Taking the GED exam can be intimidating for many teenagers and adults without a high school diploma, but it’s necessary to start your path toward better-paying jobs than you’d find otherwise. The more you learn about the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) test, the less likely you are to be nervous about taking it.
That’s why I encourage you to study for the test online and take practice tests before you go in to take the real thing. It’s the best way to familiarize yourself with the test while building confidence that you’ll do a good job. In no time, you’ll earn your GED and start the path toward a better life. Here’s a breakdown of the GED, along with tips you can use to excel in your test!
Overview and History of the Test
The GED program began in 1943, in response to an influx of high school students returning from WWII service. Since then, over 17 million students have earned their GED credentials. The test was revised in 2014, and one of the previous subject areas was removed and replaced by questions to process the student’s deep reasoning skills.
Not every state recognizes the GED credential, since some states require other similar credentials. There are 11 states that don’t use the GED, including Indiana, Maine, Montana, and New York. Several states recognize the HiSET exam. Finally, there’s the NEDP test, which is accepted in the fewest number of states (just nine). This article is extremely helpful and covers multiple exams, so you can be sure you’re taking the right one.
Study Online
There are several steps involved in getting your GED. These rules may apply to the other equivalency exams as well, but it’s best to check each test specifically and use these parameters as a loose guideline.
Check Your State’s GED Requirements
First, ensure that you are eligible to take the GED. Every state has different requirements regarding the minimum age for testing, residency requirements, photo ID, prep course requirements, and high school enrollment requirements (requiring that the student has been out of school for a specified time).
Find Someone to Keep You on Track
This can be a study buddy (someone who’s also taking the GED), a tutor, or just someone who will hold you accountable to ensure you’re working toward the goal and studying regularly. This person serves as your GED coach, guiding you along to success.
Work on the Hardest Subjects First
You may not have time to study every subject area in-depth, so focus first on your known areas of weakness. This is important because the GED requires a minimum score for each section, regardless of how well you do in any other section.
Practice
Get as familiar as you can with the subject matter. Become comfortable with the process and build confidence. As you find yourself becoming more at ease, move on to the next step.
Take the Practice Test
Get familiar with the test and its format. The more familiar you are with the test, the better you’ll do when you take the real thing. While you’re taking the practice test, have your GED coach keep track of whether you’re keeping up the pace to complete each section (and the test, in its entirety) on time. Do this throughout several months as a check to find out where you can improve.
Test Guide
Test Guide offers five math practice quizzes, six language arts practice tests, six writing practice tests, 4 science practice tests, and one social studies practice test. They also link to several other practice tests from other providers. Because the practice tests are randomized, they encourage you to take them multiple times.
Mometrix Test Prep
Mometrix Test Preparation offers a math practice test, a reasoning through language arts practice test, a science practice test, and a social studies practice test. They also offer a GED prep course (for $30 a month), if you’re interested.
Best GED Classes
BGC features a sample practice test, and a practice test set (containing 10 questions each) in every subject (math, social studies, science, and language arts). They also give you the option of completing a longer practice test with a timer and reviewing other helpful tips, like which calculator to use.
4Tests
4Tests offers two practice tests that cover math, reasoning through language arts, science, and social studies. They also have a handy graph to help show the content of the GED exam, along with helpful tips on how to make the test-taking process easier.
Time for the Real Thing
Once you’ve completed practice tests and studied up, you should feel confident about the idea of taking the real GED. Be sure to get plenty of sleep the night before, and try to eat a nutritious breakfast with Omega-3 fatty acids before your test. Relax! You’ve got this!
Apply for Better Jobs and More
Congratulations! You’ve taken your first step toward self-mastery! You can start applying for better jobs, join the military[1], or pursue higher education. Discover the new realms of possibility that have been opened to you, and remember that as long as you persevere, you can do anything. If you have questions or would like to know more about the GED process, get in touch. I’d be glad to help you.
