strategies for studying each subject area, gives you test-taking (and guessing) tips, and provides three full-length practice tests that help you determine your strengths and weaknesses. These practice tests also help you prepare mentally for taking the real test — you can use them to get in the zone. I’ve thrown in two extra tests that cover the four most important subtests of the ASVAB that make up the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualification Test) score at no extra cost.
Although much of the material covered on the ASVAB is taught in practically every high school in the country, you may have slept through part of the info or performed a major brain-dump as soon as the ink was dry on your diploma. For that reason, you also get a basic review of the relevant subject areas to help refresh your memory, as well as some pointers on where to find more information if you need it.
Foolish Assumptions
While writing and revising this book, I made a few assumptions about you — namely, who you are and why you picked up this book. I assume the following:
You’ve come here for test-taking tips and other helpful information. You may be a nervous test-taker.
You want to take a few ASVAB practice tests to measure your current knowledge in various subject areas to help you develop a study plan.
You want the military job of your dreams, and passing the ASVAB (or certain sections of it) is really important to you.
You’re in a high school that participates in the ASVAB Career Exploration Program, and you want to know what to expect on the test.
Icons Used in This Book
Throughout this book, you find icons that help you use the material in this book. Here’s a rundown of what they mean:
Beyond the Book
In addition to what you’re reading right now, this book comes with a free access-anywhere Cheat Sheet that includes tips to help you prepare for the ASVAB. To get this Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type ASVAB For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.
You also get access to seven full-length online practice tests (six ASVAB and one AFQT) and hundreds of flashcards. To gain access to the online practice, all you have to do is register. Just follow these simple steps:
1 Register your book or ebook at Dummies.com to get your PIN. Go to www.dummies.com/go/getaccess.
2 Select your product from the drop-down list on that page.
3 Follow the prompts to validate your product, and then check your email for a confirmation message that includes your PIN and instructions for logging in.
If you do not receive this email within 2 hours, please check your spam folder before contacting us through our Technical Support website at http://support.wiley.com or by phone at 877-762-2974.
Now you’re ready to go! You can come back to the practice material as often as you want — simply log on with the username and password you created during your initial login. No need to enter the access code a second time.
Your registration is good for one year from the day you activate your PIN.
But wait! There’s more! This book also comes with some helpful online videos that cover all the topics that you need to study to do well on the ASVAB. Check them out at www.dummies.com/go/asvabvideos.
Where to Go from Here
You don’t have to read this book from cover to cover to score well. I suggest that you begin with Chapters 1 and 2. That way, you can get a feel for how the ASVAB is organized (along with the most up-to-date changes on the test) and which subtests may be important for the military service branch and job of your choice. This plan of attack helps you set up logical and effective goals to maximize your study efforts.
You may want to start by taking one of the practice tests in Part 6. By using this method, you can discover which subjects you’re strong in and which subjects you could spend a little more time reviewing. If you choose this technique, you can use the other practice tests to measure your progress after reading through and studying the subject chapters.
If you’re taking the ASVAB for the purpose of enlisting in the U.S. military, you may want to skip entire chapters, depending on your career goals. For example, if the military careers you’re interested in don’t require a great score on the Mechanical Comprehension subtest, you may want to spend less time studying that topic and concentrate your study time on chapters focusing on developing knowledge or skills that your dream job does require.
I wish you luck on taking this battery of tests, and if you want to join the military, I hope you have a tremendously successful journey!
Part 1
Getting Started with the ASVAB
IN THIS PART …
Get the details about what topics are covered on the ASVAB, how your score is calculated, and the policies on retaking the test if you didn’t do so well on your first try.
Check out how line scores relate to military jobs and how each branch of the military computes those scores.
Review test-taking strategies and get some last-minute preparation tips.
Chapter 1
Putting
