Getting your GED

In this episode, we look at how an increasing number of colleges offer opportunities for individuals without a high school diploma to access higher education and how to qualify for these programs.

Dual-enrollment programs provide pathways to earn a GED and college degree simultaneously, opening doors to better career prospects.

These programs allow students to work towards both credentials simultaneously, maximizing their time and effort. Students in dual-enrollment programs must earn their GED before receiving their college degree.

In this episode, we provide key information about taking the GED exam online. The GED exam has four separate sub-tests that can be taken online or at state-certified testing centers.

However, online testing is subject to specific requirements. Candidates must pass the official GED Ready practice test with scores in the "green" zone. These scores are valid for 60 days.

Additionally, they must have a desktop or laptop with audio/video capabilities, and reliable internet is required. A private room with a door and four walls is mandatory, and no other person can be present during the test.

We discuss how online testing is available in most states and US territories except Hawaii, Florida, New York, Massachusetts, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

In this episode, we focus on a few useful tips to help you pass the GED test quickly. We emphasize that studying hard is not the only factor in achieving GED success.

We identify six common reasons why students struggle despite putting in the effort: Test Anxiety, Mismatched Learning Style, Random Guessing, Late & All-Night Study Sessions, Taking No Breaks, and Lack of a Study Plan.

We discuss the importance of a structured study plan for focused and efficient learning. It encourages setting specific goals for each session to track progress and identify areas needing further attention.

Then, we talk about some highly effective test-taking strategies, such as thorough preparation, taking multiple practice tests, sticking to a study plan, and more.

We stress the value of taking multiple practice tests to familiarize oneself with the test environment and reduce anxiety. It encourages creating a simulated test environment for effective practice.

In this episode, we address the subjects and structure of the GED test and what is included in the sections.

The GED test consists of four independent modules: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA), Science, and Social Studies.

We explain how the GED test is scored, highlight the passing score ranges, and emphasize the importance of college-ready scores for students seeking higher education.

We discuss how the four tests can be taken individually, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time, and that online proctored testing is available in many states as well.

In this episode, we discuss strategies for success on the GED RLA Extended Response (essay) section.

The GED essay requires analyzing two opposing viewpoints presented in a stimulus passage and arguing which position is better supported by evidence. It is not about expressing your personal opinion. You have 45 minutes to write the essay, and your essay contributes 20% to the total RLA score.

We address crucial elements the graders look for, such as understanding the passage's meaning, sequence of events, and cause-and-effect relationships, identifying and analyzing the meanings of words and phrases in context, including connotative and figurative meanings, recognizing transitional words and phrases, and analyzing the evidence provided to support each viewpoint. Distinguish between strong and weak evidence.

To get maximum results, you need to be able to analyze which of the arguments presented is better, and you’re also required to explain why that argument or viewpoint is better based on evidence provided in the passage.

In this episode, we summarize key information about the online GED test to earn your GED diploma from home. Please note that not all states offer the online version. Online GED testing is NOT available in Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

We discuss that to register for the GED test, you must set up an account on GED.com. Before qualifying for the online exam, you must pass the GED Ready practice test for each subject with a "green" (likely to pass) score within the past 60 days.

You must have a computer with a webcam, reliable internet, and a private room with four walls and a closed. The exam is monitored by a proctor who verifies your identity and ensures exam integrity.

The TI-30XS calculator is available as an onscreen tool, just like in the in-person exam, so familiarizing yourself with its functions is key to success. There is also an onscreen scratchpad and Whiteboard for calculations and note-taking.

In this episode, we discuss many questions regarding the difficulty level of the GED compared to a traditional high school diploma.

We compare the GED and high school diploma as pathways to educational and career opportunities, exploring the eligibility requirements, coursework, completion time, testing procedures, and acceptance rates for both options.

We emphasize that the GED and high school diploma are valuable pathways, and the best choice depends on individual circumstances and aspirations.

In this episode, we compare and contrast a high school diploma with a GED, focusing on their value for employment and higher education.

We emphasize the importance of GED test preparation, specifically highlighting the benefits of practice tests and prep courses.

Both a high school diploma and a GED are generally accepted as proof of basic education by employers and educational institutions, but a high school diploma requires completing a four-year program, while a GED is earned by passing four subject tests.

We also emphasize that the military prefers high school graduates, requiring higher ASVAB scores from GED holders.

This is the first episode of our podcast about getting the GED diploma. We start by answering the question: Can Everyone Take the GED Test?

We talk about:

• What is the GED Test
• GED Eligibility
• Reasons to pursue a GED
• Benefits of the GED
• GED Test Tips