There is no doubt that the GED is a difficult test. You have to be able to think on your feet and understand multiple subjects. Unless you’re familiar with the format, you may have trouble working quickly and accurately. As a result, preparation is essential for this type of test. A good thing is that you can prepare for your GED test with some of these study hacks.
Listed below are 11 of the best GED study hacks:
1. FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE FORMAT SO YOU CAN STUDY SMART
It is likely that you have heard the phrase “work smart” several times before. The question is, what does it mean? It means that you should familiarize yourself with the format of the test before studying for a GED test. Having an idea of what to expect when the test day arrives will make the process easier for you.
Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, and Writing make up the five sections of the GED. It is important that you know the sections that will be covered so that you don’t prepare for something that won’t appear on the test. On test day, you can be more prepared by having reviewed each of the topics.
2. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
In order to succeed at your official test, you will need to prepare as much as you can before you take the test. Some websites offer free GED practice tests (such as this one), so use your resources wisely. By practicing, you’ll also gain more confidence for the real test.
3. READ THE QUESTIONS – DON’T OVERTHINK
The majority of test preparation materials instruct you to read each question carefully and answer it in your head before looking at the answer options. The real GED test will give you plenty of time to do that. The practice test consists of questions and answers that you should read according to the directions. Go on to the next question if you find any particular question confusing, you can always make time to go back to them later. To avoid misunderstanding anything, read questions at least twice. Don’t overthink questions: they are usually pretty straightforward.
4. TAKE YOUR TIME
Sometimes we jump to conclusions without properly analyzing the question. You should avoid this mistake on your GED test. In order to succeed on a test, you need to pace yourself – you don’t want to exhaust yourself before you finish, but you also don’t want to make careless mistakes. You should keep in mind that multiple choice questions often have a misleading answer that at first glance may appear correct. It’s best to eliminate the obviously wrong answers first, and then pick the best one left. In addition, you may encounter multiple answers that seem to be true. Considering them and eliminating each wrong answer one by one is helpful here.
5. FOLLOW YOUR INSTINCTS
You may benefit from relying on your first answer in situations where multiple options appear correct. Be sure to read the questions carefully and carefully consider each answer option before drawing this conclusion. After completing the GED test, you may want to go back and check your answers to see if any can be improved. If you are unsure about your new choice, don’t change your answers.
6. TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF YOUR TIME
Time limits are designed to help you finish your GED exam without stressing you out. Make the most of the time and don’t let the stress get to you! Be careful not to be too confident and believe your time is unlimited. In order to succeed, you will need to finish the test but still have time to review and check your answers.
7. TAKE CARE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS YOU KNOW RIGHT AWAY
Generally, the easiest questions should be answered first, and then the more difficult ones. Taking this approach will allow you to spend more time on the questions that you had difficulty with. It is also important to pace yourself when you are taking a test that restricts your time. Spending too much time on one question is not a good idea – move on if you cannot find the answer and return later. You can try to find an answer to the answer you marked after completing the last question by returning to the questions you marked.
8. BE SMART IN YOUR GUESSING
Avoid leaving questions unanswered because you will be penalized. GED does not penalize students who guess, so if you are having trouble finding the answer, try your best. First, eliminate one or two obvious wrong answers. You will have a higher chance of guessing the correct answer this way.
9. GET FAMILIAR WITH TRICKY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Here are some details to identify tricky questions and answers:
Answers with absolutes, such as “never,” “always,” etc., are often incorrect.
If you have to answer a question with an exception, you should take your time.
Before answering the questions, read the entire passage. There is a purpose for every piece of information in a question, so take advantage of it.
10. BREATHE DEEPLY BEFORE THE GED TEST
The most important thing is to not overstress yourself. Although the GED test is important, not passing it the first time isn’t the end of the world. Do your best, take a deep breath, and relax. Avoid letting stress interfere with your ability to think decisively. The worst thing you can do is panic if you can’t find the answer to a question. Don’t rush, and you’ll get through it.
11. FAKE IT ‘TIL YOU MAKE IT!
Why not get a novelty GED diploma in the meantime while you wait for your real GED diploma? It can be inspiring to purchase a replacement GED. You will definitely be motivated if you see something that you are working so hard for hanging on your wall. Thankfully, we make it easier and more accessible for everybody who needs it. The GEDs we create at ValidGrad have authentic-looking covers and transcripts. Check out our website to see what options you have!