How to Ace ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension
Mechanical Comprehension is a subtest of the ASVAB that measures your knowledge of mechanical and physical principles, and your ability to solve simple mechanics problems. Your score on the MC portion of the ASVAB will be considered if you apply for mechanical, scientific, or technical jobs in the military.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Learn mechanical terminology. Make flash cards for terms that are used to describe simple machines, motion and force, load and weight, etc. Many ASVAB test takers have a good intuitive and practical understanding of mechanics--yet they score low on the MC section because they don't know much of the vocabulary. This is one of the easiest aspects of the MC subtest, so don't let it become an obstacle.
-
2
Practice doing arithmetic quickly and accurately in your head, or with pencil and paper if necessary. Frequently, ASVAB Mechanical Comprehension problems require that you multiply 2-digit numbers, divide, and work with decimals.
-
-
3
Study the principles of force and motion. Know the difference between concepts such as velocity, momentum, acceleration, force, etc, and how they are all interrelated. Many problems involve springs, and moving objects on surfaces with friction.
-
4
Study up on strength and density of various materials. Understand how weight and load are distributed. For the ASVAB,you should know which materials would sink or float in various liquids such as water, oil, or salt water; you should also know which materials are more buoyant.
-
5
Understand how simple machines work. ASVAB questions frequently feature gears, pulleys, levers, and springs. Complicated problems will have several components. Studying a bike manual is good preparation because a bicycle has many examples of simple machines.
-
6
Take timed ASVAB practice tests so that you can answer all the questions quickly and accurately. Remember, if you don't know the answer, eliminate the choices that you know are wrong, and guess out of the remaining choices. The more you study ASVAB mechanics problems, the more proficient you will become.
-
1
