| For today's student, distance learning is an | | | | you, look for a program that includes all the |
| ffordable way to work toward a GED, the best | | | | components needed to prepare for the GED test. |
| way for an adult to demonstrate the skills of a | | | | Here are some guidelines for choosing a real online |
| high school education. But there are a growing | | | | GED program provider and avoiding bogus schools |
| number of companies and schools who aren't | | | | or fake diploma scams: |
| really in the business of education. Instead, they're | | | | -- The American Council on Education (ACE) has |
| in the education business -- their biggest business | | | | tight guidelines for the GED. The test covers |
| is selling quick and easy programs or simple online | | | | science, social studies, language arts reading and |
| tests that result with worthless transcripts and | | | | writing, and math - including algebra, geometry |
| fake diplomas. | | | | and data analysis. Find a program that includes all |
| In most cases, the GED -- the term for General | | | | testing areas; avoid any solution or school that |
| Education Development credential -- is the only | | | | doesn't include all test areas or information about |
| official 'diploma' that has value and is meaningful | | | | test areas and ACE requirements. |
| for adults who never completed their high school | | | | -- GED practice tests are available online and are a |
| education. There are exceptions. But as a rule | | | | good way for a student to determine what to |
| most transcripts and diplomas ordered or obtained | | | | study for the test. But the actual GED test |
| from online high schools are worthless. | | | | cannot be taken online! The test is only given at |
| Unfortunately, students and adult learners are | | | | official test sites. So avoid any company that |
| often misled -- and easily misled -- by these | | | | claims to offer the official GED test or a quick |
| diploma factories or diploma mills. Here's a recent | | | | version online. For a listing of official test sites and |
| letter from a new GED student, who learned | | | | state contacts, visit |
| about one education business the hard way: | | | | -- Read the fine print, before you pay -- make |
| "I paid $250 and got this paper in the mail, but it | | | | sure you understand what the company or school |
| didn't help me get a better job. It was a ripoff. It | | | | is offering and determine if it's worth the price. Is |
| wasn't till my boss told me that I found out it | | | | it a worthwhile learning process or just a fake |
| wasn't a real high school. It wasn't even a real high | | | | diploma? Will it help you move ahead in your |
| school diploma, just something somebody made | | | | career or education? Will the online GED program |
| on a computer. But it looked like a real school. | | | | or learning solution you choose really prepare you |
| With a real test." | | | | for the GED test? Ask for guidance if you're |
| This student's story is typical and more common | | | | unsure. |
| every day. Many adult learners fall victim to | | | | -- Look beyond the company or school; discover |
| diploma scams, usually paying $200 to $800 in | | | | what other teachers, students and adult learners |
| tuition, testing, transcript or diploma fees. But | | | | are saying. Explore GED and education message |
| because the school or program isn't accredited, | | | | boards, online forums or learning communities. |
| the diploma has no value -- it's meaningless. When | | | | -- Be very cautious in dealing with any company |
| it comes to employers, job training programs, | | | | or online high school that offers a diploma or |
| tech school, community colleges and universities, | | | | transcript after passing an online test. The GED |
| bogus diplomas are useless. | | | | test is difficult; the test is timed and usually takes |
| But a GED credential is useful. For today's 34 to | | | | more than seven hours. So check out the school |
| 38 million adults in the US who never graduated | | | | with your state Department of Education. |
| from high school, passing the GED test is a pass | | | | Basically, just as the old adage says: If it sounds |
| key to both career and educational opportunities. | | | | too good to be true it probably is too good to be |
| Approximately 95 percent of employers and 97 | | | | true. |
| percent of US colleges and universities accept the | | | | Education is about the best investment you can |
| GED because it's an official, accredited 'diploma.' | | | | make in yourself. Make sure your investment is a |
| When choosing education, an adult learner's best | | | | good one, and gives you a return that's |
| option is GED prep, whether enrolling in a local | | | | worthwhile. The GED credential might be harder |
| class or online preparation program. If online | | | | to get than a $250 diploma, but you can sure |
| learning or distance learning is the best solution for | | | | count on it to take you to where you want to go. |