Hello, I'm Richard Idigo, the founder of Homework Hookup, where my passion lies in helping students conquer the challenges of standardized tests. With over 10 years of experience in tutoring and mentoring, I specialize in preparing individuals for the math portion of the ASVAB test. Through personalized guidance and targeted strategies, I've assisted countless students in mastering complex mathematical concepts and achieving impressive scores on the ASVAB. My dedication to excellence and deep understanding of the test's nuances have earned me a reputation for delivering results. I'm thrilled to share my expertise and insights with you as we embark on this journey to success together.
Understanding the ASVAB
The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a standardized test used by the U.S. military to assess a candidate's aptitude for various career paths within the armed forces. It consists of multiple-choice questions measuring skills in areas like arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, and general science. The ASVAB plays a crucial role in the military recruitment process, helping determine eligibility for enlistment and identifying strengths for placement in military occupational specialties (MOS). A high AFQT score can lead to specialized training opportunities and preferred job assignments, making it essential for individuals considering a military career.
The ASVAB consists of different sections testing different abilities of the test-taker. These sections included General Science, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Electronics Information, etc. However, this article will focus on the mathematics portion of the ASVAB which are Artithmetic Reasoning and Mathematics Knowledge.
Arithmetic Reasoning tests problem-solving skills with arithmetic word problems, covering whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and ratios.
Mathematical Knowledge covers algebra, geometry, basic math operations, and mathematical properties, with questions involving solving equations, geometry problems, and interpreting mathematical data.
These topics may seem daunting for someone who doesn’t have a strong math background, but I've Helped many students in similar situations achieve great success on the exam using very effective strategies, which I’ll cover next
Effective study strategies
- Sticking to a study schedule – Making the decision to take an exam that can impact the trajectory of your career requires a lot of dedication. It's the first step in a critical step towards success; the next is creating a study schedule. As with any skill in life, to become successful it takes dedicated time to practice.
Kobe Bryant becoming arguably the greatest basketball player ever was not by mistake. He used to workout for 7 hours a day just to keep his competitive edge.
Serena Williams, one of the greatest tennis stars of all time, started playing tennis at the age of 4 and became a pro at the age of 14!
A gamer by the name of Bugah won $3million at the first ever Fortnite World Cup. In an interview, he reported that he practiced 6 hours a day, even on school nights.
One thing they had in common was setting aside the time to perfect their craft. If something is important enough to you that you want to succeed, you have to put the time in.
- Resources are key – After scheduling time consistently throughout your week, gather your resources. Working with my students, I've discovered that those who had even a basic resource, like a physical or digital textbook, were often more successful than those who didn't. I recommend getting an ASVAB preparation book — my favorite is the ASVAB for Dummies series. These textbooks have a comprehensive list of questions that closely resemble those found on the exam. They can be found for less than $20 on Amazon, or if you want to save money you may even be able to rent them from your local library. Other than that I would also recommend having a notebook dedicated to taking math notes. Spiral notebooks, composition notebooks, or even just a 3-ring folder with loose papers. Its very important you take clear and detailed notes that you understand.
- Know your Enemy, know yourself
A Chinese military general and strategist by the name of Sun Tzu once said:
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles”.
Meaning, if you know your opponent as well as you know yourself, your probability of victory increases tremendously. Although this might have been intended for war, this strategy can also be applied when taking a test. The more you know about the exam, the better you will do. Getting to know the ASVAB means researching, studying, and practicing the ASVAB. The “ASVAB for Dummies” book is filled with practice tests, however, you can also find FREE practice tests to take online with a quick Google search. Study.com offers free ASVAB practice tests that offer great explanations after you answer. The other part of the saying is knowing yourself. In this case, knowing your habits, emotions, and behavior when it comes to studying. Are you a procrastinator? Do you find yourself being distracted a lot? Do you get discouraged easily? These are the kind of questions you want to ask yourself while preparing for anything. Be honest because lying in this situation will only hurt your chances of passing the exam.
Ready to tackle the ASVAB with confidence?
In my article, I've emphasized the significance of the ASVAB test in military recruitment, particularly highlighting the math sections. I've shared valuable study strategies, stressing the importance of creating a dedicated schedule and utilizing resources effectively. Understanding the exam's format and structure is key, akin to knowing your strengths and the challenge ahead. Remember, success on the ASVAB is achievable with dedication and the right support. Together, we'll navigate the ASVAB journey with confidence, unlocking the door to exciting opportunities in your military career.
Remember, every step you take towards your goals, no matter how small, brings you closer to success. Don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a tutoring session with me at Homework Hookup. Together, we'll tackle the ASVAB with confidence and determination, opening doors to exciting opportunities in your military career. You've got this!
About the author
Richard Idigo is the founder of Homework Hookup, a platform dedicated to helping students excel in mathematics. With years of experience as a math tutor, Richard is passionate about empowering students to overcome obstacles and achieve their academic goals. Through personalized guidance and effective teaching strategies, Richard has helped countless students build confidence and succeed in mathematics.