On March 5, 2025 students had the opportunity to take the ASVAB test here on campus at Kenwood.
The ASVAB is a standardized test on one’s comprehension of science, math, language, and other topics that helps identify which careers may be a fit for them. Students who were interested in taking the test came to the MPR for first through second period.
“The ASVAB is beneficial for everyone, regardless of intent to join the military, as it provides students with an assessment of how they perform in a variety of subjects,” shares Kenwood’s Major Blades.
Although this test is aimed more towards the JROTC students here at Kenwood, many participate who are not in the program. One student who is not in the program shares, “My motive for taking it was CCRD and building my portfolio.”
The students who are part of the CCRD Advanced course had the choice to take the exam for extra credit to learn about their own career path interests. There were other factors that grabbed the attention of participants like guiding them in a specific career path and allowing them to consider the majors they would have to take in order to achieve in a specific field.
Many who took the test for reasons other than joining the military advise other students interested in understanding their career opportunities to do the same and take advantage of the opportunity that it’s provided right here at school.
Although it may seem as though some of the testing sections can come off as common sense, it won’t hurt to deepen your knowledge before taking the test. There are resources available online, like study books on the exam, for purchase. Depending on your goals for taking the test, studying ahead of time may be beneficial.
Though interested in pursuing careers in the military, do have to obtain minimum score criteria. For instance according to the Air Force page, “High school seniors or graduates must achieve a 31 AFQT (overall score) as the minimum qualifying score to join.” In addition to the overall qualifying score, students are scored in four ASVAB categories: mechanical, administrative, general and electronic. “These scores allow us to measure your aptitude and eligibility for Air Force jobs. To qualify for a specific Air Force career, you must achieve the minimum score required for that career in relevant categories.”
Students who are not interested in joining the military and who have not yet taken the test should look into next year’s session. There are many benefits that follow with taking it regardless of what you have planned for the future. “The ASVAB measures strengths and potential for future success. You don’t “pass” or “fail”. The results represent how well you have developed your skills in addition to your potential for training,” states the ASVAB program.
