The Haines School. (Emily Files)
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test or ASVAB is a multiple choice test that is used by every branch of the military to vet enlisted applicants. Over 40 million people have taken the test since it was developed in 1968. Seven Haines High School students took the test this Tuesday.
A group of Haines High School juniors took the three hour aptitude test known as the ASVAB. They’re among one million annual test takers. What distinguishes the ASVAB from almost every other test they’ll take this school year is that they chose to take it. Usually the test is given by administrators from the federal government, but it’s expensive to bring test proctors from Anchorage.
“There was that moment when I thought, ‘Oh no, we’re not going to be able to offer this test. We can’t bring ’em down here due to funding,'” said Kimberly Sundberg, the dean of students and district test coordinator at the Haines School. She says one student really wanted to take the test, so she reached out to the testing office. After some calls and paperwork, she got clearance to administer the test herself.
“So that was the exciting moment I knew I could tell the student who was really interested in getting this test here: ‘Yep, it’s a go, let’s do it,'” she says.
According to the district office, it’s been at least five years since they last offered the test. But for students interested in military careers it could be the most important test they take. The ASVAB is used by every branch of the military to vet enlisted applicants and used by some branches to vet officer applicants.
The ASVAB is a multi-section test that has the basics like reading comprehension and math, but includes some extras like electronics, auto, and mechanical comprehension. Sundberg says the school exposes students to those subjects, too. The school would not allow students to speak about their experience, but Sundberg characterized it as a positive one.
“There was some pride in that room today walking out…I’m grateful to our staff that even here at this school our kids have the opportunity to get into all these classes so they can do well on this test. And that made me feel pretty proud too,” said Sundberg.
The test is more than just a placement tool for the military. Some students use the results to identify their strengths and discover potential career options. Sundberg says a mix of students considering the military and students looking for broader career insight signed up. According to the district office, one Haines High School student entered the military after graduation last year.
