ASVAB Scores Needed for the Naval Academy?

I'm exploring options like the Naval Academy and heard the ASVAB is important. What scores do I need to be considered competitive? Any tips on preparing for it while still in high school?

While it's true that the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) plays an essential role in most military careers, particular branches such as the U.S. Naval Academy don't necessarily require it for admissions. Instead, they focus more on metrics such as high school grades, standardized test scores (SAT or ACT), extracurricular activities, leadership roles, athletic achievements, and personal interviews.

Following the recent changes announced (2024-2025 application cycle), standardized testing has been reintroduced as a requirement for the Naval Academy. You will need to submit SAT or ACT scores, and aiming for the top quartile range of accepted students would be considered competitive. Historically, accepted students usually have SAT scores above 1250 and ACT scores above 28.

However, if you're interested in pursuing a career in the military post-high school graduation and wish to take the ASVAB to keep your options open, there are several resources available. Some high schools provide study guides or host ASVAB prep courses. You can also look for study guides in bookshops or libraries and online resources that offer practice tests. Consistent practice, particularly in weaker areas, could help you improve your scores.

Finally, even though it isn't required for the Academy, preparing for the ASVAB can still provide valuable insight into your strengths and weaknesses and can guide you in choosing a suitable career path within the military. It covers areas like arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, and mathematics, all of them being important skill sets for a range of vocations in the armed services.

Do keep in mind to also focus on maintaining strong grades in high school, particularly in core subjects like math, science, English, and foreign language as they are a significant part of the Naval Academy's evaluation process. Good luck with your preparations!