| The GED is the General Education Development | | | | well. |
| credential. For adults who never finished high | | | | Why do some people pass easily, and other |
| school, statistics show it's adult learners' best | | | | people fail? |
| alternative to a high school diploma. | | | | Some people seem to pass the GED test the |
| The first GED Tests were developed in 1942 to | | | | first time they take it, without studying. It's likely |
| help war veterans finish their basic education. | | | | that they are good test-takers, and they can |
| Today, there are more than 39 million adults in | | | | remember lots of knowledge from high school. |
| the US who don't have a high school degree. For | | | | But since one out of three people don't pass, this |
| them, the GED is the best solution to advance in | | | | is the exception to the rule. To pass the first |
| education, a job or career, and to build financial | | | | time, most people really need to spend some |
| security. | | | | time getting ready for the test. |
| But many people don't understand the GED and | | | | How do I increase my chances of passing? |
| the process of how to get it. As a GED | | | | The best advice is to study as much as possible |
| instructor, curriculum developer and volunteer | | | | for the GED test. The biggest reason people don't |
| online forum moderator with Essential Education | | | | pass it the first time is that they don't prepare |
| Corporation and PassGED, I've answered | | | | well enough. What this means is that you'll |
| hundreds of questions from students. It's likely | | | | probably need to spend time relearning some of |
| their most common questions and answers will be | | | | the skills and knowledge you've forgotten since |
| helpful to people who need more information | | | | high school. But don't panic. If you do a little |
| about the test and the testing process. | | | | studying in the right areas, you can pass it. |
| What does the GED actually test? | | | | It's also a good idea to get familiar with the test, |
| The GED is a set of five tests, which measures | | | | so you know what to expect and to increase |
| knowledge of math, science, social studies, reading | | | | your test-taking skills. Taking some GED practice |
| and writing. For the science, social studies and | | | | testsis a good idea. It will show you how the test |
| reading tests, you need to be able to read a | | | | works, give you an idea of a score and help you |
| short passage, and then answer questions that | | | | identify areas where you most need to study. |
| show you understand the information that's given. | | | | What's the best way to study? |
| These tests mostly measure your ability to make | | | | Taking some classes is always a good idea. Most |
| evaluations and inferences in the material. | | | | communities have classes through their local high |
| The math test requires knowledge of basic | | | | schools, community colleges or universities. But |
| number operations, very basic geometry and | | | | often it's hard to fit them into your schedule, |
| algebra and some data analysis. You'll also want to | | | | especially if you have job and family obligations. |
| know how to use a scientific calculator, since part | | | | And lots of my students have problems with |
| of the test allows you to use one. | | | | childcare and transportation. If going to a class is a |
| The writing test has two parts. The first is a | | | | problem, you can find some GED study-at-home |
| multiple-choice test about the mechanics of English | | | | programs andonline GED classes that allow you to |
| usage. The second is an essay test, and you'll | | | | work at your own pace, on your own schedule. |
| write based on your background and experiences. | | | | Just make sure the online education you choose is |
| What's a passing score on the GED test? | | | | the real thing - lots of companies are out there |
| That's the big question, right? The standard | | | | that promise bogus diplomas after simple online |
| scores for the GED tests range from a minimum | | | | tests. |
| of 200 to a maximum of 800 on each test. To | | | | You can also get preparation books, study guides |
| pass, you must score about 60% on each test, | | | | and GED practice tests, which will help you get |
| which translates to a score of at least 410 on | | | | ready for the GED test. Many are available online, |
| each GED test to pass it, and an overall average | | | | but your local library or community college may |
| score of 450 for the five-test battery. This | | | | offer GED materials through loan programs at no |
| means that your score for any individual GED test | | | | charge. You may also find materials in your local |
| cannot be below 410, but if you get some that | | | | bookstore. Chances are, stores that sell used |
| low, you need other GED tests to be well above | | | | books, or even thrift stores will also have some |
| 410 so that the scores for all five GED tests | | | | GED test prep books. |
| average out to at least 450. | | | | Where do I take the GED test? |
| Each question on the GED test equals one point. | | | | The GED tests are given at official test centers in |
| You can miss one out of three questions, and still | | | | all major cities across the U.S. and Canada. Even |
| pass the GED. | | | | though some companies or schools claim you can |
| The essay portion of the test is scored | | | | get your GED online, you can't. The GED is not |
| differently, and readers score it based on your | | | | given online, only at official test centers. |
| writing ability to use language and your word | | | | International testing is also available. |
| choices. | | | | More Resources |
| What's the pass/fail rate? | | | | You can find test site information at passGED to |
| On average, two out of three people who take | | | | help you locate your local official test center, at |
| the GED Test pass. The better prepared you are | | | | Source for online practice tests: |
| for the test, the greater your chances of doing | | | | Study hard, and good luck on your GED! |