When it comes to studying, our brains can hold a lot of information. Way more than anyone has even discovered. It’s not how much we can learn, then it’s how we retain the information we need and recall it when we need it. This is the key for success when you’re writing an exam, be it the SATs or an ASVAB test for the Navy. To help you get the most out of your study sessions, try out these seven study tips, which are sure to help you learn what you need, and recall it come test time.
1. Get a Practice Exam
The first thing you’ll need to do is see where you stand when it comes to your ASVAB. There are numerous practice tests and programs available, including the ASVAB practice 
test for the Navy that you require. Get your hands on one of these, take it, and see how you did. From there, you’ll know the areas where you need to do better, and the areas where you won’t need to study as much.
2. Take a Prep Course
If you find that you need some help in a lot of areas, you should probably take an online course and study guide, as well as other materials that you’ll need to not only pass, but also to excel during your exam.
3. Understand How Questions are Asked
The ASVAB asks questions in very specific ways. Some are designed to lead you astray while others expect you to work through multiple small problems to come to the right solution. Take the following question:
A 120 V light bulb is rated for 40 watts. What is the light bulb’s current rating?
This question requires you to know a couple of key pieces of information. First off, you need to know the formula P = IV. You then need to know how to manipulate mathematical formulas, in this case the formula needs to be changed to I = P/V. From there, we can replace I with 40 watts and the V with 120 volts. 40 divided by 120 is 1/3, and thus the answer is 1/3 amp. By knowing how these questions work, you can start to see the logic required, which can lead to better test scores and quicker responses.
4. Make a Study Space
It’s important to create a distraction-free environment in your home, one that you can use to study or take ASVAB practice test without interruption. Be sure it’s far away from any distracting screens and sounds, especially televisions, and be sure to have all your study materials on-hand for when you need them. Having a dedicated space means you’ll be able to study more efficiently.
5. Move Around
Once you have your study space all ready and have used it a few times, you need to set up shop elsewhere. Head to a local coffee shop, a library, or another space that you can study in. By moving around, your brain will make connections to the material you’re studying in different environments, which can help you recall the info you need when you’re in the exam room.
6. Switch Topics
Studying one subject over and over, or for long periods of time, can actually be detrimental to your learning. Our brains were designed to handle more than just one thing, so excite it with something new. Alternate through the different sections of the exam to keep things fresh, and to keep you interested.
7. Write it Out
Don’t type; grab a pen and actually write out the information you’re learning. Not only does this give your brain a tactile experience to help it retain the information, you’ll now have important material conveyed in a way that you’ll understand. This can help you recall the information when you’re physically writing the exam and help you achieve a better score.
8. Get Some Sleep
You don’t study well when you’re sleepy, this is a scientific fact. When the brain wants nothing more than to fall asleep, its ability to learn new information pretty much disappears. So while you may feel like you’re accomplishing something by staying up all night studying, you’re actually hurting your chances at a better ASVAB score (http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-get-the-best-asvab-scores.htm).
If you want to do well on your ASVAB, you better use every tool you have at your disposal, including the right study guide and practice tests. By giving yourself the right amount of time and materials, you could score higher and get started on the Navy career you’ve always wanted.
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