GED
GED Basics
The GED (General Education Development) test can be taken by anyone who is at least 17 years old. Passing the GED allows students to receive their high school diploma, and they can then enter US colleges and universities. This test is not only for US citizens who did not complete high school, but for immigrants who do not have a diploma that is recognized by US colleges or universities. The results of your GED may be obtained from your state education agency.
Subject Areas Covered by the GED
The GED is broken out into five basic subject areas:
- Test 1 covers “Writing Skills.†There are fifty questions, as well as an essay of 200 words, and has a 2 hour time limit.
- Test 2 covers “Social Studies,†comprising fifty questions and timed at eighty minutes.
- Test 3 covers “Science,†asking fifty questions and needs completion in eighty minutes.
- Test 4 covers “Literature and Arts.†It is made up of forty questions and is timed at sixty five minutes.
- Test 5, the final test will cover “Mathematics.†and the fifty questions must be completed in ninety minutes.
GED Online
The GED cannot be taken online. However, students do have the ability to prepare for the test by taking practice GED tests online. For the actual test, it is required to locate a local literacy center where the test can be administered.
Passing and Failing the GED
A total of 2250 points is what you need in order to pass, which means a score of 400 on each individual test. The score is not figured on a percentage or a rank, but a special system unique to the GED. You must retake the test if you fail, and you can not take it more than three times within one year. Obviously, the best thing you can do in order to receive a passing score is to be well prepared, and to take the online practice tests in order to ready yourself for the actual GED test.
Foreign Language Students and the GED
Unbeknownst to most non-English speaking students, the GED is available in many other languages, such as Portuguese, Spanish and French.