How to Get your GED

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If you’re among the 34 to 38 million adults in the US who never graduated from high school, then you’ve probably considered getting your GED, the adult learner’s alternative to a high school diploma. The GED is worth considering -- and worth getting.

The GED, or General Education Development credential, is awarded to people who pass an exam that measures basic skills, knowledge and the ability to apply skills and knowledge. The GED test is actually a five-part series, covering math, science, social studies, reading and writing. Even though some companies promote it, the actual GED test is not given online. It’s monitored by a federal agency, the American Council on Education (ACE), which has official testing
sites across the US and Canada.

The test isn’t too difficult if you study for it. But it may take some time and preparation since you’ll want to re-learn material you haven’t seen since high school. You may want to take some GED practice tests to find out what you need to study, or enroll in classes or a study program to help you accomplish your educational goal.

Why should you bother with the GED test?

Just consider the following facts and research that demonstrate the benefits of a GED credential:

1. A GED will help you get a job, and even keep it. Employers would rather hire someone who has the basic skills to pass the GED test than someone who does not. Completing the GED means that the graduate has the fortitude to successfully finish a seven and one-half hour exam. This GED is not a small thing.

2. You can expect to earn more money in your lifetime with a GED. Research shows that people with a GED make an average of $385,000 more in their lifetime than people who don’t have a GED or high school diploma.

3. Passing the GED test will make you more valuable to your employer because you've gained or proven basic writing, math and thinking skills. You’ll probably find it’s easier to get a work promotion once you have your GED.

4. Having the GED opens up a lot of doors for advanced training. Most specialized training programs require either a high school diploma or a GED. And with a GED, you’ll be eligible for most workplace or on-the-job training programs, along with higher educational opportunities.

5. The GED credential is a viable ‘diploma.’ It enables access to work choice, advanced workplace training, as well as access to higher educational opportunities. The GED is considered -- and accepted -- as an equivalent to a high school diploma by approximately 97% of colleges and universities in the U.S., and 95% of employers.

6. You’ll probably feel better about yourself with a GED because you’ve accomplished something that only 60% of high school graduates can do.

7. Consider the impact on your family. Your family benefits because a GED is a way to increase financial security. Research also shows that once parents get a GED, they’re more likely to encourage their children to seek educational opportunities and complete educational milestones.

What to expect on the GED test.

Before committing to a GED program, most students and adult learners want to know what to expect on the GED test, and whether the test is harder than the tests and exams they took in high school.

There’s no question about it -- the GED test is hard. But according to graduates of the PassGED program, the test isn’t as hard as high school exams since classes focus on essential skills and relevant information. The emphasis of the GED tests is not on memorization, but on thinking skills and the application of practical knowledge.

So what’s the difference? Just consider how standard high school classes and courses work. Over weeks and months, a student covers lots of information and in most cases, must commit most of that information to memory. While quizzes and tests create a grade, and indicate how well a student is progressing through the material, the real test -- or most important grade -- results from mid-term and final exams. Students who have a tough time with memorization may not test or score well, especially if several weeks or months have passed since the information was covered.

And many students find it hard –- or even tedious -- to learn and remember information that doesn’t seem important or practical to their lives. For example, a history or social studies test may require that the student remember the date the Declaration of Independence was signed. The correct answer may not seem very relevant to everyday life, but could make the difference between a passing and failing grade.

The General Education Development test measures knowledge differently, and focuses on application skills. Like high school, it requires knowledge of social studies, science, basic algebra and geometry, reading and writing. But it’s not memory of knowledge that the test measures. It’s the use and application of it.

For some people – especially those who have relied on memorization skills in their education, GED testing can seem more difficult than high school.

Generally, it’s easier to just memorize information than to know how to use it. For people who haven’t had much experience in making inferences, analyzing data, and making judgments, the GED test can seem difficult. But these skills are skills used everyday -- balancing a checkbook, following a recipe ... perhaps developing or following a new way of doing things at work. The thinking skills used for these everyday life events are the same ones required to earn the GED
credential.

While most people already have these skills and use them daily, it's important to sharpen them for the test. And some skills may need to be learned, or relearned. By following these four easy steps, a GED candidate can easily gain skills, reduce test difficulty and increase test scores.

1. Understand the Test: Get acquainted with the GED test structure become more familiar with how test passages and questions are presented and the best way to find the right answer among five multiple-choice options. You’ll also want to review the essay section of the writing test, since your original essay is a major portion of the Language Arts - Writing Test score.

2. Practice First: Take some GED practice tests to gain knowledge of the test and to determine skill weaknesses and strengths. Pre-tests or practice tests can also help you plan a study guide and determine how much time and effort you’ll need to prepare for the GED.

3. Prepare: Enroll in a GED class, a GED study program, basic skills or GED test prep program. Most communities offer free or low-cost programs and classes through local community colleges, universities or high schools. Or you may opt for an online GED program, especially if your schedule, job or family obligations, or even finances make classes difficult. If you’re looking for an online GED program, you’ll want to shop, compare and read the fine print -- lots of online companies offer fake diplomas or promise results that they can’t deliver.

4. Get Support: Find a community-based or workplace support group or study group that shares your goals, or an online learning community of GED students and instructors. You’ll get test advice, test-taking tips and learn about resources you’ll likely need. But most importantly, a support group or learning community will offer encouragement from people who want you to achieve your educational and career goals.

What’s on the GED test?

The GED is a set of five tests, which measures knowledge of math, science, social studies, reading and writing. For the science, social studies and reading tests, you need to be able to read a short passage, and then answer some questions that show you understand the information that’s given. These tests mostly measure your ability to make evaluations and inferences in the material.

The math test requires knowledge of basic number operations, very basic geometry and algebra and some data analysis. You’ll also want to know how to use a calculator, since part of the test allows you to use one.

The writing test has two parts. The first is a multiple-choice test about the mechanics of English usage and the second is a 45-minute essay.

What’s a passing score on the GED test?

That’s the big question, right? The standard scores for the GED tests range from a minimum of 200 to a maximum of 800 on each test. To pass, you must score about 60% on each test, which translates to a score of at least 410 on each GED test to pass it, and an overall average score of 450 for the five-test battery. This means that your score for any individual GED test cannot be below 410, but if you get some that low, you need other GED tests to be well above 410 so that the scores for all five GED tests average out to at least 450. Here’s a simple way to think about this: if you’re taking a test with 10 questions, you’ll need to get at least six answers correct to pass.

Each question on the GED test equals one point. You can miss one out of three questions, and still pass the GED.

What’s the pass/fail rate?

On average, two out of three people who take the GED Tests pass. The better prepared you are for the GED test, the greater your chances of doing well.

Why do some people pass easily, and other people fail?

Some people seem to pass the GED test the first time they take it, without studying. It’s likely that they are good test-takers, and they can remember lots of knowledge from high school. But since one out of three people don’t pass, this is the exception to the rule. To pass the first time, most people really need to spend some time getting ready for the test.

How do I increase my chances of passing?

The best advice is to study as much as possible for the GED test. The biggest reason people don’t pass it the first time is that they don’t prepare well enough. What this means is that you’ll probably need to spend time relearning some of the skills and knowledge you’ve forgotten since high school. But don’t panic. If you do a little studying in the right areas, you can pass it. It’s also a good idea to get familiar with the test, so you know what to expect and to increase your test-taking skills. Taking some GED practice tests is a good idea. It will show you how the test works, give you an idea of a score and help you identify areas where you most need to study.

What’s the best way to study?

Taking some classes is a good idea. Most communities have classes through their local high schools, community colleges or universities. But often it’s hard to fit them into your schedule with your job and family obligations. And lots of my students have problems with childcare and transportation. If going to a class is a problem, you can find some GED study at home programs and online GED classes that allow you to work at your own pace, on your own schedule. Just make sure it’s the real thing – lots of companies are out there that promise bogus diplomas.

You can also get preparation books, study guides and GED practice tests, which will help you get ready for the GED test.

Where do I take the GED test?

The GED tests are given at official test centers in all major cities across the U.S. and Canada. Even though some companies claim you can get your GED online, you can’t. The GED is not given online, only at official test centers. International testing is also available.

What is the Eligibility and Requirements for the GED?

For today’s 34 to 38 million adults in the US who didn’t graduate from high school, the GED credential is the best available ‘diploma’ to demonstrate skills and proficiency levels that are necessary to progress in education or career.

Developed in 1942, the first GED Tests were designed to help military veterans finish their basic education. Military service members are still eligible for the General Education Development test. However, the GED credential is awarded to others who can pass the full test series that measures academic knowledge and proficiency in science, social studies, math, reading and writing.

Who’s eligible to take the GED test?

• You aren’t currently enrolled in high school




• You haven’t graduated from high school




• You are at least 16 years old or older and




• You meet state, provincial, or territorial requirements regarding age,
  residency, and the length of time since leaving school.

What other circumstances apply to GED test candidates?

• Some candidates elect to take the test when they have a high school
  diploma from an unaccredited high school or they’ve been home-schooled.




• Candidates who graduated from a non-US high school are eligible to take
  the GED test if they meet all other state and federal requirements.




• US citizenship is not a requirement to take the GED test.

Is the GED test given online?

No, the GED is not available online. The GED is administered by the American Council of Education, which oversees and monitors GED testing regulations and the tests. Official GED tests are ONLY given at designated test centers throughout the U.S., U.S. Territories and Canada.

What makes a GED credential equivalent to a high school diploma?

The GED test is a rigorous 7.5-hour exam, equal to or exceeding high school proficiency. Tests are standardized and normed using a national random sample of graduating high school seniors. To pass the GED tests, a candidate must demonstrate a level of skill that meets or exceeds that demonstrated by 60% of graduating high school seniors. This means that 40% of graduating high school seniors wouldn’t pass the GED tests.

Approximately 97 percent of colleges and universities in the U.S., and 95 percent of employers accept the GED credential.

What are some GED Study Tips and Strategies?

Getting ready for the GED? Whether you're attending local classes, taking an online GED course or managing a self-study program at home, you'll want to ensure that your study time is effective.

Make a Note! Here's one surefire study tip that has proven successful for adults working toward the General Education Development credential, the 'diploma' awarded for passing the GED Test.

Take Notes

For many GED students and adult learners, taking notes seems boring or tedious, or they can't see the relevance of taking notes. Perhaps they have an abundance of GED study materials and don't feel a need to add more to the pile. And for some GED students, taking notes is new –- they're reluctant because they've never done it, or never learned the skill.

Taking notes is easy -- it's highly effective and ensures learning when it’s a three-part process. And taking notes is a critical way to shift new information that’s learned from the brain's short-term memory bank to the brain’s knowledge vault.

1. Initially, many people feel like they're copying or jotting material just for the sake of it. It's difficult for them to see how taking notes helps them learn. And it may seem like a mindless activity. Still, it's important –- just write down information as you move through material on your own, or during GED classes. The act of taking notes engages you with the study material beyond just hearing information, reading or seeing it.

Just as note-taking improves with practice, so does learning. As notes are taken more frequently and regularly, students begin to recognize key information and main points more easily and more often. Note-taking becomes more logical since the act of taking notes engages the logical processing of the brain. When the logical brain becomes engaged, the learning process is activated and information is better retained.

2. The second part of taking notes is organizing them do it soon after taking them. How do you organize notes? Put them in logical order –- or an order that makes the most sense to you. Highlight, circle or underline important information. As notes are reviewed and organized, the information from the notes is refreshed in the mind and organized mentally. Again, the logical brain is engaged.

3. You reinforce this part of the learning process by processing your notes again. Fill in any missing information. Make a list of the key words from your notes. List any problems you're having with the material, or identify sections in your notes where the material seems unclear. Make an outline of the information so that you see the relationship of ideas and facts to each other. Make another list or outline that includes all the information you feel you've really learned. Determine how you can use this new knowledge in real-life situations. Now, review sections or the list that identified unclear information and you'll probably discover that it's clearer.

Taking notes is neither an art nor a science. But the learning process is both. Learning isn't really about remembering, and knowledge isn't about memorization. Real learning and real knowledge are about activating, using and engaging higher brain processes, which is exactly what happens during the three-step process of taking notes.

At GED test time, taking notes will prove to be an excellent skill to have learned. Processing information logically, and identifying key words and main ideas are major parts of the GED test. So taking notes is an important skill and practice for study time and test time.

Other Tips, Strategies, and GED Information

Most GED students are busy adults. Whether they're enrolled in a local GED prep class, or managing a self-guided study program, limited time means study time should be as effective as possible.

What makes a study program effective? Successful study is about learning, and the learning process is critical for any student -- whether it's mastering skills for the GED or the skills for a masters degree.

Once students understand how to activate the learning process and understand the learning process itself, it's easier to learn. Learning is about retaining knowledge and owning it -- not about memorization. And this is what the GED really measures -– using knowledge that you own.

Learning is an Active Process

For most people, learning doesn't magically occur by reading or reviewing, or by listening to a lecture. Learning is an active process, and to learn, students need to be involved or engaged with the information. Consider this student's story, from Curtis, a PassGED graduate:

" I failed the GED math test two times. I had passed all the other tests, but it seemed like every time I saw those numbers, it was like a foreign language. It didn't matter how much I studied. I still didn't have a clue. I thought I'd never learn how to do the math.

" Then I took a math course. I learned that lots of the math on the test, well, I already knew it. Like I could do math in my head and I was good at figuring out money, quick like, in my mind. Once I figured out how to work the numbers on the test the same way I saw them in my mind, it was easy to learn what I needed to know to pass the math test."

For Curtis, once learning became an active process, his learning was activated. He discovered a way to be involved and engaged with mathematical information, so he was able to retain the information and knowledge he needed for the test.

Real Learning Requires Relevant Information

Curtis's story demonstrates another learning principle. Real learning requires relevant information. Just consider how many people claim to be poor math learners, yet these same people are wizards with personal finances, estimating, or they can solve workplace problems using analytical ability. When information is relevant, it's meaningful and much easier to master since it makes a difference to life.

So a good GED study plan requires relevant information. Even when the material doesn't seem very relevant, students can make it meaningful by thinking of ways the information or knowledge might apply to their own life. Once information is interesting or important, it quickly becomes real knowledge, knowledge that's used.

Learning is a Style

Learning is a style, and there are plenty of learning styles. The learning process is more easily activated when information is presented in a way that parallels an individual's learning style.

Some people learn best by hearing. Some by seeing, or by hands-on application. And some people learn through combined styles. Some students can immediately see the logic of how material fits together -– or the whole picture, while others more clearly see the details of the different pieces.

Just consider how some math students are very good with equations, but have a tough time with word problems. Then other students master word problems easily but find equations difficult and mind-boggling. Both types of students use different learning styles to approach math.

So it's important for students to identify their own learning style. Do you enjoy lectures? And listening to information? Or do words always seem to create images and pictures in your mind? Or, do you know that you learn best with your hands? Or through movement? By reading?

Once you understand your learning style, you can use it to your advantage. When studying, convert the material to the learning style that makes you comfortable -– especially if the material seems confusing, meaningless, tedious, boring or difficult. Translate test problems, knowledge and concepts into pictures, story form or even create dances, games or models. Whenever possible, use learning materials designed for your learning style, or that that you can
easily adapt to your own style.

Real Learning = Real Application

Once you learn material, use it. Use it every chance you get. Using new knowledge ensures ownership. Soon, you won't consider your knowledge as something to whip out at test time you'll know it's a whip smart investment.

Once GED students discover how to activate the learning process, it's equally important to reinforce learning since real learning happens when you use knowledge, especially if it's fresh. And since learning is really a lifelong process, lessons on how people learn -- and continue to learn -- are good ones to understand.

Learning is a Self-Controlled Process

People learn faster and better when they control the speed of learning. In most classrooms, it's the teacher who controls the material. So its important for GED students to determine their own learning speed, and to devise methods or a study plan that accommodate that speed.

Self-guided study is a good way to control the speed and pace of learning. But when self-directing a study program, it's important to make study a habit, whether short periods for studying are set aside for each day, or longer periods two to three times a week.

In classroom situations its more difficult to control the speed of learning since instructors follow lesson plans. So talking to the instructor may help. Just explain that you need a different learning pace. Some students may learn better by moving more quickly through material, while others need extra time.

Regardless, once a student understands that they need to control their own learning -- and the speed in which it takes place -- learning is easier. They can then identify the most comfortable speed, and consequently, learn faster and learn more.

Learning Requires Rapid Feedback

Feedback is a critical part of the learning process, one that's often overlooked. The more immediate and meaningful the feedback is, the quicker people learn.

Consider how many classroom situations work: Information is presented over days or weeks -- or sometimes over months. Then students are tested. Until they see test results, students may not know whether their learning is effective.

The best learning situation gives the learner immediate feedback on their progress. A good GED study program should include continuous opportunities and methods for students to connect their learning efforts with their outcomes. This way, students can quickly identify whether they've learned material or need to learn it better. Meaningful feedback also reinforces the learning process because information is used quickly and frequently. It's the key to keeping new
information -- retaining it instead of just remembering it.

Real Learning Means Real Knowledge –- Use it!

Once you learn material and gain new knowledge, use it. Use it every chance you get. Using new knowledge ensures ownership, and enhances critical-thinking skills, the most important skills measured by the GED.

Here is a good example of how one successful PassGED student gained real knowledge through the application of it:

Maria, studying for the GED Language Arts reading test, encountered an unfamiliar word in a literary passage, the word 'superfluous.' Initially, the word just seemed confusing. She wanted to check the word in a dictionary, but remembered that she wouldn't be able to take a dictionary to the official GED test site. And she had learned in her online GED class how to look for context
clues to find word meanings, especially if the word seemed to be key to the passage. Maria found three words that seemed to point back to 'superfluous.' One word was 'extra,' another 'over-abundant' and the other 'excessive.' Maria also saw that superfluous had a root of 'super,' which seemed very similar in meaning to the other three words. So she was sure that she was right. Her dictionary confirmed it.

Through the next few weeks, Maria began using new words she was learning during conversations. After a short time, these new words came to her more naturally -- she developed complete ownership of her new knowledge. Not only was her vocabulary expanding, she discovered that it became easier to move through Language Arts passages. Her feedback scores were climbing. Also, the essay portion of the exam suddenly seemed much less challenging.

Maria was delighted. She wasn't just pleased at her new ability her studies now seemed more like a hobby instead of a chore. And she wasn't the only one impressed.

Summary

Maria's story is an excellent example of all three principles that speak to reinforcement of the learning process.

When Maria first encountered a difficulty, she controlled the speed of her learning. She moved through the material at her own pace. She used a test-taking technique she had learned to provide immediate feedback. And it wasn't a test that initially provided the feedback. Similar words provided the feedback she needed, and a dictionary confirmed it.

Then, Maria used her new knowledge. By using it in everyday situations and conversations, she quickly became the rightful owner of the knowledge. This new knowledge further helped her in her GED study program -- reflected in her test scores, improved critical-thinking skills and in a more willing attitude with benefits well beyond the GED.

It is up to YOU!

Getting ready for the GED test can be overwhelming. For adult learners enrolled in a GED class, it's often difficult to find the time or motivation to study outside the classroom, engage in the classroom experience or to measure the effectiveness of study sessions. And for adult learners who manage their own study program, test prep may seem even harder.

Planning, perseverance and motivation are the keys to effective, successful GED test preparation, while test prep is the most important activity a test candidate can do to pass the GED test. Using these keys will reduce challenges and ensure that test prep is worthwhile.

Explore the GED test areas.

The official GED test is a set of five tests, which measures knowledge of math, science, social studies, reading and writing. Determine which test area you'll probably score best in, and study that area first. Successful and enjoyable experiences with your GED preparation early will help motivate you and ready the brain for more difficult material later.

Measure test readiness.

Use official GED practice tests as part of your test preparation and as a study guide to help you determine skill strengths and weaknesses. Test scores on practice tests will indicate the skill areas where you'll need the least and most work, and will help you outline a study plan.

Official practice tests also serve another purpose. They'll give you familiarity with the test structure and timing. Understanding the way the test asks you to apply knowledge, and how the test is paced is a good way to improve your score.

Develop a study plan.

Study guides and study plans are available, but it's important to adapt these models to your own needs. A study plan that you develop yourself or center around yourself will go a long way toward helping you reach your goal. Develop a realistic plan that's established according to your needs and schedule, and supports the way you learn. This allows you to stick to your study plan and learn at your own pace, which contributes to the learning process.

A good study plan will include frequent short study sessions of 30 minutes to an hour, along with periodic longer sessions -– two to four hours -- to help prepare you for the marathon 7.5-hour official GED test. Be sure to include your weekly study objectives and measure them. Then you'll clearly see what you've accomplished and it will motivate you further. The key is consistency.

Enhance learning with test prep materials.

If you're an adult learner enrolled in a GED class, your GED program probably includes test prep materials. If needed, you can supplement these with additional materials that may be better designed for the way you learn. Libraries often have GED test prep materials for loan, and local bookstores should also have a range of offerings. Materials, study guides, practice tests
and interactive course ware are also available online. Shop wisely though be sure that study materials are authentic and will enhance your GED study program.

What motivates you?

There are many reasons adult learners work on their GED. For some, it's a higher-paying job, a
new career or the stepping-stone to educational opportunities. For others, it's simply completing an educational milestone or being a role model for their own children. Regardless of your reason, it's reason enough. Allow your reason to motivate you. You'll want to clearly identify your motive and visualize the benefits of achievement.

Also, consider this: Motivation is essentially based on a single premise: how bad you want something. If you really want it to happen, it will. If you really want to pass the GED, you will. It's that simple it's your motivation that's the cornerstone of your GED program, whether you opt for a classroom experience, an online program or create a self-guided study course.

So, understand why the GED is important to you. When preparing for the GED, prepare through small, well-planned steps. Accomplish each step build upon them. Then use these accomplishments as additional benefits and motivators to move you closer to the final achievement -- the GED.

About The Author

Leonard Williams, an e-learning PassGED.com instructor, is also a curriculum specialist who focuses on research and development, implementation and assessment of best-practice learning solutions for adult learners and people with educational challenges. Leonard’s email is , and he invites question from GED students and teachers. The website is http://www.passGED.com.

Author has granted free distribution rights through Article City.

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