Understanding your 31 ASVAB Score is crucial for your military career. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Military Branch Eligibility
- MOS Options
- Improvement Tips
Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to make informed decisions about your future.
- Is 31 a Good ASVAB Score?
- Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) Available with a 31 ASVAB Score
- Understanding the ASVAB Scoring System
- 31 ASVAB Score: Advantages & Disadvantages
- Tips for Scoring Higher Than a 31 ASVAB Score
- Common Questions or Misconceptions about the ASVAB
- ASVAB Scores 1 to 99
- Conclusion and Next Steps for 31 on ASVAB
Is 31 a Good ASVAB Score?
Understanding your 31 ASVAB Score can be both intriguing and perplexing. If you’ve received this score, you might be wondering how it stacks up against other scores, and most importantly, what it means for your military career prospects. So, let’s dive right in.
AFQT and Percentiles
Firstly, it’s important to understand the AFQT (Armed Services Qualification Test) score, which is a percentile score. Your 31 ASVAB score means you’ve performed better than 31% of those who took part in a 1997 Department of Defense study, but also worse than the remaining 69%.
- Above 31%: Your score is better than 31% of test-takers in the reference group.
- Below 69%: Conversely, 69% of the test-takers performed better.
Military Branch Eligibility
Eligibility for military branches is one of the most immediate concerns with your 31 ASVAB score. Here’s how your score measures up:
- Army: Eligible
- Marines: Not Eligible (Minimum 32)
- Navy: Not Eligible (Minimum 35)
- Air Force: Not Eligible (Minimum 36)
- Coast Guard: Not Eligible (Minimum 40)
The Army is the only branch where a 31 is sufficient for entry, but even then, your MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) options may be limited.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages
- Eligibility for Army: You meet the bare minimum for Army enlistment.
- Starting Point: A score of 31 is not the end but rather a starting point for improvement.
Disadvantages
- Limited Options: With a 31, your MOS choices are relatively limited.
- Not Competitive: Compared to higher scores, a 31 does not make you a highly competitive candidate for most military roles.
Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) Available with a 31 ASVAB Score
After deciphering the meaning of a 31 ASVAB Score, the next logical question is: “What military jobs can this score get me?” Since the Army is the only branch that accepts a 31, our focus will be on the roles you can aspire to within the U.S. Army.
Army MOS Options
While you may be eligible to enlist in the Army with a score of 31, it’s essential to understand that this score may limit your MOS options. In the Army, certain specialized roles require higher ASVAB scores. However, there are still some roles available for those scoring a 31:
- Infantry Roles: Typically, these roles have lower ASVAB requirements.
- Logistical Support: These roles may include supply and inventory tasks.
- Field Operations: Involved in setting up and maintaining camps or bases.
Advantages and Limitations in the Army
Advantages
- Entry Level: A score of 31 is good enough for basic entry into the Army.
- Room for Growth: Although starting with lower-tier jobs, you can potentially move up by excelling in other areas.
Limitations
- Limited Specializations: Highly specialized and technical roles will likely be off-limits.
- Career Progression: You may face hurdles in career advancement if you don’t improve your ASVAB score.
Next Steps: Aim for Improvement
If you’re setting your sights on a specialized or more desirable MOS, consider:
- Retaking the ASVAB: With study and preparation, a better score is entirely achievable.
- Utilizing Army Education Programs: Some programs can help you improve your scores while enlisted.
Understanding the ASVAB Scoring System
The ASVAB, or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is not just a test but a complex scoring system that military branches use to evaluate new recruits. If you’ve got a 31 ASVAB Score, understanding this system is vital for interpreting your results accurately and planning your next steps.
How ASVAB Scores Translate into AFQT Scores
The ASVAB consists of several subtests, but what matters most for enlistment is the AFQT score, which stands for Armed Services Qualification Test. The AFQT score is a percentile-based system that reflects how you performed compared to a reference group.
- Percentile Scoring: Your score reflects how you did compared to a standard group—in this case, 12,000 test-takers in a 1997 study.
- Score Categories: The Department of Defense has divided scores into categories, from Category I to V, with each having a specific percentile range.
ASVAB vs AFQT: What’s the Difference?
While ASVAB scores and AFQT scores are interconnected, they are not the same.
- ASVAB Scores: These measure your aptitude in various subjects and are used for assigning Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).
- AFQT Scores: These are percentile scores used mainly for determining enlistment eligibility.
Importance of AFQT Categories
The AFQT categories determine how competitive you are as a military candidate.
- Category IIIB: A 31 score falls into this category, ranging from 31-49 percentile.
- Higher Categories: Scoring in Category I or II would make you a more competitive candidate for various roles and military branches.
Interpreting Your 31 Score
In essence, a 31 ASVAB score, which translates to an AFQT score in Category IIIB, grants you limited options:
- Army Eligibility: You meet the bare minimum to enlist in the Army.
- Limited MOS Choices: Your career options within the Army will be somewhat restricted.
31 ASVAB Score: Advantages & Disadvantages
When you get a 31 ASVAB Score, you’ll find that it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s a score that can be a double-edged sword, serving both as a minimal entry point into the military and a limitation on your career options.
Advantages of a 31 ASVAB Score
Army Enlistment
- Foot in the Door: A score of 31 is the minimum required for Army enlistment, allowing you to start your military career.
Room for Improvement
- Upward Mobility: Once enlisted, you can avail yourself of Army education and training programs to improve your ASVAB score and, consequently, your MOS options.
Disadvantages of a 31 ASVAB Score
Limited Branch Options
- Single Branch Eligibility: A 31 limits you to the Army, closing doors to the Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
Limited Career Progression
- MOS Limitations: Your Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) options are restricted, which means you’ll have fewer paths for career advancement.
How to Turn Disadvantages into Opportunities
- Retaking the Test: Many candidates opt to retake the ASVAB to improve their scores and open up more opportunities.
- Army Training Programs: The Army offers various programs to improve both your skills and your ASVAB score.
Tips for Scoring Higher Than a 31 ASVAB Score
If you’ve scored a 31 on the ASVAB, you might be wondering how you can improve that number. Fortunately, there are multiple paths to boosting your score, thereby expanding your military career options.
Studying for the ASVAB
First and foremost, effective study techniques can make a significant difference.
- Study Guides: Comprehensive ASVAB study guides break down each subject you’ll be tested on.
- Practice Tests: These can be invaluable for understanding the test format and identifying your weak areas.
Time Management
- Study Calendar: Implement a study schedule that allows you to revisit topics systematically.
- Breaks: Periodic breaks can enhance focus and retention.
Expert Help and Online Resources
Hiring a Tutor
- Personalized Attention: A tutor can address your specific weaknesses and offer one-on-one guidance.
Utilizing Online Platforms
- Online Courses: These offer structured lessons and practice tests.
- Forums and Groups: Social media groups and forums can provide tips and moral support from others who are also preparing for the ASVAB.
In-Army Options for Improvement
If you’ve already enlisted with a 31 ASVAB score, you still have opportunities for improvement within the Army:
- Army Education Programs: Programs like the Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST) can help improve your ASVAB scores.
- Re-Testing: The Army does allow for re-testing under specific circumstances.
Setting Realistic Goals
While it’s great to aim high, it’s equally important to set achievable milestones:
- Incremental Targets: Aim for a modest improvement initially—perhaps aiming for a score in the upper 30s or low 40s before targeting higher scores.
Common Questions or Misconceptions about the ASVAB
When it comes to the ASVAB, there’s a lot of information floating around, some of which might be confusing or misleading. Especially if you’ve scored a 31 ASVAB Score, you may have several questions and concerns. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions and answer frequent queries.
Is a 31 ASVAB Score “Bad”?
- Subjective Term: Labeling a score as “bad” is misleading. While a 31 is on the lower end, it does qualify you for enlistment in the Army.
- Starting Point: Think of a 31 as a launching pad for improvement, rather than a final verdict on your abilities.
Can I Retake the ASVAB to Improve My Score?
- Yes, You Can: Many people retake the ASVAB, and it’s an excellent way to improve your military career prospects.
- Retest Policies: Each branch has its retest policy, so be sure to check the specifics.
Misconception: ASVAB Scores Limit You Forever
- Score Evolution: Your initial ASVAB score is not set in stone. Various programs within the military can help you improve it.
- Career Growth: Scoring higher in a subsequent ASVAB test can unlock more specialized and lucrative roles.
How is the ASVAB Score Used?
- AFQT & MOS: People often confuse the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score with the ASVAB score. While the AFQT score, derived from certain sections of the ASVAB, determines eligibility for enlistment, the full ASVAB score informs your Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) options.
Is 31 a “Failing” Score?
- No, It’s Not: A 31 is not a failing grade; it simply places you in a specific category of eligibility.
What Jobs Are Available with a 31?
- Limited but Present: Though limited, opportunities do exist within the Army for those with a 31 score.
ASVAB Scores 1 to 99
Conclusion and Next Steps for 31 on ASVAB
So you’ve got a 31 ASVAB Score—what’s next? While it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions about this score, it’s crucial to turn those feelings into action steps. From here, you have various paths to walk, each with its own set of opportunities and challenges.
Path 1: Enlist in the Army
- Basic Training: Your score of 31 qualifies you for enlistment in the Army, where you can begin your military career.
- Career Development: Utilize Army resources like training programs to enhance your skillset and potentially improve your ASVAB score for better job options.
Path 2: Retake the ASVAB
- Study Plan: Consider a detailed study schedule, possibly with expert help, to tackle your weak points.
- Target Score: Aim for a specific, realistic higher score to widen your branch and job options.
Path 3: Consider Other Career Paths
- Civilian Roles: While the military is a noble path, it’s not the only one. Evaluate other career paths that might align with your skills and interests.
- Higher Education: Going back to school is always an option, and it could open different opportunities both inside and outside the military.
So, What Should You Do?
- Consult with a Recruiter: They can provide specific advice tailored to your personal circumstances.
- Talk to Current or Former Service Members: Gain insights from those who’ve been in your shoes.
- Self-Assessment: Take a step back to assess what you truly want from your career, whether it’s in the Army or elsewhere.
In summary, a 31 ASVAB Score is not an end but a beginning. Whether you choose to enlist now, aim for a higher score, or even take a different career path, your initial score is just a starting point. Armed with information and determination, you can make the most out of whatever path you choose. Your journey is far from over; in fact, it’s just getting started.