Introduction
The General Educational Development (GED) exam is a high-school equivalency exam that helps people who didn’t graduate from high school earn their high school diploma equivalent. Many people who don’t finish high school take the GED exam as a way to improve their employment opportunities, enter college, or improve their self-confidence. Whether you’re considering earning your GED certificate or you’re wondering how to get started, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the GED exam, including how to prepare for the exam and what to expect on test day.
From Dropout to Diploma: The Importance of GED Certification
GED certification is crucial for individuals who dropped out of high school and want to continue their education because it makes them more employable and provides them with a better chance to lead a successful life. By earning a GED certificate, individuals demonstrate their basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, and science that many employers are looking for.
Add to that, a GED diploma is equivalent in value to a high school diploma: it opens doors to employment opportunities and higher education that are otherwise closed to those without one. The benefits are also financial since people with a GED diploma earn, on average, $9,000 more annually than those without a high-school diploma.
Breaking Down the GED Exam: What You Need to Know
The GED exam is divided into four components: Reasoning through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. These elements of the exam measure your proficiency in English language reading and writing, mathematics, and scientific reasoning/social studies.
The format of the GED exam is paper-based or computer-based. You must complete the entire GED exam within 7.5 hours (including a 10-minute break before Math). The GED exam is scored on a scale of 100-200. Students need an average score of 145 in all four subjects to pass.
To successfully take the GED exam, you need to understand what to expect on test day. It would help to take some online sample tests as they can help you understand the format and time pressure of the exam.
5 Simple Steps to Acing the GED Exam
To increase your chances of acing the GED exam, follow these five simple steps:
- Understand the exam. The first step is to understand what knowledge and skills are tested in the GED exam. The exam measures your reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Therefore, prepare accordingly by studying how to read, write, analyze, and interpret various texts.
- Create a study plan. Take a GED practice exam to assess your skills and identify areas you need to study. Create a study schedule that outlines a study plan suited to your lifestyle. Stick to your plan and keep track of the hours you spend studying.
- Attend classes. Consider attending GED classes to improve your knowledge and skills. Reach out to a local adult education center, GED-test preparation center, or community college that offers GED classes.
- Use online resources. There is a wealth of free online resources available that provide additional study materials, practice tests, and webinars. Explore all the online tools and resources available at your disposal.
- Stay motivated. Studying for the GED exam requires dedication and effort. Stay motivated by setting achievable targets that track your progress, joining online communities for students to interact and share experiences. Re-evaluate your study plan regularly to see what works for you and what doesn’t.
10 Proven Strategies for Successful GED Prep
If you’re serious about earning your GED certificate, there are several tips and strategies you can use to prepare successfully:
- Create a study group. A study group provides extra accountability, support, motivation, and often extra resources to help accelerate learning.
- Practice regularly. Regular practice will help develop vital skills, from time management to decision-making. Take practice tests, timed quizzes, and repetition drills to keep skills sharp.
- Stay organized. Create study notes that summarize key concepts, equations, and terms to make it easy to study each day.
- Supplement your studying. Use other resources, including GED prep books, eBooks, information, and practice tests, to supplement your study.
- Break up study periods. To avoid burnout, break up your study periods into small, manageable chunks.
- Set realistic goals. Make a plan with feasible goals and track progress regularly. Keep improving the quality and depth of your work.
- Work on time management. Create a schedule to ensure you spend enough time studying each exam subject and that you test within standard time limits.
- Join online discussion forums. Join online discussions, forums, or social media groups to get additional support, tips, or resources.
- Find a mentor. Get a mentor or an accountability partner who is familiar with the GED process and can provide guidance and support throughout the test preparation.
- Stay positive. Approach the GED exam with a positive attitude and without any stress or anxiety. Focus more on learning, improving, and growth rather than the passing score.
How Online Education Can Help You Get Your GED
Online GED test preparations are becoming increasingly popular options for those unable to attend in-person classes. Indeed, online education can provide greater flexibility and accessibility while providing affordable tools and support.
Online GED prep programs offer a range of structured courses and resources, including online classes, study materials, practice tests, and personalized feedback. Many programs are free or low-cost, with some offering scholarships to students.
Here are some online programs that are widely recognize:
- Khan Academy: Offers online lectures for several GED test subjects, such as math, social studies, and science.
- GED Testing Service: Provides online courses, practice tests, and personalized feedback to support GED test candidates.
- 4Tests: Offers a variety of online practice tests, study guides, and flashcards to help prepare for the GED test.
- GED Academy: Prepares test-takers with personalized support, adaptive learning, and online resources.
- U.S. Career Institute: Offers online GED exam prep that includes ebooks, videos, online classes, and practice tests.
Real-Life Success Stories of People Who Earned Their GED and How You Can Too
The journey to earning a GED certificate can be challenging and life-changing. Many peers have taken the exam and came out successful. Here are some inspirational GED success stories:
- Peer 1: After dropping out of high school due to extenuating circumstances, he soon found it hard to secure a stable job. Years later, he enrolled in an adult education center for GED classes and worked tirelessly to pass the exam. After receiving the GED certificate, he landed a stable job with a reputable firm and is now pursuing a college education.
- Peer 2: At the age of 30, she dropped out of high school and stayed home to raise her children for a decade. She decided to take the GED exam to accelerate her career and overcome her educational shortcomings. After successfully passing the GED exam, she landed a business degree online course and completed her associate’s degree.
- Peer 3: He dropped out of high school in the ninth grade to help his family make ends meet. Later on, he worked hard to receive his GED certificate and decided to become a high school teacher. His success in the GED exam opened doors for him to earn several degrees, including a Ph.D. in education, and is now passionate about teaching math to inner-city youth.
Conclusion
Obtaining a GED diploma is a life-changing event that can lead to career opportunities, advanced education, and personal fulfillment. It takes hard work and commitment to prepare and pass the GED exam, but it’s a valuable investment in your future. Remember to create realistic goals, stay motivated, and seek advice and support from experts and peers. Take that first step in pursuing your GED certification today.
Start browsing online resources and materials and schedule your exam date. The effort is worth the reward.
Remember, receiving your GED certificate demonstrates that you possess the critical thinking and analytical skills that employers and educators are looking for. With hard work and determination, you can achieve success and lead a prosperous life.
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