How can I improve my ASVAB when retaking it?

2015-12-30T14:33:40-05:00

I retook the asvab test two years ago and even though my gt went up from my initial try before the army , it was what I wanted . I spent my days at libraries and Barnes and nobles memorizing not studying but memorizing four different books i purchased along with material I got from gt improvement back in Colorado Springs . After seeing my gt not at 110 I mentally gave up but recently I'm thinking about taking it again . Aside from your regular asvab for dummies , Barron's etc is there a relevant study guide someone know of I can study of where chances are most of the words etc will be on the actual test ? Yes word knowledge is what killed me aparently.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 2:34 PM

2015-12-30T14:34:21-05:00

Sorry I meant not what I wanted in my message in the beginning . Sorry for the typo

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Dec 30 at 2015 2:45 PM

2015-12-30T14:45:06-05:00

Other than raising your Score, what's your specific Goal. Are you trying to raise your score to get into a specific MOS?

If so, focus on study materials related to that MOS. You'll get "tangential knowledge" which will help. Basically start looking at secondary skills, since they can enhance the primary knowledge base.

You mentioned word knowledge. I would suggest that one of the best ways to increase vocabulary is through Reading. Start with the Reading lists, and plug through them. On the Books section of RP is ALL of the Services respective reading lists. Start with E1 and work your way through E7. You'll pick up LOTS of vocabulary.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 3:16 PM

2015-12-30T15:16:50-05:00

Check with the ED center, there used to be a class you could take to help raise it. I am not sure if they still have that or not.

Response by Col Joseph Lenertz made Dec 30 at 2015 3:23 PM

2015-12-30T15:23:02-05:00

Read everything. Read stuff you like. If you like Sci-Fi, read Sci-Fi. Go for classics in whatever area you like, and you'll pick up many words. There is no quick or easy way that I know of.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Dec 30 at 2015 6:20 PM

2015-12-30T18:20:18-05:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member - I see a lot of suggestions to pick up a book. For me, I have to force myself to read... unless it's Sports Illustrated. But, I do like crossword & sudoku puzzles. The former pushes the vocabulary and the latter helps with logic. Pick up yesterday's newspaper, read it, and steal the puzzle page for your free time.

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 22 at 2018 2:34 PM

2018-09-22T14:34:41-04:00

For the shapes section, you are given a pencil and paper. Put the paper up to the monitor and literally trace the shapes.

Response by Thomas Perez made Jul 9 at 2025 12:33 AM

2025-07-09T00:33:34-04:00

You’ve already put in serious work, and now that you know Word Knowledge held you back, shift your focus from memorizing to truly understanding how words work, especially root words, prefixes, and context. Instead of cramming definitions, use vocab apps like Anki, practice with ASVAB-style timed practice tests, and watch YouTube breakdowns that teach how to break down unfamiliar words. The key is less about remembering every word and more about learning how to figure them out when you don’t know them. You’ve done the hard part — now study smarter, not harder. You can try this one to practice:
https://easy-prep.org/asvab-practice-test

Free ASVAB Practice Test Online 2025 – Easy Prep

Try our free ASVAB practice test. Practice real questions to prepare effectively and feel confident for your certification exam.