ASVAB Scores Required for the Marine Corps

ASVAB Scores Required for the Marine Corps


The Army converts the ASVAB subtest scores into five composite score areas, known as "line scores." The line scores determine what job(s) an individual qualifies for. The ASVAB subtests are: General Science (GS); Arithmetic Reasoning (AR); Word Knowledge (WK); Paragraph Comprehension (PC); Numerical Operations (NO); Coding Speed (CS); Auto and Shop Information (AS); Mathematics Knowledge (MK); Mechanical Comprehension (MC); Electronics Information (EI); and Sum of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE). Marine Corps Line Scores are determined as follows:

CL—Clerical—VE+AR+MK

EL—Electronics—GS+AR+MK+EI

GT—General Technical—VE+AR

MM—Mechanical Maintenance—NO+AS+MC+EI

ST—Skilled Technical—GS+VE+MK+MC

Chart
http://usmilitary.about.com/library/...lusmcasvab.htm

The Drifter
:marine:

Here's the bottom line....

You need to have a Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) of 31. This is based on the percentile of people who take the ASVAB. In other words, you must score in the 31st percentile or higher (maximum being 99th percentile) to get in. Other scores only help to determine eligibility for other programs and MOSs. Math and English skills are the two greatest areas for calculating your overall score and various line scores to qualify for programs.


SIXGUNS

Well I'd say I'm good to go. Recruiter told me I scored a 87 on my ASVAB :)

ASVAB scores are not the start and finish of being a good Marine. But they can get you a good Marine job!!!


SIXGUNS

If you're serious about joining the military, then get serious about the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test which is given at over 14,000 schools nationwide, and maintained by the Department of Defense.

How important is this test?
Your scores in four critical areas -- Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge (see below) -- count towards your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score. The AFQT score determines whether you're qualified to enlist in the U.S. military. Your scores in the other areas of the ASVAB determine how qualified you are for certain military specialties. Score high, and your chances of getting the specialty/job you want increase.

The ASVAB features eight individual subtests:

Subtest Minutes Questions Description
General Science 11 25 Measures knowledge of physical and biological sciences
Arithmetic Reasoning 36 30 Measures ability to solve arithmetic word problems
Word Knowledge 11 25 Measures ability to select the correct meaning of words presented in context, and identify synonyms
Paragraph Comprehension 13 15 Measures ability to obtain information from written material
Auto and Shop Information 11 25 Measures knowledge of automobiles, tools, and shop terminology and practices
Mathematics Knowledge 11 35 Measures knowledge of high school mathematics principles
Mechanical Comprehension 19 25 Measures knowledge of mechanical and physical principles, and ability to visualize how illustrated objects work
Electronics Information 9 20 Tests knowledge of electricity and electronics


Total number of items: 200
Test Time: 134 minutes
Administrative Time: 46 minutes
Total Test Time: 180 minutes

Note: Until recently, "Numerical Operations" and "Coding Speed" were also administered on ASVAB, but have been dropped.

Scoring high on the ASVAB will require study and concentration. Don't skimp on preparing for this test -- read about what you should prepare for, and take our practice test, which gives you an idea of how well you'll score, identifies areas that need improvement and suggests resources you can use.

It's your future. Get the most out of it.


The Basics

So what's the ASVAB all about? What should you expect on the day of the test? What are some good test-taking tips and strategies? You're on the way to getting all the answers.

If you feel like you're ready to tackle a free practice exam, then head to the ASVAB Practice Test.

What is it? The ASVAB, like most aptitude tests, measures your potential. The ASVAB predicts how well you might do in certain military branches and specialties, as well as how well you might perform in certain civilian careers. The test is an indicator only, and not the final word on your military career direction.

So how does the test "count"? Even though no one passes or fails the ASVAB, your scores are important if you're trying to get into the military. To be eligible to enlist, you must get a minimum percentile score on the ASVAB (see below). The minimum score is different for different military branches -- contact your local recruiter to find out what score you need.

How is the test scored? The ASVAB is scored in more ways than you can shake a stick at.
First, you receive a score for each of the eight subtests (for more on these subtests, see Ace the ASVAB), and you will also receive a score for three "composite areas":

Verbal Ability Composite = Word Knowledge Score + Paragraph Comprehension Score
Math Ability Composite = Arithmetic Reasoning Score + Mathematics Knowledge Score
Academic Ability Composite = Verbal Ability Composite + Math Ability Composite
Second, your raw score is computed with this formula:
(Word Knowledge Score x 2) + (Paragraph Comprehension Score x 2) + (Arithmetic Reasoning Score) + (Mathematics Knowledge Sore) = Raw Score
So for example, if you score 30 on Word Knowledge, 15 on Paragraph Comprehension, 25 on Arithmetic Reasoning, and 25 on Mathematics Knowledge, your raw score would be 140.

The raw score is then converted into a percentile score. If you score in the 50th percentile, for example, you scored higher than 49 percent of the people who took the test. This is the score that recruiters look at when determining if you're eligible to enlist.

Finally, you will also receive a Military Careers Score, which is a combination of the Academic Ability Composite score with the Mechanical Comprehension and Electronics Information scores. The score range is 140 to 240 (200 is the average). When you receive your test results, you will also receive the book Military Careers, which describes most of the positions available in the military, along with job requirements and a graph that shows your chance of acceptance based on the Military Careers Score. For example, your chances of qualifying for a certain job are 80 percent if you have a Military Careers Score of 210, but only 10 percent if you score 170 or lower.

Your scores from the General Science and Auto and Shop Information subtests are not factored into any of the above, but they are used by recruiters to identify other career areas in which you might be successful. The first and most important thing is to get a good percentile score, otherwise you won't qualify for enlistment.

Common Questions

You now know what ASVAB is basically about. But what about preparing for and taking the test? Read on.

How do I sign up to take the ASVAB?
Ask your high school guidance counselor to make arrangements for you, or contact your local military recruiter. There is no cost for this examination.

When can I take the ASVAB? Can I take it over again if necessary?
You can take the ASVAB as early as your sophomore year in high school. If need be, you may retake the AVAB after 30 days, and again 30 days later. Thereafter, you can retest every six months.

If I take the ASVAB, am I committed to joining the military?
Taking the ASVAB does not commit you to anything. A military recruiter may contact you after taking the ASVAB, but remember that you are under no obligation just because you take the ASVAB. Use the ASVAB to help you understand your own interests and aptitude even if you are not planning to enter the military or are undecided. It can help you choose courses for college and inform your personal career decisions.

Does the ASVAB have any influence on my high school grades?
The ASVAB has no impact on your high school grades. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Where can I take the ASVAB?
You can take the test at a nearby high school or arrange to take it through a local recruiter. You should arrange to get results with your counselor or recruiter.

continued......

Testing 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.

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.

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.
Bonus Tip: Ask your guidance counselor about the ACES program (ASVAB Career Exploration System). It can help you interpret your score and provides a copy of a free ASVAB Workbook.

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.

The Drifter
:marine: