SUCCEEDING ON THE ASVAB
PREPARING FOR THE ASVAB
By reviewing and studying this book, you can achieve a top score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB. The ASVAB assesses knowledge that you have gained throughout your high school career. Most of the knowledge tested on the ASVAB is covered in your high school classes, although you may find some unfamiliar or less studied subjects. Don't panic! We provide carefully constructed reviews and drills so that you can learn the information you will need to do well on the ASVAB.
The purpose of our book and TESTware¨ is to properly prepare you for the ASVAB by providing three full-length exams that accurately reflect the test in both types of questions and degree of difficulty. The practice exams include every type of question that can be expected, and detailed explanations are provided for every answer. Designed specifically to clarify the exam material, the explanations not only provide the correct answers, but also explain to the student why a particular answer to a question is more acceptable than any other response. The TESTware¨ offers the added benefit of enforced time conditions to more accurately reflect your experience on test day. By completing all three exams and studying the explanations, you can discover your strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge will allow you to concentrate on the sections of the exam you find most difficult.
ABOUT THE ASVAB
The most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world, the ASVAB is required by the Armed Forces for new recruits joining one of the branches of the military following high school. The scores aid in the placement of new recruits into military occupations. The scores are also helpful, but not a requirement, in choosing an academic or vocational plan to be followed after high school graduation.
Once you take the test, you and your guidance counselor will receive a written report that analyzes your test scores and explains in what fields you might excel based not only on the test scores but on the type of interests and lifestyle you wish to pursue.
If you have a question about the test, you can call your local military recruiting office, or speak to your guidance counselor.
THE COMPUTERIZED ASVAB
The computerized ASVAB administration has been featuring a ninth subtest, Assembling Objects, which is designed to measure your strengths and weaknesses in spatial ability. This subtest gauges one's ability to visualize three-dimensional puzzle pieces and put them back together after being taken apart. Your score on this subtest has no affect on whether you will be accepted into the United States Armed Services. The results, however, can help you determine your career path. We have provided a review and full-length drill of the Assembling Objects subtest for practice. The drill is included only in our Diagnostic Test. You will have 9 minutes to complete these questions on the computerized test. Please check with your recruiter or guidance counselor for the most up-to-date information about the ASVAB computerized exam.
ABOUT THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST
Our Diagnostic Test is a full-length simulation designed to help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses on the ASVAB. For maximum benefit, it is best to replicate actual testing conditions by timing yourself and taking the test in a quiet place free from interruption.
Take and score each section separately. Then review the detailed explanations of answers to determine where to brush up your studies. This will allow you to get the most out of your precious study time. You'll know which reviews to study most carefully, which ones you can simply skim, and, crucially, the subject areas that will require extra help from a teacher or tutor. Once you've completed the Diagnostic Test and discoverd the areas where you will need to focus your study efforts, our study schedule on page xi will help block out your time.
ABOUT THE REVIEW SECTIONS
This book offers subject reviews that correspond to each of the subtests for which you will be studying, including: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Auto and Shop Information, Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension, and Electronics Information. Each review targets the very information you will find most handy to do well on the subtests.
Some of the reviews contain a "Plan of Attack" that will help you to learn a pattern for attacking certain types of problems or questions. Many of the reviews offer practice questions and charts or drawings for easy memorization. Every review contains all the information you will need to do well on the ASVAB.
ASVAB TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES
How to Beat the Clock
Every second counts and you will want to use the available test time for each section in the most efficient manner. Here's how:
1. Memorize the test directions for each section of the test. You do not want to waste valuable time reading directions on the day of the exam. Your time should be spent on answering questions.
2. Bring a watch and pace yourself. Work steadily and quickly.
Do not get stuck on or spend too much time on any one question. If, after reading the question, you cannot answer it, make a note of it and continue. You can go back to it after you have completed the easier questions first.
3. As you work on the test, be sure that your answers correspond with the proper numbers and letters on the answer sheet.
Guessing Strategy
1. If you are uncertain about a question, guess. You will not be penalized for answering incorrectly, since wrong answers are not counted toward your final score. This means that you should never leave a blank space on your answer sheet. Even if you do not have time to narrow down the choices, be sure to fill in every space on the answer sheet. You will not be penalized for a wrong answer, but you will receive credit for any questions answered correctly by guessing.
2. You can improve your guessing strategy by eliminating any choices recognized as incorrect. As you eliminate incorrect choices, cross them out. Remember that writing in your test booklet is allowed and that by crossing out incorrect choices, you will be better able to focus on the remaining choices.
ABOUT THE SCORING
There is no "right" score on the ASVAB, since this is a test to help you choose a possible career. However, a high score will give you more fields from which to choose in the Armed Forces. The scores enable military personnel to determine the fields in which you will do well and the fields that may cause you trouble. Your guidance counselor is trained to interpret your score and give you career advice based on that score.
Each subtest is scored individually. Individual scores are also combined to yield composite scores that show your overall ability in verbal, math, and academic ability.
Your raw score is calculated using the following formula:
(Word Knowledge Score x 2) + (Paragraph Comprehension Score x 2) + (Arithmetic Reasoning Score) + (Mathematics Knowledge Score)
Three composite scores are calculated as follows:
Verbal Ability Composite = Word Knowledge Score + Paragraph Comprehension Score
Math Ability Composite = Arithmetic Reasoning Score + Mathematics Knowledge Score
Academic Ability Composite = Verbal Ability Composite + Math Ability Composite
The composite scores are provided to help students engage in career exploration. The composite scores, also known as Career Exploration Scores, help students get an idea of their verbal, math, and science and technical skills compared to other students in the same grade. These composite scores can be a valuable tool in helping you map out a career path.
The scores you receive in the General Science and Auto and Shop Information subtests are not used to calculate any of the composite scores. These scores are used by recruiters and guidance counselors to identify other careers that you may choose to pursue and be successful in.
Since it is helpful for you to know how well you are doing in the various subtests, however, we have developed scoring charts to help you determine in which areas you are strong and in which you will need to study. Keep in mind that this is not the actual scoring on the official ASVAB, but that it is here to help guide you. Follow the directions carefully in the scoring section of this book to determine your strong and weak areas.
ABOUT OUR CAREER OPTIONS SECTION
This book also contains information on careers. This section, located in the back of the book, will allow you to learn about career options inside and outside the military. Take the career quiz after you complete and score your tests. By rating your interests for a variety of military and non-military occupations and comparing your test scores, you will be able to focus on career options in which you might excel.
IF YOU'D LIKE MORE INFORMATION...
Additional information on the ASVAB and opportunities in the United States Armed Forces is available at these websites:
http://www.asvabprogram.com
http://www.todaysmilitary.com
