How to Kick-Butt on the ASVAB

I did very well on the ASVAB with a 92 AFQT and in the 90's across all the sections. I have had a lot of people asking me about how I did it, especially on Instagram, so I thought I'd put together some info on how I studied. I want you to know that I am not even close to being a genius. I really struggled with the math sections and it took a lot of effort to get my high scores. It didn't come easy. So don't tell yourself you can't get a score like that, because you absolutely can!

One thing you need to understand is that your entire career will involve testing and studying. It doesn't begin and end with the ASVAB. You will test at the end of basic training, at the end of your technical training for your field, at the end of your hands-on training while you're at your first assignment, for promotions and more! Use these strategies now and remember them for later in your career. In order to be successful in your career, you need to know how to develop great study habits!

Recognize your Learning Style 

I have a friend who is a writer who is planning on doing a guest post here soon to help you dive into this more. To give you a brief run-down; we all have different learning styes. Some of us learn by reading it, some of us learn by listening to it, some of us learn by seeing it, and some of us learn by doing it.

My very best advice is to know yourself and know what works for you. How do you learn the best? I learn through a combination of different things; writing and taking notes, watching videos, hands-on when possible and I utilize flash-cards a lot to help review and keep things fresh. I can't just read it and retain the info, I have to use other methods to help retain what I read.

Pick a Great Study Guide (or two) 

You will need a great study guide or two. Don't just grab whatever you see on the shelf, really look at what they have to offer. The best guide in my opinion after reading reviews and looking at the guides in person, is the "Kaplan Premier Study Guide 2016".  It has extensive info on all the sections, comes with pre-made flashcards, online access and 6 tests total. It is very detailed and comprehensive.

**One thing I want you to realize is that this guide's math section in my opinion was much more difficult than the ASVAB itself, so if you aren't getting perfect scores on the practice exams, don't get discouraged!** If you struggle with the math, I recommend checking out "AFQT for Dummies", and I thought the math in it was more similar to what was on the actual test.

Understand your Timeline

Focus most on the AFQT- that is the Math, Arithmetic, Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comp. These are the absolute most important because they determine whether or not you are eligible to enlist in your branch of service. Take the diagnostic test, determine which sections you struggle with the most, and study those first.

If you don't have an ASVAB test date or haven't talked to a recruiter yet, you have the luxury to really dig in. I suggest taking the diagnostic, making a list of each section and ranking them, the first being the one you did the worst on and the last being the one you did best on, and study them in that order. In other words, study your worst subjects first, and leave the ones you're good at for last.

Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comp 

First off, study what is in your study guide. However, I will tell you right now that what is in any study guide will likely not be enough to get you an amazing score. If you want to excel, reach out to other resources.

I used an app on my phone called "Magoosh Vocabulary Builder". It is not designed for the ASVAB, but it has some similar words and it's FREE. Focus on the "Basic" and "Intermediate" categories only. I didn't use the "Advanced" category at all. I used the "General/GRE" section the most but honestly the "SAT" words and the "TOEFL/English Learner" sections wouldn't hurt.

For paragraph Comp, you're just going to have to practice. Read carefully and understand the "overall point" of the material. There is no way to study for it other than to practice. Read some non-fiction articles and think critically about what the overall message was as well as the author's tone. Learn how to skim for facts after you've read it so that you can find key info quickly. It just takes practice.

Mathematics and Arithmetic

The very best tips I can offer are to utilize YouTube tutorials and if at all possible, find a friend who is really good at math or even invest in a tutor if you can. I am lucky enough to have a husband who loves math, so I picked his brain a LOT. It was very helpful when a written explanation just didn't make sense to me. He could often explain it a different way and then it would seem so simple. Just studying the study guide probably won't be good enough if you struggle with math. Utilize additional resources to help you understand.

With that being said; practice, practice, practice!!!! Figure out the types of problems you struggle with the most and practice until you understand! With math, you can't just learn it and then remember it. You have to practice it a lot to help retain how it is done.

Check out Khan Academy. It's free and it's a great way to review several different subjects. In addition to math, they also have science review and English sections.

All other Sections 

Unless you have a specific career in mind, think of the other sections as secondary to your AFQT sections. You still want to try and do well because it opens up so many career options for you. I qualify for almost all the jobs in the Air Force and that opens up a world of opportunity for me.

For the most part, the Kaplan guide will prepare you for the other sections of the ASVAB very, very well. However, when you run up against something that really throws you off, look it up online. The internet is full of great resources. I struggled with the Auto shop section and YouTube was my saving grace. I previously had VERY limited knowledge of cars but now I understand the basics of all the major systems that allow a vehicle to operate. If I can go from zero knowledge to scores in the 90's, I promise that you can as well.

For things like electronics and auto shop, see if someone proficient in those can show you some things hands-on. For instance, I opened up the hood of my car and my husband told me in detail what everything was and even while we were driving around, I'd review how the car actually works and how the engine functions.

I struggle with Electronics. Luckily, that is my husband's field, so I picked his brain on that just like I did for math. I also watched a lot of YouTube videos and studied the info until I had a basic grasp. Talking to someone about it out loud helped me remember it better than just reading about it.

Here are some good starting-points for understanding some of the more technical aspects of the ASVAB. You'll see some of these are kinda geared towards kids and you know what?? If they help you understand the concepts, watch them! I cannot stress how much I utilized videos online.

Four-Stroke Engine Cycle 

Major Auto Systems 

Click HERE for Info on the major systems

Basics of Electronics 

Simple Machines 

Waiting for BMT part 1

If you're waiting for a waiver or you're in DEP waiting to ship out, you should spend some time learning a few key things to get ready for BMT. I highly recommend picking up a copy of "The Airman's Guide" and also High Speed Training Cards to help study and prepare for Air Force life.

The company that makes the training cards is veteran-owned and operated, so not only are you studying for BMT and preparing yourself better, but you are also supporting an Air Force veteran. Win-win! You can purchase these at High Speed Training Cards  I *just* bought mine and they shipped a couple days ago but I am very excited to start studying with them! 

This book has SO much info that you need to know; Airman's Creed, what uniforms you need for different occasions, explaining military benefits, rank charts, pay charts..... seriously, this has it all. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this, I STILL reference this from time to time and my husband has been in for 3 years. I bought it as a gift for my husband when he graduated BMT but I wish I had bought it for him before he left. You can buy it on Amazon Here.

Core Values 

Integrity First
Service before Self
Excellence in all We do

Airman's Creed 

You will have to recite this word-for-word on command, so learn it now. It's pretty simple to memorize but it is one less thing you have to worry about at BMT.

Reporting Statement 

Every time you address an MTI or other personnel at BMT, you will need to use your reporting statement. 

Sir/Ma'am, Trainee ____ reports as ordered.

Don't be the poor sod that uses a "sir sandwhich". You know in movies how cadets and trainees say "Sir, Blah blah blah, Sir!!!!". No, that is wrong. Don't do it. Your MTI is going to have a field day with you if you do. I may not have been to BMT yet, but my husband has, as have many of my close friends. The stories they have about MTI's and the "special attention" they give to people is priceless but also not so funny when it's happening to you!

Rank Structure of Enlisted and Officers 

Take some time and memorize ranks. Again, one less thing to worry about at BMT and fairly simple. Know the grade (E-1), abbrev. (AB), full name (Airman Basic), and the insignia. 

For Officer ranks, remember: One  gold bar (butterbars, a term to describe newbie officers, 2nd lieutenants), silver bars (1st Lt.), double silver bars (captains), gold leaf (major), silver leaf (Lt. Colonel,), eagle (Colonel). 

For Generals, remember "Be my little General". Brigadier (one star), Major (two), Lieutenant (three), and General (four). 

To be continued........ 

Navigating Military Medical Standards

For me, the absolute most-frustrating aspect of military entrance is medical. I have hypothyroidism, I had mild depression in high school and I apparently have an ovarian cyst that I didn't know about that was found by accident when I had had a scan when my gallbladder was taken out. They are TRYING to find anything wrong with you now, mostly because they don't want recruits who have serious medical issues that could effect training or deploying. I get that. I do. It still hurts though when you want something so bad and you might not get the chance because of things you cannot help. If you want it bad enough though, you owe it to yourself to try.

***DO NOT HIDE ANYTHING FROM MEPS ***

When you fill out your medical form in your recruiter's office, fill it out carefully and don't hide things. You will hear people say: "I hid this" or "I chose not to tell them about that", DO NOT DO THAT! For one thing, if they find out you were lying, you could face serious consequences. Furthermore, you are starting off your career with lies. In the Air Force, the core values are Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in all we do. Honor those values and tell the truth. I know you want it badly. I truly get that. However, it isn't worth it to risk the consequences.

Navigating the Disqualifications 

If you receive a disqualification, DO NOT PANIC. It happens a lot and in many cases it is possible to get a waiver. Try to stay calm and patient and see what happens. My husband was "permanently disqualified from the Armed Forces" but then he ended up getting a waiver. A waiver is not ever guaranteed and depends greatly on your overall healthy and the specifics of your condition, but don't give up until you've been officially and completely disqualified.

Also, don't ask random forums on the internet. I have seen questions asked where answers I know are wrong are given. The thing is, people mean well and they're telling you how it was for them. They mean well, but the military standards are constantly changing so how it was for them may no longer be the case. Also, it goes without saying, but anyone can hop on the internet and pretend to be qualified but the reality is that you have no idea who people really are. Again, all you can do is try and hope for the best.

Here is a document that will help you navigate some of the DoD criteria for military entrance.

Medical Standards (DoD)

Being Disqualified and Getting a Waiver 

If you get a disqualification, it will likely get sent up to the Surgeon General if your  condition is waiverable. There are some conditions that are not waiverable but many are. I know how hard it is. I'm right there, waiting for my waiver as I type this. It pulls at my heart strings. I REALLY want to serve and my fate is sitting on someone's desk somewhere.

It can take a long time to get a waiver. Be patient. Don't pester your recruiter because he/she cannot expedite the process. Try to stay busy. Study for what you need to know at BMT. Work on fitness. For now, just assume you're going to get in and keep preparing.

If you get that fated letter that says you are disqualified permanently, remember that there are so many other amazing things you can do with your life. I want to tell you right now, Thank YOU for trying. Seriously, I am grateful that you tried, and grateful that you wished to serve. I'm also sorry if you get disqualified. Truly. As I wait for my waiver, my heart is on pins and needles because I want this SO BAD. I know life isn't over if it doesn't come back in my favor, but I will be extremely disappointed.


Here is a photo of my husband swearing in after receiving an initial disqualification. Don't give up hope. I sincerely hope you are able to enlist!!! (He's the one in light gray)

Egg-less Protein Powder Mug Cake

I went to make a mug cake, and SURPRISE! No eggs. Oops. I had already mixed the dry ingredients, so what was a girl to do? Improvise of course!!!

I added half a banana instead of an egg and crossed my fingers, hoping for the best Seriously. I had no idea if this was going to work, but I figured even if it was a ooey gooey mess, I'd still eat it. (P.S. I tasted the "batter" before I microwaved it, and it tasted like brownie batter. So if you want edible brownie batter, just skip the microwave and the baking powder and you're good to go!)

Anyway, here are the ingredients!

• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (I use Beachbody performance) 
• 1 tsp. baking powder 
• pinch of salt 
• 1/2 banana
• 1 tbsp. milk

mix the dry ingredients first and then mash in the banana and milk. Mix well until it has a cake-batter consistency. Microwave in a mug (microwave safe of course) for 1:45 to 2 minutes. Cut around the edges with a butter knife and it should pop right out onto a plate. Top with peanut butter if you want "frosting".

I think I like it better than the version made with egg!!! It turned out so good, I *may* have made another one out of the other half banana. *cough cough*

Enjoy!!!

Clean and Easy Egg "Muffins"

Want a breakfast on the go? Try these Egg Muffins! I make 6 up at the beginning of the week and then I have breakfast on the go for the entire work-week. They are super easy and super versatile! You can add veggies, take out other veggies. You can add cheese. You can add more meat. It's totally up to you.

7 eggs lightly beaten
1 green bell pepper chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 yellow bell pepper chopped
1 cup diced onion
2-3 jalapenos (optional)
2 tsp baking powder
1/8 cup skim milk (or milk sub)
sliced lunchmeat (try to pick "clean" lunch meat, natural, no nitrites or nitrates if possible)
salt and pepper to taste or other salt-free seasonings

I used a pan with large muffin cups rather than standard so I made 6 muffins. First, use an olive oil sprayer if you have one or cooking spray if you don't to lightly grease the pan so the muffins don't stick. Then line them with the lunchmeat, using it like muffin cups. It doesn't have to be perfect at all, just try to line them evenly.

After you have lined them, add the baking powder and skim milk to the egg mixture and mix well. Then add all the veggies. Now spoon carefully into the baking cups and try to make sure there is both enough veggies and enough egg in each cup. Only fill them about 3/4 of the way, otherwise they will spill out as they cook

Bake at 350 for about 30-40 minutes. I'm at a high altitude, so just keep an eye on yours since my cook  time could be slightly different. Once it is "set" (no longer goopy or wet on the top) they are done.

I like serving mine with a little buffalo sauce. YUM!

Enjoy!

Crock Pot Beef Fajitas

I try to eat a lot of lean chicken/turkey but let's face it, sometimes that gets a little boring and ya need some BEEF!!!! This recipe cooks for a long time but it is actually very easy. I adapted this from a recipe I found in a crock pot cookbook. I always tweak things a little to make them fit my family and my cooking style.

You will need: 

• Beef Roast - I used a 3 pound rump roast
• One large onion, cut into half-rings
• 1 to 2 tsp. Mrs. Dash Chipotle seasoning 
• 1 to 2 tsp. Ground cumin
• 1 to 2 tsp. Mexican chile powder
• 1 tsp. salt or less if you like 
• 1 jar of salsa - I used Newman's Own Mild
• 3 bell peppers of different colors
• Tortillas- corn or wheat. To save on carbs, you can also eat these like a naked burrito and not use tortillas at all
• Fajita toppings of choice- low fat sour cream, light shredded cheese, avocado/guacamole, jalapenos, cilantro, etc.

First, cut the onion into slices and then half the rings. Put them in the bottom of the crock pot so that the roast will sit right on top. Add the rub to the roast and set it on top of the onions. Dump the entire jar of salsa on the roast and turn the crock pot to low. Let it cook 8-9 hours.

After the roast is cooked, carefully remove it from the crock put and shred it using forks or slice it into strips. If you can, trim off any visible fat and discard. Also, you may be able to skim fat out of the crock pot itself. The roast I chose was pretty lean, so there wasn't much to trim away or skim.

Add it back to the crock pot with the diced bell peppers.

Let cook on low for 1 more hour or until the peppers are soft. Time to eat!!! Put the beef mixture onto your tortilla with all your fixins' and enjoy!!!!

This is a new favorite in our household. My kids LOVED it!!!! Yay for kid-approved recipes! 

No-nonsense Meal-Planning

The following is what I do. There is no right or wrong answer, as long as you find a system that helps you have healthy food on hand to make fulfilling, healthy meals!

Let's make one thing very clear: I HATE grocery shopping. I get these car-carts that have a steering wheel for each of the kids, and it entertains them for about 15 minutes and after that it's all "Don't touch me.... stop poking me....MOM!!!!!"

However, I do love providing healthy, wholesome meals for myself and for my family. I have a system now that helps me pick great recipes to try and helps me get in and out of the grocery store relatively quickly.

So, first thing's first!

Meal Planning

The very first thing I do is decide how many meals I need to shop for. I make two big shopping trips a month, so I figure out how many meals I need to last until my next trip.  After I know how many meals I need, I start picking recipes. I use pinterest, Beachbody, random searches, facebook, Tasty's Facebook page, etc. and hunt down healthy stuff I'd like to try along with old favorites. I estimate how many meals each of them will provide. Then I make sure I have enough dishes/meals to last until the next time I go shopping.

I don't personally schedule my meals on certain days and I don't prep it all at once on one day. I just know about how many meals I need and I tend to cook whatever is most perishable first. If I bought something that uses a lot of fresh produce, I use that first to avoid the produce going bad before I use it.

I pick meals that are mostly from-scratch and utilize lower-calorie, lean ingredients. I often tweak recipes to be a little healthier. I don't make a lot of carb-heavy foods like pizza, pasta, or "bready" foods. I try to go for things that are full of veggies and lean protein. So when you see those tempting pinterest recipes that utilize packaged dried salad dressing or processed sauces, or tater tots, or casseroles that use pre-made foods in them, I say avoid them!!!!

Making the Shopping List

I first list all the ingredients I need for my meals. Then I add lots of salad stuff since that is almost always what I have for lunch. I add things I need for my kid's lunches (usually simple and something easily repeated... sandwhiches, organic mac and cheese, chicken, taco stuff, etc.) plus healthy kid snacks including lots of fresh fruit, baby carrots, hummus, and anything else that is somewhat healthy that I can think of. My kids are bottomless pits so having lots of healthy snacks on hand is a must! I tend to buy a lot of plain oats and eggs and avoid breakfast cereal. I buy it for my kids to have but I don't eat cereal at all anymore.

I then check the fridge for staples I need more of; eggs, milk, butter, condiments, etc and I add those too. Try to make your list very healthy. I know that seems obvious but think about what you're adding. Are you buying tons of processed coffee creamer? Soda? Chips and salty snacks? Juice? Those are nutritionally worthless. Learn to be mindful of what you're consuming and think of food as fuel.

I make my grocery list in excel. I'm super nerdy like that. I break it down by area of the store, so "Shelf-stable packaged, Other, Produce, Dairy, Frozen, Meat". I shop roughly in that order so that my cold, perishable items are in my cart last and therefore less likely to spoil.

Shopping 

I highly recommend resisting the urge to buy extras. If you buy unhealthy junk, you're much more likely to feel tempted to eat it. If it's readily available and it sounds good, you're going to break. Do yourself a favor and just don't even have it in the house.

Shop the perimeter of the store. Get lots of fresh produce, meats, dairy, etc. and try to shop less in the inner aisles which had more processed foods. When you do shop the inner aisles, try to opt for things that are somewhat healthier. Think whole grain, fewer ingredients, less sodium, less sugar, etc. For instance, think of peanut butter. There are a bazillion different kinds. Look at the label. It should say something like "Peanuts, salt." and that's IT. It shouldn't have hydrogenated oil or sugars added. Peanut butter can and should be very basic. Make the better choice and choose the most basic, less-processed version. It might be slightly more expensive, but it's worth it! You will get used to less sugar and less processed-food. Your body will thank you!

Check these labels out. The first is from JIF peanut butter... you know... "choosy moms choose Jif". Yea, right!

Even things like soy milk, almond milk, etc. are tricky. Opt for "unsweetened". The kind with sugar added can pack a LOT more calories that are totally unnecessary. At first, cutting out most added sugar will be hard. It will taste different. I promise it's worth it though. These hidden sugars are bad news and they really add up! 

Beware of Marketing!!!!! 

Companies want their products to be attractive to you and they will do ANYTHING to make their products look appealing and healthy. Don't fall for it! Labels like "fat free", "low-fat", "Sugar-free", etc. do NOT mean a product is healthy. Also, unless you have specific reasons why to avoid gluten, dairy or meat products, do not assume "gluten free", "vegan" or "vegetarian" mean it is healthier. Often they can contain more calories and fat and are often just as processed as the "regular" kind. 

Get familiar with how to read a nutrition label. How much sugar is in it? How many carbs? Protein? Calories? Fat? What kind of fat? Learn what these things are and how to tell how much you should be eating. Again, be aware of the actual ingredient list. If there are a bunch of things you can't pronounce in it, chances are it isn't good for you. Try checking out My Fitness Pal to track how much you should be consuming of all of those, it's free!!! 

Moral of the story: don't believe the packaging. The proof is in the pudding. Hah, see what I did there? 

Try to make it fun! Experiment with new recipes, explore foods you've never tried. You will be surprised at how delicious and fulfilling healthy food is!!! Happy Shopping!!!!