Why Get A GED: Student Guide To Passing
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There are many reasons why you can’t complete high school, and an alternative to receiving a diploma at the end of your senior year can come in the form of a General Education Development (GED). Passing the 7.5-hour GED exam is the equivalent of passing 4 years of high school. This article will outline how to get a GED and apply to college with a GED.
Information About the GED
- It’s comprised of 4 tests that correspond to subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, Science, and Reasoning through Language Arts. You can space out the 4 tests however you want. For example, you have the flexibility to take the Math test one day and schedule the Social Studies test for another day.
- Most states require students to be 16 or older to take the GED. Research your state’s requirements before you proceed.
Study for the Exam
- Community colleges usually offer GED preparation classes.
- There are free online resources as well. Try Googling “free GED prep”.
Register
- You can sign up to take the GED test online here. You must make an account on the website.
- The price per subject depends on the state. This price usually includes two free retakes per subject, same-day scoring, and more. Search your state’s policies here.
- You also must select and pay fees for a testing center.
Take the Test
- This link from the official GED website breaks down test content.
- Mathematical Reasoning: 115 minutes
- Reasoning through Language Arts: 150 minutes
- Social Studies: 70 minutes
- Science: 90 minutes
- Students must score a 145 on each subject to pass the GED test.
- However, scoring higher can earn you college credit.
College
- While most colleges accept GEDs as academic equivalents to a diploma, it may not make you fit for university, considering workload and lifestyle. However, according to the GED Testing Service, over 60% of GED recipients are currently in college.
- You still need to take the ACT or SAT to apply.
- Having a GED instead of a diploma in itself might be a red flag, but it can be offset by other elements of your application.
- Ultimately, you must consider the type of college to which you want to apply.
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Angela Qian
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Senior at Dulaney High school. Editor-in-Chief of Sequel literary arts magazine and Baltimore County student council president.
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