What is the ASVAB general science test?
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) general science test measures a candidate's strength in scientific topics from earth and life, to space and physical.
An aptitude for sciences is important for your military training, and this test is designed to assess whether you have the scientific knowledge and abilities needed to further your career in the U.S armed forces.
Not only does the ASVAB help determine whether you're the right kind of person to join the military, it's also used to find the specific roles and responsibilities that you're best suited to based on your scores. Which means doing well is even more important, as it could determine which job you end up with.
The format of the ASVAB general science test
Over the course of eight minutes, you'll need to answer 15 questions covering various scientific topics. As you can see, timings are tight so it's important to prepare beforehand so you feel more confident working quickly (but carefully) through the questions.
You'll need to brush up on everything from astronomy and chemistry to geology and physics. Many of the questions have a mathematical focus, so it doesn't hurt to practise your math too.
How is the ASVAB general science test scored?
You'll get three different scores:
1. A standard score — this is your score in comparison with the average test taker and it's ranked from 1-100. This means that anything above 50 (the median score) marks you out as above average.
2. An AFQT score — the Armed Forces Qualification Test score is the score that determines your enlistment for the army, navy etc.
3. A composite score — your composite score relates to which specific role you may be suited to.
It's important to remember that the higher your score, and the better you do across the different sections of the test, the more options you'll have available to you when it comes to deciding what you want to do.
Top tips to pass the ASVAB general science test
1. Practise — it sounds simple, but there really is no substitute for practise. Take as many past tests as you can and remember to work through your answers when you've finished so you get a better sense of your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Think outside the box — preparing for the ASVAB can get dull if you don't think outside the box. Luckily, science is all around us so learning about geology by getting outside, or brushing up on chemistry through a kitchen experiment is always a possibility!
3. Stay calm — it's easier said than done, but try and stay calm on the big day. Taking deep breaths and reading each question carefully can help you to stay on track and not feel overwhelmed. Remember, if you've put the hard work in before the test, you've got nothing to worry about.
4. Visualize the end goal — the ASVAB test could be the only thing standing between you and your dream career in the military. Every time you get tired of preparing or want to give up, just try and remember the reason you're working so hard. It'll be worth it in the end.
5. Don't forget the timer — timings are really tight on the test, so it's important you don't spend too long on one question at the expense of questions further into the test. Try and work out a rough time limit — and then stick to it!
Check out our full ASVAB assessment page here that include free tests.
