon for West Lauderdale students. While this test is most associated with the military, it also serves as a medium for students to be able to discover their skills and potential career paths, whether it is in or outside of the military.
The ASVAB is a timed, multi-aptitude test, given at more than 14,000 schools, and Military Entrance Processing Stations nationwide. Every year, more than one million military applicants, high school students, and post-secondary students take the ASVAB nationwide.
The ASVAB serves as a way to determine whether or not an individual is fit to join the service, and it determines what branch of service or military jobs an individual is best suited for. The higher your ASVAB score, the more options you have under your belt.
Even if a student does not have any intentions in going to the military, taking the ASVAB can help you with scholarships, specialized training, and advancement in some career programs.
According to the U.S Army, an individual’s Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score determines whether or not an individual is eligible to join—with them needing to score at least a 31 to enlist. Each service, however, has a different qualifying AFQT score requirement: The Army at 30, Navy at 35 (or 26 with waiver), Marine Corps at 32, Air Force at 31, and finally, Coast Guard at 36 (or 32 with waiver).
How to Prepare for the ASVAB?
How can someone prepare for the ASVAB? It’s best to treat the ASVAB like any other test someone would do—prepare efficiently. An individual will need to spend a lot of time studying to ensure that they get higher job opportunities.
A very efficient way to study for the ASVAB is by taking practice tests online. The ASVAB covers subjects like “General Science”, “Arithmetic Reasoning”, “Word Knowledge”, “Paragraph Comprehension”, and more according to “officialasvab.com” , where you can take practice questions on those subjects.
The ASVAB can be a very important factor in many people’s lives, especially those who struggle with deciding their career path. According to Coach George, she believes that:
“…the ASVAB helps students identify their strengths, interests, and gain knowledge of potential career paths that they may not have known was an option”.
Coach George, an individual who passed the ASVAB with an 88, her advice for students preparing to take the test include focusing on learning concepts and materials and making sure to get plenty of rest to improve focus, concentration, and performance on the test.
According to Mr. Abdella, using books and online sources can help students to relieve stress on the test:
“I would take those online sources and get familiar with what the test is asking. It’s really not that hard.”
The ASVAB is a prime time for students with how important it can be for an individual. Knowing how to prepare and having a clear understanding of the ASVAB is the key to being successful on the test.
If you’re taking the ASVAB, start preparing now. Use online resources, practice tests, and advice from teachers to set yourself up for success!
At the moment, the date for the ASVAB has been undecided, so stay tuned for the announcements!
