How to Improve Your ASVAB GT Score

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a multi-aptitude test administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command, designed to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces. A critical component of this exam is the ASVAB GT score, which stands for General Technical score. This particular score is pivotal as it plays a significant role in evaluating an individual’s suitability for various military technical and operational roles.

To secure a position that aligns with your career aspirations within the military, achieving a robust ASVAB GT score is essential. It serves as a gateway to more specialized and desired occupational specialties. Recognizing its importance, this article aims to serve as a resourceful guide, outlining clear and effective strategies to enhance your ASVAB GT score. Through dedicated effort and the application of these strategies, you can improve your prospects of landing your preferred job in the military and set the stage for future success in your military career.

Understanding the ASVAB GT Score

The ASVAB GT score, short for General Technical score, is a pivotal component of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). It is designed to gauge an individual’s qualification for various military occupations. This score acts as a key indicator of a recruit’s aptitude in technical and cognitive job functions within the military.

To understand the significance of the ASVAB GT score:

  • 1. Determines Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): The GT score influences which roles a candidate is eligible for, with higher scores often required for more technically demanding positions.
  • 2. Influences Training Opportunities: A robust GT score can also open doors to advanced training programs and leadership opportunities.

Calculation of the ASVAB GT score involves three critical subtests:

  • 1. Arithmetic Reasoning (AR): This section assesses problem-solving abilities using basic mathematical concepts.
  • 2. Word Knowledge (WK): Tests vocabulary knowledge and ability to understand word meanings.
  • 3. Paragraph Comprehension (PC): Evaluates the ability to obtain information from written material.

Each of these subtests contributes specific point values that are totaled to form the overall GT score. Excelling in these areas is essential for candidates looking to expand their military career options or target specific roles that require a high technical aptitude.

Researching Required Scores for Military Roles

When aiming for a specific career in the military, it’s important to find out the required scores for the roles you’re interested in. Each military job has its own GT score requirement that candidates must meet or exceed. Understanding these requirements can help guide your preparation:

  • 1. Identifies Your Goals: Knowing the required GT score for your desired role helps you set a clear target to aim for.
  • 2. Tailors Your Study Plan: Having this benchmark allows you to customize your study efforts towards achieving or surpassing that score.
  • 3. Assesses Eligibility: Early research on required scores gives you information about your current standing and eligibility for specific military roles.
  • 4. Motivates Progress: Being aware of these criteria can motivate you to focus and improve in areas where it’s needed.

By finding out the specific GT score requirements, you can effectively prioritize your study time and resources on the areas that will have the greatest impact on your eligibility and success in the military.

1. Focus on Key Subtests

To significantly improve your ASVAB GT score, a targeted approach is necessary. This involves focusing on the three key subtests that make up the GT score: Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension. By concentrating your study efforts on these areas and utilizing effective techniques and resources, you can enhance your performance and boost your overall score.

1.1. Improving in Arithmetic Reasoning

  • Arithmetic reasoning largely involves problem-solving abilities using basic math concepts. It’s less about computation, more about understanding how numbers work together to solve problems.
  • 1. Practice Regularly: Just like any other skill, improving in Arithmetic Reasoning requires regular practice. Work on a variety of math problems to familiarize yourself with different scenarios and problem-solving methods.
  • 2. Understand Concepts: Instead of rote memorization, aim to understand the underlying concepts. This understanding will help you apply the principles correctly in any given problem.
  • 3. Work with Timed Practice Problems: The ASVAB is a timed test; thus, speed is essential. Incorporate timed practice problems into your study routine to simulate test conditions.

As for study guides and online practice tests for Arithmetic Reasoning preparation:

  • 1. ASVAB Study Guide 2020-2021 by Test Prep Books contains a comprehensive content review, test-taking strategies, and practice questions for all subjects including Arithmetic Reasoning.
  • 2. ASVAB Practice Test (2020) app by ABC E-learning offers numerous practice questions and detailed explanations for correct answers.
  • 3. Khan Academy provides free educational resources where you can brush up on arithmetic topics pertinent to this subtest.

Invest in these resources and others like them to gain an advantage when tackling the Arithmetic Reasoning subtest. Remember, patience and persistence are crucial in achieving improvement in any area of learning.

We will continue our discussion on key subtests by exploring strategies for the Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension sections in the following parts of this article.

1.2. Mastering Word Knowledge

The Word Knowledge subtest is crucial for determining your GT score. It assesses your understanding of words, their meanings, and synonyms. To excel in this area, you need to put in focused effort and use effective study techniques.

1.2.1. Strategy: Vocabulary Building

One effective strategy is vocabulary building. It involves expanding your word bank through regular reading and using new words in daily conversations and writing. Here are some ways to build your vocabulary:

  • 1. Use dictionaries, thesauruses, and vocabulary-specific books to learn new words and understand their nuances.
  • 2. Engage in regular reading of diverse materials such as books, articles, and essays to encounter unfamiliar words in context.
  • 3. Make it a habit to look up the meanings of unknown words while reading and note them down for future reference.
  • 4. Actively use new words in your daily conversations and written compositions to reinforce your understanding and retention.

1.2.2. Tool: Vocabulary Flashcards

Another helpful tool is vocabulary flashcards. You can create these cards with a new word on one side and its definition, synonyms, antonyms, and an example sentence on the other side. Regularly reviewing these flashcards helps reinforce your memory of new words.

1.2.3. Exercise: Word Association

Word association exercises can be beneficial as well. These exercises involve associating a new word with an image, a sound, or even another word which you are already familiar with. This method aids in recalling the new word’s meaning when needed.

1.2.4. Online Resources

Online platforms offer numerous resources to aid your preparation for the Word Knowledge subtest:

  • 1. Vocab.com: Offers interactive vocabulary quizzes.
  • 2. Quizlet: Provides comprehensive sets of vocabulary flashcards.
  • 3. Magoosh Vocabulary Builder: An app that offers various levels of vocabulary exercises.

Remember that consistent practice is key to mastering Word Knowledge.

1.3. Improving Your Paragraph Comprehension Skills

Doing well in the Paragraph Comprehension subtest is important if you want a high GT score. This part of the test measures how well you can understand and explain written information, which is a skill that’s important for many military jobs. Here are some strategies and exercises you can use to get better at reading comprehension:

Why the Paragraph Comprehension Subtest Matters

  • 1. Analytical Skills: This part of the test checks how good you are at figuring out information from what you read.
  • 2. Attention to Detail: Being able to find the most important information in paragraphs is crucial.
  • 3. Critical Thinking: It tests your ability to judge what you’ve read and use it in different situations.

Strategies for Reading

  • 1. Skim First: Quickly look through the paragraph to get a basic idea of what it’s about and what the main point is.
  • 2. Look for Keywords: Find and underline words or phrases that seem really important.
  • 3. Recognizing Structure: Pay attention to how the paragraph is set up; where does the writer give reasons, give examples, or make conclusions?

Exercises You Can Do

  • 1. Active Reading: Get involved with the text by summarizing each paragraph using your own words.
  • 2. Asking Questions: After reading, ask yourself what the most important idea was and what facts back it up.
  • 3. Using Study Materials: Get some sample paragraphs and questions from study guides or online practice materials to see how well you understand them.

By using these strategies, you’ll get better at understanding what you read. This will not only help you do well on the Paragraph Comprehension subtest but also make your overall thinking skills better for both military jobs and everyday problem-solving.

Utilizing Study Guides, Practice Tests, and Preparation Programs

The journey to enhancing your ASVAB GT score is a comprehensive process that involves various resources. Central among these are study guides, practice tests, and ASVAB preparation programs.

Recommended Study Guide Resources

Study guides play a critical role in helping you gather relevant knowledge that can boost your understanding of the ASVAB test sections. Here are some top picks:

  • 1. ASVAB Study Guide 2020-2021 by Test Prep Books: This study guide is praised for its comprehensive review of all ASVAB test topics. It breaks down complex topics into manageable bits making it easier for you to grasp the content.
  • 2. 2021 / 2022 ASVAB For Dummies by Angie Papple Johnston: Commonly lauded for its user-friendly approach, this guide presents concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. It also includes practice questions to test your understanding.
  • 3. Barron’s ASVAB with CD-ROM, 11th Edition by Terry Duran: This guide stands out for its robust content and practice tests that come in both book and CD-ROM formats, providing flexibility in how you study.


These resources not only provide detailed information but also offer strategies on how to tackle different types of questions effectively.

Online Practice Tests: Putting Your Knowledge to the Test

After going through your study guides, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test with online practice tests. One advantage of these is their similarity to the actual ASVAB test format and timing, offering you a realistic testing experience.

4Tests.com provides free ASVAB practice tests that you can take multiple times to gauge your progress. ASVAB Tutor is another platform where you can access free practice tests and find explanations for answers which can be beneficial for learning purposes.

The Benefits of ASVAB Preparation Programs

ASVAB preparation programs can be a game-changer in your quest to improve your GT score.

1. Kaplan’s ASVAB Prep Plus is a program that offers a blended learning experience with both book-based and online materials. It features practice questions, online quizzes, and video lessons to cater to different learning styles.

2. Mometrix Test Preparation’s ASVAB Course provides comprehensive video-based lessons that cover all ASVAB subtests. It also has interactive quizzes for each lesson to assess your understanding.

Incorporating these resources into your study plan can significantly enhance your test readiness and confidence, setting the stage for a higher GT score. The next step in this journey involves considering an additional testing option that could further boost your score: The Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT).

Online Practice Tests: Putting Your Knowledge to the Test

Online practice tests are crucial for ASVAB preparation. They offer a practical way to understand the test’s structure and timing, simulating the actual exam environment. Here’s why you should incorporate them into your study plan:

1. Familiarization with Test Format

By regularly taking online practice tests, you’ll become familiar with the layout of the ASVAB. This knowledge will reduce anxiety on test day, as you’ll know what to expect.

2. Time Management Skills

The tests also help you develop time management skills. You’ll learn which sections require more time, allowing you to allocate your minutes wisely during the actual exam.

3. Instant Feedback

Many online platforms provide instant scoring and feedback on your performance. This immediate assessment is valuable in identifying your strengths and weaknesses, so you can focus on improving specific areas.

These resources complement study guides and preparation programs by providing realistic scenarios that enhance overall readiness for the ASVAB. By integrating these tools into your study plan, you can build confidence and improve your GT score effectively.

Here are some reputable websites where you can find a mix of free and paid ASVAB practice tests:

  • 1. 4Tests.com: A user-friendly site that provides free practice exams without the need for registration.
  • 2. ASVABTutor.com: Offers both free practice questions and more comprehensive preparation options for a fee.
  • 3. Kaplan: Known for its test prep expertise, Kaplan offers practice tests and study guides, some at no cost and others as part of a paid program.
  • 4. March2Success: Sponsored by the U.S. Army, this website provides free educational materials, including ASVAB practice exams.

By strategically using comprehensive study guides alongside realistic online practice tests and specialized preparation programs, candidates can significantly enhance their chances of achieving a higher GT score on the ASVAB.

The Benefits of ASVAB Preparation Programs

ASVAB preparation programs often provide a structured approach to studying, with a focus on the key subtests that determine your GT score. These programs are available in various formats, each offering distinct advantages.

In-person Classes

In-person classes offer direct interaction with skilled instructors who can provide immediate feedback and personalized guidance. This format may also foster a sense of camaraderie among participants, creating a supportive learning environment. Reputable organizations offering such classes include local community colleges and adult education centers.

Online Courses

On the other hand, online courses offer flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace and convenience. They typically include video lessons, interactive quizzes, and forums for discussion with instructors and fellow students. Kaplan Test Prep and Mometrix ASVAB Academy are two well-regarded platforms offering comprehensive online ASVAB preparation courses.

Whether online or offline, these programs usually combine study guides and practice tests to provide a holistic preparation experience. They guide your review process, offer strategies for different question types, and simulate actual testing conditions to help you build confidence for the real exam.

Emphasizing on study guides, realistic practice tests, and specialized preparation programs can lead to overall GT score improvement. With consistent effort using these resources, you can enhance your understanding of tested concepts and hone your test-taking skills.

Consider Taking the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT)

An effective way of potentially boosting your GT score is by taking the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT). The AFCT serves as a retest for the ASVAB, providing an opportunity to improve your score and thus, expand your job opportunities in the military.

The AFCT covers the same areas as the ASVAB, including Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, and Paragraph Comprehension. Therefore, your preparation for the ASVAB will also aid you in this test.

Availability and Process

  • 1. Only those already serving in the military can take the AFCT.
  • 2. It is administered on-base and can be scheduled through your base’s education or personnel office.
  • 3. There are no costs associated with taking this test.

The process of taking the AFCT involves:

  • 1. Scheduling an appointment with your base’s education or personnel office.
  • 2. Preparing for the test by revisiting study materials used for ASVAB preparation.
  • 3. Arriving at the testing center on time and completing the test.

4. Upon receiving your AFCT results, any increase in your scores will automatically update your military records.

This can be a key step towards achieving a higher GT score and expanding your career opportunities within the military.

Remember, while an improved GT score can open up new avenues, it’s essential to continue focusing on skill development related to specific subtests for long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Aiming to improve your ASVAB GT score is a commendable goal. It shows your commitment not only to personal growth but also to serving in your desired military positions. Remember that the path to improvement can be long and difficult, requiring both hard work and consistent effort.