In the application process for colleges or jobs without a high school diploma, a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) can substitute for one. Getting a GED requires testing knowledge in many areas of education, which makes them a viable substitute. Almost every college and workplace in the USA accepts the GED as a qualification, which opens up promising career opportunities for those who did not graduate from high school. Therefore, preparing for the GED exam requires a lot of consideration. The purpose of this article is to explain the details of the GED test, what score is required to pass, and some practical tips to help future test-takers succeed.
FAQs about the GED Exam
In order to pass the GED exam, what is the passing score?
- According to the official GED website, test-takers must score 145 to pass. A pass on the GED exam requires a minimum score of 145 on all subjects, meaning that test-takers must qualify on each subject separately. A score higher than the minimum passing grade does, however, provide certain benefits.
- An individual will be considered “GED College Ready” if they score 165 – 174 on their exams. In other words, they are eligible for college courses, developmental education requirements, and waivers from placement tests.
- Test-takers who score between 175 and 200 on the GED exams earn both the title of “GED College Ready” and college credits. Any subject on the exam qualifies. The score over 175 indicates that someone has enough knowledge to match up to 10 college credits.
How does the GED exam work?
Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies make up the GED exam. Depending on the subject, students are given 70 – 150 minutes to answer tests, plus additional time to receive instructions and take breaks. The following subtopics are included in each exam under each main subject:
- Mathematical Reasoning: Basic Math, Geometry, Basic Algebra, and Graphs and Functions.
- Reasoning Through Language Arts: Reading for Meaning, Identifying and Creating Arguments, and Grammar and Language.
- Social Studies: Reading for Meaning in Social Studies, Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies, and Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies.
- Science: Reading for Meaning in Science, Designing and Interpreting Science Experiments, and Using Numbers and Graphics in Science.
What are the requirements for taking the GED exam?
Applicants for a GED must be at least 16 years old and not enrolled in high school. Online or on-site exams are available to applicants. GED testing sites are located in several states, so choosing the testing center closest to you is most convenient. GED offers a list of testing centers on their official website for those interested in taking the test.
What is the best way to do well on the GED?
Studying for the GED exam and taking it require effort to achieve a passing score. Feel free to use this guide as a reference for how you can prepare for your GED test and get a good score.
Exam preparation
- Make sure you know what’s included in the test: Take a look at what the test covers. The areas you should focus on in the exam should be included in the sub-topics for each subject. There is a lot of algebra and geometry in the mathematical reasoning section, for instance. Because language arts and social science require a lot of analysis and interpretation, you need to improve your reading, writing, and comprehension skills.
- Useful resources can be found online and in libraries. The GED preparation books and guides are plentiful. If you’re looking for resources online, you can also join online forums that include other GED test-takers if you’re willing to pay for them. The community of people who have taken the exam firsthand can help you prepare. There are often people there who can answer your questions. A study course can also be a good option if you want to study more deeply.
- Prepare for the GED by taking practice exams: Practice exams can be a great resource while preparing for the test. As a result, test-takers know what to expect from the exam. There won’t be exact questions in them, but they will give you a sense of what to expect in the real exam.
Taking the GED test
Take your time to read the instructions and test questions: Skimming through them can lead to fatal mistakes that can negatively affect your score. To minimize unnecessary mistakes, ensure that you read and understand the instructions carefully.
Never second-guess yourself: Always go with your first answer. Before choosing your final answer, take some time to consider the options, but don’t hesitate once you’ve written it down. It consumes valuable time that could be spent answering other questions instead of second-guessing yourself. If you have extra time, you can come back to the ones you’re unsure about.
Managing your time wisely: Always scan the questions first. Answer the remaining questions in plenty of time. Be quick but thorough when answering the exams.
With a GED, you can still go to college and get a job without a high school diploma. As you prepare for your GED exam, keep these tips in mind and check back anytime. Once you put in the necessary time studying, you’ll definitely pass; while you wait for your testing date, get yourself a certificate frame to display it. In the meantime, you can always fill it with a novelty certificate.
You can find more information and tips on ValidGrad.com about the GED, diplomas, and other tests related to the GED.