Linguistics and SF

Griv · 05-26-2005, 16:07

I recently took the DLAB at MEPS and scored an 83. I know this is not a good enough score to qualify for any languages at the DLI(?) so will I have to retake the test later in training? I know I can do 10x better on it if I retested and I want to learn a language. My recruiter and others are saying that you do not take the DLAB to pass or fail if you are 18X...a bit confusing!

**Razor** · 05-26-2005, 17:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griv

I recently took the DLAB at MEPS and scored an 83...I know I can do 10x better on it if I retested and I want to learn a language.

Wow, an 830 on the DLAB would be a truly impressive score! You might be offered Klingon with that kind of performance; good luck!

Psywar1-0 · 05-26-2005, 17:34

I understand that the DLAB is required, and I also know that I sucked at the DLAB having never taken it till I already had a DLPT score in 2 languages. If its going to hold you up, and you have had any language training in High School then I would try and take the DLPT in that language. Just to have something on paper other than a low score on the DLAB.

Achilles · 05-26-2005, 18:51

From what I head prior to enlisting... Taking the DLAB is required, but there is no minimum score for 18X entry...

I got a 121 or 124 (not sure) and I thought it was crap because my buddy got 138(bastard) and I didn't have anyone else to compare myself with. To me, it seemed more like an analytical IQ test than anything else. There's probably a good chance you could learn languages faster than I could. If you're already bilingual, then follow the route psywar suggested... If not, don't worry about it. Just give it 100% and see what happens. What we lack in aptitude we can make up for in effort.

Good luck!!

Griv · 05-26-2005, 20:35

thx for the laugh razor - iv had experience with French and Spanish but only on beginner level early in Highschool. I still understand the structure of them but can remember nada as far as holding a conversation. Guess they will make sure i get what i need to get done.

D9 (RIP) · 06-01-2005, 13:20

A guy in my Arabic class got an 85 on the DLAB and he's doing just fine. Don't let a low score discourage you too much.

Daver · 02-11-2006, 20:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Griv

I recently took the DLAB at MEPS and scored an 83. I know this is not a good enough score to qualify for any languages at the DLI(?) so will I have to retake the test later in training? I know I can do 10x better on it if I retested and I want to learn a language. My recruiter and others are saying that you do not take the DLAB to pass or fail if you are 18X...a bit confusing!

Baby steps first! One day at a time! From what I can tell, you haven't even started Basic training? Am I correct? If so, worry about that first, then Airborne School, then SOPC, then SFAS, and then you can start worrying about your DLAB. If you're that concerned, ask the recruiter to show you "IN WRITING" where it says this score is "REQUIRED/NOT REQUIRED" to get an 18X contract. You will learn the meaning of "IN WRITING" soon enough.

Griv · 02-28-2006, 15:56

Im surprised this topic is still alive! Well I have been taking baby steps Daver and now im currently waiting for PLDC/BNCOC out at lovely Camp Mckall! Got selected with class 003-06 and i now know that they dont count the DLAB for nothing! I have to learn Korean! Haha. Im looking forward to my next step. As far as the DLAB - I did have to retake it again out at SFAS. I heard the reason was because i was under the 85 score limit. But others said they still scored under 85 and still have a language so big question mark for this topic.

Stiletto11 · 02-28-2006, 16:08

Daver

I responded to your PM, just wanted to make sure you got it. One shot at a time.