Getting Your GED
Life can get in the way of some major milestones, like finishing high school, but it’s never too late to pick up where you left off. Whatever your reasons for stopping, you can still complete your education through a General Education Development (GED) program.
The benefits of a GED
GED programs offer a second chance at completing the educational requirements necessary to apply for college, the military, or get a desired job. Over 98% of colleges and universities in the United States accept the GED as an equivalent to a high school diploma. Getting your GED can make your goals more attainable, as well as help you create a better life for your family.
Determining your eligibility
To be eligible for the GED program, you must be able read at least at a ninth-grade reading level (for example, you can read newspaper articles). Most programs require that you be at least 18 years old, though some may let you begin at 17. You should have basic math skills, like knowing how to add, subtract, multiply and divide. General reading and critical thinking skills are also very helpful in completing a GED program.
Finding the right program
Many programs don’t require you to choose between parenting and being a successful student. The average age of GED participants is 24, so you’ll be amongst your peers. A lot of courses operate online or during the evening – they try to accommodate the schedules of working, parenting people! GED requirements are based on age and residency; requirements vary from state to state. Call your local public high school or community college to learn more about their programs. It could be helpful to ask things like:
- What’s the program length? What’s the course schedule?
- How much does the program cost?
- How do I sign-up?
Taking the test
The GED test covers four different topics in individual exams: math, language arts, science, and social studies. These subjects are the very same you’d encounter in a high school classroom. Studying and taking the test can be done in roughly 3 – 4 months.
Helpful Resources
- GED® Official Website - The GED Testing Service aims to help you gain your high school equivalency diploma. Their program can help you cultivate critical thinking skills and confidence needed to prepare for the exam.
- BestGEDClasses.org is an informational website about preparation for the GED test. In addition to GED prep classes, schools, and testing centers, they offer free online classes and practice tests to help you prepare.
