How Marines pass the ASVAB?
Exam: ASVAB Test - Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Automotive & Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Assembling Objects
Meeting the Requirements
In order to be recruited as a Marine, a candidate needs to fulfill certain requirements:
- Must be between the ages of 17 and 29
- Must be a high school graduate or have earned an equivalent degree
- Must meet physical requirements, including a timed run, pull-ups and crunches
- Must earn a qualifying score on the ASVAB test
Pre-Screening Process
For enlisting for The United Sates Marine Corps applicants have to go through a screening process. The recruiters determine where the applicant is eligible to take the ASVAB. Each applicant needs to meet the high standards maintained by the Marine Corps. You may be disqualified if your medical reports are negative. Your medical history is to be presented to the recruiters, any past surgeries or any type of skin diseases, allergies, hospital visit records if any, back or joint problem, ADD/ADHD, x-rays.After successfully clearing, the candidates are required to take the ASVAB.
Entering the U.S. military? Take the ASVAB test!
Anyone seeking to get enlisted in the United States Coast Guard or the United Sates military service, which includes Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Army, are needed to pass the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test).
The high school students are required to take the test when they are in the 10th, 11th and 12th standard. The test analyzes the skills you possess, and accordingly enlists for entering the military services.
The test includes:
1.General Science:
Includes knowledge of earth and space science, physical science and life science.
2.Arithmetic Reasoning:
Requires capability of reasoning and solving mathematical problems.
3.Word Knowledge
Having the knowledge of words.
4.Paragraph Comprehension
Gathering information from written sources.
5.Auto and Shop Information
Determines the knowledge to repair and maintenance of vehicles.
6.Mathematics Knowledge
Correctly applying the formulas and have clear concepts to solve math problems.
7.Mechanical Comprehension
Having the knowledge of mechanical devices.
8.Electronics Information
Having the knowledge of how the electrical circuits and current works.
This test is very basic and involves general questions, which can be solved by those studying in high school.
Minimum scores to pass ASVAB test
The United States Marine Corps recruits graduates with a High School Diploma and a score of 32. Rules are made flexible for candidates holding a GED (General Educational Development) or similar certificate. Having attained the minimum score does not assure your entry in the military, thou it is given major importance at the time of recruitment.
Administering the ASVAB
ASVAB is administered at Military Entrance Processing Stations, also known as MEPS. The MEPS is a joint—service organization having a “Department of Defense”, which includes highly skilled military professionals.
The recruiter will help you find the nearest MEPS location, as 65 MEPS are widely spread across Unites States and Puerto Rico.
It may so happen that there are no MEPS located around you, the recruiter will provide you to the nearest Military Entrance Test (MET). The MET are situated in Federal government office buildings, Reserve centers or National Guar armories. The ASVAB test is conducted at a location, which is monitored through a satellite.
A valid identity proof is required to enter the ASVAB examination hall. Being late is no excuse, the candidate may need to reschedule for the same exam for turning in late. Using calculators during the test is prohibited; it is safer to leave it at home. No mobile phones or any kind of electrical devices are allowed inside the room.
Preparation
To successfully prepare for the ASVAB, candidates are required to be comfortable with the format, being able to solve objective type questions, understanding the method of scoring, which is different for both paper-and-pencil (P&P) and computerized adaptive test (CAT), solve pervious years test preps, managing time and keeping healthy at all times. Give yourself the time to plan up your schedule, so that you can be prepared for the test in advance.
Retaking the ASVAB test?
A retake is possible even after you have failed to qualify the requisite score. Before any retest it is important that one must prepare in advance and perform better in their second test, so that the results are not repeated.
Skipping or Guesswork?
There can be times when you are clueless regarding the answer to the question. Make the best guesswork, as the test does not penalize you for submitting incorrect answers. It does not have any negative affect on your test but not answering a question all together may prevent you from achieving higher score.
“A blind guesswork is better than not attempting a question”, this is suggested when you are running out of time and need to answer the questions. You never know when you might get lucky.
Following Instructions
Following instructions is as important as having knowledge of the subjects concerned. MEPS are trained to help you; if you need any clarification regarding the exam they are always available.
Carefully select your answers, as the CAT rules do not allow you to go back and change your answer.
MEPS
CAT-ASVAB or P&P-ASVAB testing time is longer than the test taken at MEPS. ASVAB is a three-hour test whereas the latter is only a 45-minute. Getting administered at MEPS and taking a test proves to be more advantageous.
Qualification Process
Any candidate who has scored between 32 and 50i in their ASVAB test, fall under the infantry or mechanical (MOS) category. These include job of a M1A1 tank crewman or an electrician or machine gunner.
But if you score higher i.e. between 50 and 99, you are offered the best jobs that are technical in nature. These include aerial navigator or artillery radar operator or explosive ordinance disposal.
If one wishes to be enlisted in Air Force he/she is expected to have a high school education. GED holders require a score of 50 or higher on the AFQT, though GED holders are given low considerations.
Summary
Showing signs of courage, developing mental strength, improving physical performance and being emotionally strong will help you in the path of a “Marine”.