General Science (GS)
General Science is an ASVAB subtest that covers life science, physical science, and earth/space science. It tests fundamental scientific knowledge including biology, chemistry, physics, ecology, geology, meteorology, and astronomy.
Exam Tip
GS covers life science, physical science, and earth science at a high-school level. NOT part of AFQT but used in EL, GM, and ST line scores. Broad knowledge is more important than deep expertise in any one area.
What is the General Science Subtest?
General Science (GS) is an ASVAB subtest that measures your knowledge of fundamental scientific concepts across multiple disciplines. While it does not factor into the AFQT, it is used in several important line score calculations.
Subtest Details
| Feature | CAT without tryouts | Paper enlistment |
|---|---|---|
| Questions | 15 | 25 |
| Time | 12 minutes | 11 minutes |
| Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice |
Topics Covered
| Category | Topics |
|---|---|
| Life Science | Cell biology, genetics, human body systems, ecology, classification |
| Physical Science | States of matter, chemical reactions, elements, compounds, energy |
| Physics | Force, motion, gravity, waves, light, sound |
| Earth Science | Rocks, minerals, plate tectonics, weathering, erosion |
| Space Science | Solar system, stars, galaxies, seasons |
| Meteorology | Weather patterns, atmosphere, climate |
| Ecology | Food chains, ecosystems, biomes |
GS in Line Scores
| Composite Score | Uses GS? |
|---|---|
| EL (Electronics) | Yes |
| GM (General Maintenance) | Yes |
| ST (Skilled Technical) | Yes |
| AFQT | No |
Study Tips
- Focus on high-school level biology, chemistry, and physics
- Learn the scientific method and basic lab procedures
- Study the periodic table basics (element groups, properties)
- Review human body systems (circulatory, respiratory, digestive)
- Understand basic ecology concepts (food chains, energy flow)
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Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude test administered by the U.S. Department of Defense to determine qualification for military enlistment and job placement across all branches. The computer-adaptive enlistment form has 10 subtests in verbal, math, science and technical, and spatial domains.
Line Scores (ASVAB)
Line scores, also called composite scores, combine ASVAB subtest scores for military job classification. Each service sets its own combinations and job requirements.
Electronics Information (EI)
Electronics Information is an ASVAB subtest that tests knowledge of electrical and electronic concepts, including circuits, current, voltage, resistance, and basic electronic components and systems.
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