Customer Reviews

Barrons How to Prepare for the ASVAB: Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (Book only)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Clear and insightful! I tutor the ASVAB and I use this book as homework for my students. I have had a 100% success rate using this book.

When you go into the military you take a battery of tests. They don't make a big deal of these tests, just one more thing in an endless line of things like getting uniforms and shots. These tests are not even very difficult.

BUT these tests are very important. They determine where the military is going to put you. With good scores you get into things like electronic maintenance or computer programming that will pay very good dividends when you get out. With bad scores you are lugging a machine gun around Iraq -- not very useful training for when you get out.

This test, like a lot of others given to kids at about that time is really an intelligence test. Well, let's say that the types of questions that you see on the tests are very similar to intelligence test questions. While you can't really improve your intelligence, you can certainly improve your test taking ability. The test questions here won't be the exact questions you'll see on the ASVAB, but they'll be similar in style, difficulty, and overall content. Knowing what to expect will increase your scores, improve your assignments to schools and generally improve your life.

The CD included with the book gives a lot of additional questions that will likewise improve your scores. There are stories of a virus on the CD, but it seems to be a problem with Norton Anti-Virus rather than with the disk itself.

I read the reviews of just about every ASVAb Prep book out there. I bought the "Barron's book, which was one of -if not THE- most expensive book available. So the question is "Did it help?" Without any doubt, yes it did. Is it worth the MSRP of $29.99? No. Maybe $15.00, at best.
Having previously taken the ASVAB in 1993, I was unsure what to expect the next time around. I had five days from the time I decided to take the ASVAB to prepare for it. I shopped around online and at retail locations. I bought the Barron's book, and was broken hearted when I bombed the first practice test in the booklet. The second and third tests weren't much easier, but having reviewed my previously missed questions and getting back up to speed in math and general science, I did fairly well on the fourth and final practice test.
I took the ASVAB on August 6, 2007 and was pleased to score extremely high across the board. The test itself was a bit easier than the Barron's book, which contains not a few errors, both factual and printing/editing.
The CD-ROM featured the same hard-copy practice tests, it's not much help beyond the fact that my ASVAB was administered on a computer. I had no problems with any virus that was rumored to be on the CD.
So how did I do?
When I first took the test in 1993 I was still in high school, and my GT(General Techical) score (which is based generally on your VE and AR scores and is the standard baseline for the Army) was 123, but it was a much different test. After serving four years in the military and then getting a Bachelors degree, the Barron's book helped me get a GT score of 142 and none of my line scores were lower than 132. I did not think the GT score went above 140, I guess I was wrong or things have changed. I attribute much of my success on the ASVAB to the practice tests in the Barron's book and can say that some of the questions will appear almost verbatim in the actual exam depending on what version you take.
One thing I that was on the ASVAB and not in the book is the pH scale, know your acids and bases, it's very easy, but know it.
A decent book, perhaps one of the better ones on the market, shop around and take the test seriously.
OH,! AND REVIEW EVERY BOOK YOU READ!

I studied my butt off with the help of this book. The practice tests in this book were actually harder than the real ASVAB! That helped me be even more prepared. I only missed 5 questions on the ASVAB! NO LIE! Study this book for about 3 weeks and take it seriously. You will see your scores improve!!!

I am joining the Army, and applying to Officer Candidate School. That being said, having a high AFQT score, as well as having high line scores are extremely important.

I bought this book and the Kaplan ASVAB 2009 edition preparation book. I read each one fully through, and took all of the preparation tests.

The day I went to MEPS was absolutely horrible, too long of a story to get into here, but after walking out five hours later, I scored a 90 AFQT, and all my line scores were above 118. I am more than sure that I would not have been as successful without the help of these books.

I am sure I could have done better if my day wasn't as crazy, but against all odds, I still was in the top 10%. As any of you will too!

I highly recommend buying these books and studying. You won't regret it!

My wife failed the first time around, after I order this book, she passed 30 days later! She even got an enlistment bonus, I would recommend this book in a heartbeat.

I purchased this book at a Waldenbooks and paid probably $30, so I wish I would have bought it here.

I read the entire book, took notes on all of it, and took all of the practice tests. I would recommend that for anyone preparing to take the ASVAB. Taking notes on the information really makes sure that you are learning it and not just reading it.

I give it 5 big stars because...

...I got a 99/99 on the ASVAB. :D

Great deal on this product - Just as we expected - great experience with this vendor - will gladly purchase from them again

Happy with this book and CD that was included. Seller sent item fast and I believe it helped my son do well on his ASVAB score! Thanks!

There were so many books to chose from for the ASVAB. The thing that initially sold me on this one was that it was the 8th edition. It was the right choice. They have done this before. All the answers are right. All the subjects are covered.

I highly recommend this book.