is act or asvab better for trade school

January 5, 2025

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Introduction

Uncover the advantages of the ACT versus the ASVAB for trade school. Gain clarity on which test aligns best with your educational goals.

You may be wondering which test—the ACT or the ASVAB—is better for your educational objectives if you’re thinking about going to trade school. Both tests serve different goals and target various career routes, even though they are standardized assessments that aid in educational and career preparation. We’ll explain the distinctions between the ACT and ASVAB in this post to assist you in selecting the one that might be best for your trade school experience.

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What is the ACT?

One common standardized test used for college applications is the American College Testing, or ACT. It is intended to assess high school pupils’ general academic aptitude and readiness for coursework at the college level. Students take the ACT in reading, science, math, and English, and there is an optional writing component.

ACT Test Structure

The ACT consists of four mandatory sections:

English (75 questions, 45 minutes)
Math (60 questions, 60 minutes)
Reading (40 questions, 35 minutes)
Science (40 questions, 35 minutes)

Additionally, there is an optional Writing part that assesses writing abilities through a 40-minute essay. Including the optional writing portion, the entire test takes about three hours and thirty-five minutes.

Some trade schools may accept the ACT as part of their application process, even though it is usually used for college admissions. This is especially true if the school offers programs that need a particular degree of academic preparedness.

What is the ASVAB?

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, is a test used to assess a person’s likelihood of succeeding in a variety of occupations, especially in the US military. But its use goes beyond military vocations; trade schools and vocational programs now utilize it to evaluate a person’s aptitude for mechanical and technological fields.

ASVAB Test Structure

The ASVAB consists of nine sections, including:

General Science
Arithmetic Reasoning
Word Knowledge
Paragraph Comprehension
Mathematics Knowledge
Electronics Information
Automotive and Shop Information
Mechanical Comprehension
Assembling Objects

The ASVAB is a thorough exam that evaluates both technical and verbal abilities, which are frequently closely related to programs at trade and vocational schools. Usually lasting two to three hours, it is shorter than the ACT.

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Which Should You Pick for Trade School, ACT or ASVAB?

The ACT and ASVAB have different functions, and how relevant they are to trade school will depend on your objectives.

Relevance to Trade Skills

Because it emphasizes technical abilities, mechanical comprehension, and information that directly pertains to numerous trade disciplines, like engineering, construction, and automotive labor, the ASVAB is frequently more relevant when it comes to trade schools. Contrarily, the ACT places more emphasis on broad academic skills and might not be as closely related to the technical know-how required in a trade school setting.

Focus on Careers vs. College

The ACT is primarily designed to help kids succeed academically in general and in college. Academic requirements are included at many trade schools, but they are usually less stringent than those at universities. The ASVAB might be a more focused choice for assessing your mechanical, technical, and problem-solving abilities if your objective is to enroll in a trade school for a practical, technical career rather than a college degree.

Advantages of ACT Administration for Trade School

In some circumstances, taking the ACT can still be advantageous, even though the ASVAB may seem like the obvious choice for trade school.

Readiness for Academics

The ACT can assist in demonstrating your academic preparedness if you intend to enroll in a trade school program that calls for some foundational academic skills, such as those related to math, science, or written communication. The test aids in proving that you possess the writing and reading abilities needed to complete the assignment successfully.

Other Possibilities

Additionally, taking the ACT might lead to chances for education outside of trade school. In the event that you choose to transfer to a college or institution in the future, your ACT score may work in your favor. The ACT may also be accepted by certain vocational schools in lieu of other prerequisites.

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Advantages of Taking the Trade School ASVAB

For those who want to go to trade school, the ASVAB offers some obvious benefits, especially if technical or vocational programs are of interest.

Put Technical Skills First

Your ability in subjects like electronics, mechanical comprehension, and mathematics—all of which are frequently closely linked to trade and vocational training—is evaluated by the ASVAB. The ASVAB is especially made to assess the abilities that are most crucial for success in the trades, assuming it is your career path.

Military Associations

The ASVAB’s link to military employment is another special advantage. Since the ASVAB is necessary for enlistment, some students may choose to keep the military option open even though this may not be their top priority if they plan to attend trade school. You may also be eligible for military scholarships through the ASVAB, which could assist pay for your trade school tuition.

How to Select Between ASVAB and ACT

Your educational objectives, interests, and career goals will all play a significant role in your decision between the ACT and ASVAB for trade school. The following advice will help you make your choice:

Think About Your Professional Objectives

Consider the kind of trade school program you wish to enroll in as well as your long-term professional objectives. The ASVAB is probably a better choice if the focus of your curriculum is on hands-on, mechanical, or technical abilities. The ACT may be more helpful if you’re thinking about enrolling in a program that calls for greater academic understanding or if you want the possibility to transfer to college in the future.

Consider the Test Content

Think about each test’s content. The ASVAB concentrates on practical skills in fields like electronics and mechanics, whereas the ACT assesses general academic knowledge. The ASVAB is perhaps a better option if your objective is to get ready for a certain trade.

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Conclusion

Ultimately, the ACT and ASVAB are both useful instruments for evaluating students’ academic preparedness and professional prospects. However, because it emphasizes the technical abilities required for success in vocational and trade professions, the ASVAB is a superior choice for the majority of trade school students. Nevertheless, the ACT may still be worthwhile if you’re considering a program with a more robust academic component or if you want more options outside of trade school. Your decision should ultimately be based on your interests and professional path.

FAQs

Does attending a trade school require me to take the ACT or ASVAB?

The ACT and ASVAB are not required by most trade schools, but some may utilize them to assess your skill level or for placement purposes.

Is the ASVAB exclusive to careers in the military?

The ASVAB is frequently utilized by trade schools to evaluate technical skills, even though its primary purpose is military job placement.

Is it possible for me to take the ASVAB and ACT?

Although most students will concentrate on one or the other depending on their objectives, it is possible to take both tests if you wish to consider all of your possibilities.

Which test is more difficult, the ASVAB or the ACT?

The tests’ level of difficulty is determined by your strength areas. The ASVAB is more concerned with technical skills, whereas the ACT is more focused on academics.

Can I utilize my ASVAB score to get into college?

The ASVAB isn’t usually used for college admissions, but if you’re applying for a technical or vocational degree, some colleges might accept it.