ASVAB Test Tips

Time for the nitty gritty — how can you get the best score you possibly can on the ASVAB? Here's a few insider tips.

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1. Practice, Practice, Practice
"Practice makes perfect" is a well-known cliché; it also happens to be true. Take as many practice tests as you can. Figure out which areas you need to work on. Simulate actual test conditions, right down to the exact time for each subtest. Take a practice test online, and get test help guides. After you take practice tests, identify areas that you need to work on.

2. One Step at a Time
Once you've signed up for the test, build a schedule that allows you to study at a steady pace. Make a plan that you feel comfortable with, but don't put off studying until the last minute. You're not going to magically learn everything you need to know in one or two days. If you can organize what you need to do in advance, and lay it all out in manageable steps, you'll be in full control of your study preparation, and be more confident.

3. Concentration
Discipline yourself so that during your study time, you are really studying. Get away from all distractions, and get yourself in the right frame of mind. It's also better to study in one long, uninterrupted period rather than on and off for 10 or 20 minutes at a time.

4. Be Smart in Taking the Test
Get a good night's sleep — people test best when they're well-rested, have a healthy breakfast and a positive mind set. Dress comfortably on the day of the test, and make sure you have everything you need (your ID, extra pencils, etc.) before you go the testing center. Arrive at the testing center early.

5. Multiple Choice Tips
The ASVAB is a multiple choice test, with four possible answers to every question. Remember these tips when taking the test:

Do not leave any questions unanswered. Unlike some other tests, you will not be penalized for giving a wrong answer to a question. If you can't figure out an answer, take a guess. Answer all the questions, even if you're running out of time and don't have a chance to read the question.

If you're having trouble on a question, try eliminating the wrong answers first. Remember the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? show and the 50/50 lifeline? It's the same principle. So for example, if you have four answers to choose from, and you eliminate two of them, you've improved your chances of getting a right answer from 25 percent to 50 percent.

Don't get too hung up on individual questions — if you're stumped on a question, make sure you finish all the other questions, and come back to the problem later. Remember, all questions are worth the same: one point each.

Be careful when you answer questions — make sure you're marking the answer for the right question, and don't make any extra marks on your answer sheet. Sometimes incorrect answers are due to pure sloppiness.

Unless you're absolutely certain you're wrong, don't change an answer once you've made it. Studies show that people often change right answers to wrong ones due to panic.

Now for the important part — taking an actual practice test. Sign in, try a few sample questions, and get an idea of how you would score. Then use these tips, put together your study plan, and kick some ASVAB butt.

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