Like for most tests, there’s no magic answer that will give you a perfect score. Studying and taking practice tests is the best way to prepare for this big test. The ASVAB is like many other tests you will take in your life. Here are ways to get a high score on the ASVAB test.
Study before taking the test
Like many other tests, studying will prepare you the most. You may not be able to study the right answers, but you will be able to study the way answers are formulated.
There are four possible choices — a 25 percent chance you will get the question correct. Those are good odds.
Know how the test is formulated, how long you have to take the test, and how high you need to score. Knowing this information will better prepare you for test day.
Take practice ASVAB tests
Taking practice ASVAB tests will prepare you for the way the test is formulated. You may not know the correct answer to the questions, but you will be better prepared as to how the test works. Being mentally prepared is as important as knowing the right answers.
Take time answering practice ASVAB questions before test day. There are apps that help you prepare. Consider downloading one of them to help you quiz before test day.
Ace the math section
Going through the math section is a breeze if you know a few simple sayings, rules, and formulas.
Memorize the order of operations. The saying, “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” (Parentheses, Exponents, Multiply, Divide, Add, Subtract) will help you with simple math problems.
Remember that some questions will ask you for inches instead of feet. Remember to convert units before selecting your answer.
Formulas are not provided during test time, so memorize them before arriving to test day. Use a scratch piece of paper to write these formulas down at the beginning of the math section. Here are ones you should know:
- Perimeter of a square: P = 4s
- Area of a square: A = s²
- Diagonal of a square: D = s√2
- Perimeter of a rectangle: P = 2(l+w)
- Area of a rectangle: A = lw
- Diagonal of a rectangle: D = √(l²+w²)
- Perimeter of a triangle: P = s+s+s (each side of the rectagle)
- Area of a triangle: A = ½bh
- Pythagorean theorem: c² = a²+b²
- Radius of a circle: R = ½d
- Diameter of a circle: D = 2r
- Circumference of a circle: C = 2Πr
- Area of a circle: A = Πr²
- Volume of a cube: V = s³
- Volume of a rectangular box: V = lwh
- Volume of a cylinder: V = Πr²h
- Surface area of a cube: SA = 6s²
- Surface area of a rectangular box: SA =2lw + 2wh + 2lh
REMEMBER: you cannot use a calculator for any of the math problems.
Here are a few tips to help you with difficult math problems:
- Eliminate any answers that are incorrect.
- Plug in the give answers to see if it matches the question.
- Separate needless words from word problems and only use what’s needed to solve the problem.
Ace the vocabulary section
The best way to do well in this section is to have an understanding of words, sentence structure, and reading comprehension. Reading books is a great place to start to better your knowledge for this section. If you don’t have time to read lots of books, consider these tips:
- Know what words are regularly included. Words like acute, abhorrent, carcass, debonair, and competent are usually on the test.
- Study root words and prefixes. If you know how words are formulated, you may be able to break them down to know their meaning.
- Study words with similar meanings. Knowing related words is almost as important as knowing the definition of a word. Study a thesaurus to know how words relate to each other.
Eliminate the wrong answers
There will always be one right answer and three wrong ones. Get closer to the right answer by eliminating incorrect answers.
For the math section, try plugging in the answer to see if it matches the question. If it doesn’t match, eliminate it.
Use common sense to eliminate answers in the vocabulary section. Further, think about synonyms and how they relate to the question.
Make flash cards
Quiz yourself by making flashcards. Use paper ones or download an app on your phone. When you have down time, pull out the cards and quiz yourself. Committing words and math formulas to memory will benefit you when taking the test.
Set time aside to study
You’ll get better at test-taking only if you spend time practicing and studying. Set aside time — about an hour a day — to practice for the ASVAB. After a week, that’s seven hours, and 30 hours after a month. Avoid cramming for the test, as this proves to be ineffective.
Once a week take a practice timed test. This is probably the best thing you can do to prepare.
Consider taking the ASVAB again but know the risks
If you didn’t get the score you were hoping for, you’re permitted to take the ASVAB again. Beware, however, that the most recent score you earn is the one that stays on your record. If you take it and get a 50 the first time and take it again and get a 40, you’ll keep the 40 because it’s the most recent score you earned. Ensure you’re able to get a higher score before taking it a second time.
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