GED preparation steps can make a big difference in the outcome on test day. Passing the GED opens doors to a brighter future.
In this article, we’ll be discussing why you should consider taking the test today and what you can do to improve your odds of passing. Let’s get started!
Why the GED?
The GED, or General Education Development exam, offers individuals who haven’t finished high school the chance to receive their high school equivalency diploma. This means getting up-to-speed with other professional development demands.
Of course, there are other options that are not as well-known as the GED but equally useful in achieving high school equivalency. You can read more here to learn what those are.
That said, the easiest path is to finish your high school years is the traditional way. But that doesn’t work for everyone due to life circumstances often beyond your control. No worries!
If you have to go the GED route, do it. There are many reasons to sign up today. A few are as follows:
There Is No Shame in It
Any stigma going towards the GED exam does not come from the business community. Quality employers do not get hung up on what your high school transcript says provided you’ve proven competence and responsibility.
Getting your GED is proof that education matters to you. In fact, your GED may even be more eye-opening, in a good way, because of the self-starter mentality needed to pass it.
It Evens the Playing Field
Once you pass the GED, you are on equal footing with other high school graduates. From there, it becomes about what you do next. And a GED opens doors to other educational and work opportunities.
And Prepares You for the Work Ahead
Achieving your GED is a benchmark proving you have the general education requirements needed to meet the next chapter of your life. That could mean a trade school. It could mean college.
The important thing is that you’re prepared to choose a path. And you’ve proven you can dig deep to handle anything the next phase throws your way.
Now that we’ve discussed the particulars of why you should take the GED, it’s time to set yourself up for success. You can do that by following these eight steps.
1. Set the Date
It’s very important you have a target date in mind. Everything you do to prepare for the GED test will stem from this.
Once you sign up at the GED website, you’ll be able to see a list of the testing dates in your area. Choose one that’s far enough in advance that you’ll be able to study the contents.
The exam is no easy way out. It’s designed to ensure a comprehensive education across the following subject areas:
- Math
- Reasoning through language arts
- Science and social studies
It encompasses 12 years of education in one exam. True GED prep is essential if you want to pass the test.
2. Practice Aplenty
One of the most valuable things you can do is to take a practice test. Actually, don’t take just one practice test. Take several.
You won’t get any of the same questions that you will on test day. But you will grasp the format of the test, which includes:
- How the questions are structured
- What types of content to study
- The effect of time constraints
When you take an exam, do your best to recreate the exact conditions you’ll experience on test day. Doing so will get you in the right frame of mind so test anxiety won’t be as big of a stumbling block for you as it is for others.
3. Drill Down
You know the general subject areas by now. The practice tests have you ready for the formatting. Now it’s time to drill down into the specifics.
Don’t stay surface-level with anything. Invest in study guides that are math-specific, science-specific, social studies- and RLA-specific.
Again, no one knows what will be on the test but the GED organization itself. But professional guides that focus on specific content will guide you in the right direction.
4. Take a Class
Study guides are great for self-starters. However, classes are useful no matter which type of learner you are because they connect you with one-on-one support from someone trained to get others GED ready.
You can take GED courses online or find an instructor in your area. Either way, the extra support can get you around quite a few stumbling blocks in your path to test cay.
5. Set Aside Study Time
Class or not, you need to find time to study on your own. And when you study, you need to take it seriously.
That means no television on in the background. If you have music, stick with something softer and instrumental. Spoken lyrics tend to be distracting.
Classical and jazz are perhaps the best options in this department. You’ll also want to make sure the environment is right. Go somewhere you know you won’t be interrupted, and make sure family knows when the door is closed, you’re not to be disturbed.
6. Hone Your Computer Skills
The GED test is now computer-based. That means you’ll want a high degree of computer literacy before taking it.
Consider taking a keyboarding course or purchasing a tutorial to practice on your own. Familiarize yourself with the different operating systems.
You don’t have to be anywhere close to a computer genius. But you do want your basic skill levels to be second nature so you can focus on the exam itself.
7. Rest Up
You may take pride in functioning on very little sleep. But at least in the buildup to test day, try to get your eight hours of sleep.
For one, it’ll help you feel well-rested for the test itself. Also, it will get you comfortable with getting up and functional in the morning so you’re not rushing to the test center.
8. Tie Up Loose Ends
Familiar with the location? Great, no worries! But if you’re not, you’ll want to do a test run to the location a day or two prior.
Time it out. Then, add 15 or 20 minutes and depart that much early to account for heavy traffic, accidents, and alternate routing.
Lastly, before leaving for the test center, make sure your ID and anything else you need (i.e., keys, wallet, etc.) are sitting by the door so you don’t have to rush around finding everything that morning.
GED Preparation Equals GED Success!
With careful GED preparation, you’ll conquer the high school equivalency challenge. And that will prepare you for life’s next chapter. And before you go, make sure you check out some more of our Education posts.