When you apply for a job to further your career or look into the college application process, you may see a requirement for high school or high school equivalency diplomas. What are equivalency diplomas? While some states have their versions of GEDs and ways to get things similar to official transcripts, the GED is standard across all of the US and any potential school you may apply for.
With a lot of studying, some training programs, and an online exam, you can pass your equivalent of high school in a few months rather than four years. All you have to do to get this important document is find a GED Testing Service, answer the questions on four different subject tests, and you are good to go.
The GED is not a test for school students and doesn’t depend on school districts. If you are nervous or unsure where to start, you’ll find various study materials and practice questions online to help you quickly replace those classes you missed and get your version of high school graduation and a high level of education in no time.
What is the Difference Between a GED and a High School Diploma?
A GED is a test and credentials. This education program includes four exams focusing on math, language arts, science, and social studies subjects. If you pass every testing session, your knowledge base is equivalent to a 12th-grade level. This GED certificate is a replacement if you haven’t received a traditional diploma from an American school.
Taking an ACT or SAT with your GED will significantly boost your ability to get into a good college and build the career you’ve been dreaming of. The GED testing program includes four exams requiring less than 8 hours of your time. Getting a high school diploma and following the traditional route to graduation takes four years, whereas a GED takes just a few months of prep and testing.
A GED is a replacement for a high school diploma. It has been designed as a helpful tool for students who had to drop out of high school for some reason and didn’t get to take those four years the “normal” way.
Usually, people who aren’t enrolled in high school are the only ones that can apply for GEDs.
Which is better: a GED or a High School Diploma?
Since a high school diploma is the most popular route to get your education, it is often seen as a better option. However, that isn’t necessarily the case.
About 98 percent of all American colleges, community colleges, and universities will accept GEDs in place of high school diplomas, especially when paired with a good SAT or ACT score. However, it’s not just higher education you have to think about with a GED. This is one of the most important official documents to have if you want to get a good job.
So do employers accept GED as a high school diploma or equivalent? The answer is yes. Most, if not all, jobs that require a high school diploma will accept a GED as a replacement.
How Do You Get a GED?
First, there are a few requirements you need to fulfill before enrolling to take your GED tests.
- You must not be currently attending high school.
- You must have never graduated from high school.
- You must be at least 18 years old, though some states will allow you to get a GED earlier if you qualify for an age waiver and have parental consent.
- Certain states have additional requirements, such as being a state resident or being out of school for a specific time.
If everything checks out, you can start the process of getting your GED.
Most people recommend studying right away. You have to have the same knowledge as average high school seniors, so it can be challenging for someone who hasn’t attended college in quite some time.
You don’t have to take all four tests at once, although you can do that if you wish. However, you can study one subject at a time and take each one at your pace.
The last step is finding GED testing services. Try and locate the nearest GED testing center and schedule your exam when ready. You can opt for online testing or have your exam in a test center, depending on what suits your needs best.
Most people take about three months on average, but it can take you as little or much time as you need.
How Do I Prepare for the GED Placement Test?
Preparing for the test can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t been in school for several years. Since you can move at your own pace, you don’t have to be stressed by approaching deadlines or trying to fit in studying around your schedule.
To prepare for the GED, you first want to figure out which test you want to take. Then, you will want to study that subject. The GED is not a test that relies solely on memorization, so you want to ensure you fully understand the subject.
Plenty of practice tests are online to help you prepare before the big day. A passing score is at least 145, though getting above that is better. Online tests will give you a color at the end of your test to tell you how prepared you are for the test. The GED Ready test has been designed to be half the length of a regular GED exam so that you can be confident on your testing day.
Once you feel ready, schedule your test. Taking the test requires paying a fee. Generally, each subject is around 38 dollars.
If you are struggling to study or don’t know where to begin, check out online GED courses or talk to one of Morzep’s college coaches. They can guide your steps toward a successful result and help you prepare for your next big step: getting into college. There are also in-person classes if that helps you to focus better.
Our college coaches can help you with your entrance exam, figure out school classes, and guide you on your path to success, from the first step of getting an undergraduate degree to being a fulfilled college graduate.
