If you did not finish high school and earn your high school diploma, then you may highly consider getting your GED for many different reasons.
You may be too old for traditional high school or don’t have the time to go back.
Most employers or colleges require you to have graduated from high school but your GED is a great substitute for this. Getting your GED can give you more career opportunities in your future.
The time to start is now! Keep reading to find out how to get your GED and why you should get it.
What Is a GED?
GED stands for general educational development. To obtain your GED you will need to take a series of four tests.
When taking this test it will show if you have equal academic skills to someone who took all four years and graduated from high school. Passing the GED means that you should be prepared for many entry-level positions.
There are four key elements of the GED. These elements are English, math, history, and science. The tests require a deep understanding and want you to use your reasoning skills in all four areas.
You will earn either a diploma or certificate upon completing the GED depending on your state. Your GED certificate or diploma should be viewed to employers just like a high school diploma would. If you are taking your GED to get into college, then you’re in luck because about 95 percent of colleges will accept your GED just like a high school diploma.
How to Get Your GED
To take the GED test you must not currently be enrolled in high school and you have to be at least 16 years old. You should contact your state’s program administer to see your state’s specific rules. Some states will not let you take the GED unless you have been out of high school for at least 60 days.
If you meet all of your state’s requirements, then you can proceed to the test. The GED test is four separate tests focusing on the four key elements talked about above. You will take these four tests on a computer and it will take seven and a half hours to complete.
Depending on your state, you will not have to take all four tests in one day but there could be a specific time frame in which you must complete them.
To pass the GED you will need to score at least 150 on all four tests. You will want to score at least 170 if you are taking the GED for career or college readiness. You will receive honors distinction if you reach a high score.
Taking the Test
You will want to prepare yourself to take the GED by studying all four courses. The GED test does have a high rate of failure and that is due to people not knowing the correct way to study so they can retain the knowledge. If this describes you or you’re worried about studying, then there are many people or books that can help you study for the GED.
You will want to get plenty of sleep the night before your test and make sure to eat something before it as well. You will want to be feeling your best on the day of the test.
You will receive your score within 24 hours of taking each test. If you do not pass the GED, then you are able to retake it. But depending on your state there are different criteria such as paying a fee or showing proof that you took a GED prep class.
If you want more help and advice on taking the GED then read this guide to getting your GED.
Why You Should Get Your GED
There are many reasons why you may want your GED if you did not receive a high school diploma. Getting your GED can open the door for a better career opportunity and help prove to yourself that you can do it.
Employment
As mentioned above, your GED is just as good as a high school diploma for most jobs. Getting your GED can help you start the career path you always dreamed of and didn’t know you could achieve.
If you already have a job but don’t have your GED, then you could be getting passed by when it comes to raises or promotions. Your GED can help with this and make employers think higher of you.
Continuing Your Education
You may want to go to college and continue your education, but if you don’t have a high school diploma then your GED is the next step.
There are many colleges that will accept you if you have received your GED. Colleges want to see a well-rounded student and showing that you took the initiative to get a GED helps to show them that.
Going to college is also a great way to start the career path you always dreamed of. You could have access to more entry-level paths and get a great job.
For Yourself
It may be cliche but getting your GED can help your own self-esteem. It’s great to recognize and see what you’re able to accomplish. It shows yourself and the world that you’re able to set a goal and achieve it.
Just knowing that you can do something and having confidence in yourself could also help in getting a raise or promotion at work.
Go Ahead and Do It
Now that you’ve learned how to get your GED and some important reasons on why you should get your GED you should go ahead and do it. There are many people who will support and help you along the way.
Leave us a comment and let us know if you plan to get your GED or if you already have, then tell us how it affected you and your life.
