A high school diploma isn’t the only path to success—the GED is a high school equivalency credential that can help bolster your future, whether you decide to go to university or not. In fact, 98% of colleges accept the GED test for admission, according to GED.com. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of earning a GED, whether you are college-bound or entering the workforce, and point you toward Peterson’s GED Prep Course so you can achieve the best GED score possible.
What Is the GED?
According to the GED test makers, the GED test “measures the college- and career-readiness skills students need, and [it] prepares them with a basic level of computer literacy to compete in today’s job market.” The GED is recognized in the U.S. and many other countries as an equivalent to a high school diploma and is administered entirely on a computer at official GED test centers.
Many of the questions on the GED test require you to show how you got the answer—not just filling in a correct multiple-choice bubble. On the GED test, you must type, click on graphs, use a “drag-and-drop” feature, and more. But don’t worry—our Peterson’s GED online prep course helps you build the skills and knowledge to succeed on the test while helping you prepare with GED practice tests online.
To pass the GED tests and earn a GED certificate, for each subject area, you must demonstrate a mastery of skills and knowledge at least equal to 40 percent of high school graduates. Each of the four tests is designed to gauge the same four broad skills:
- Comprehension (understanding and interpreting information)
- Analysis (drawing specific inferences and conclusions from information)
- Synthesis and evaluation (characterizing, generalizing from, and making judgments
about information) - Application (using information in ways other than those presented)
There are three GED score levels:
- 145–164 points: Pass/High School Equivalency
- 165–174 points: GED College Ready
- 175–200 points: GED College Ready + Credit
To earn your GED certificate, you must attain a minimum score of 145 on each test.
Getting ready for the GED tests is like training for an athletic event. The more you practice under exam-like conditions, the better you’ll perform during the actual exam. Be sure to review each practice test after taking it so you can identify your weaknesses and focus on them in further study. Be encouraged, millions of motivated students like you have earned their high school credentials by completing the GED battery of tests.
Benefits of the GED for College-Bound Students
- College Admission: Most colleges accept the GED as a valid credential for admission.
- Preparation for Higher Education: Studying for the GED covers core high school subjects that prepare you for college coursework.
- Financial Aid Eligibility: GED holders may be eligible for federal student aid and scholarships, just like high school graduates.
- Confidence Boost: Earning the GED can increase self-confidence and show colleges your dedication to education.
Advantages of the GED for Those Choosing Not to Attend College
- Employment Opportunities: The GED opens up more job opportunities, as many employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent to be considered for a position.
- Higher Earning Potential: Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that GED and high school diploma holders earn more than those without.
- Vocational Training and Certification Programs: A GED can qualify individuals for trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and other non-college pathways.
- Personal Achievement: A GED can provide you with the satisfaction of completing a significant milestone and progressing in your personal development.
Long-Term Benefits of the GED Prep for All Paths
A GED can make future promotions and career shifts easier, as it meets a common minimum education requirement. It can lay a foundation for additional educational or professional certifications—giving you more choices in your future career and education paths.
Common Misconceptions About the GED
- Myth: The GED Is Easier than a High School Diploma – The GED is rigorous and evaluates academic standards assessed throughout education.
- Myth: Employers and Colleges Prefer Diplomas over GEDs – Most employers and colleges treat the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Myth: Only Certain People Take the GED – Plenty of people who do not finish high school take the GED. So, dispel stereotypes and remember that there is a diverse group of successful people who earn a GED.
Summing It Up
The GED provides flexible benefits, whether or not you plan to attend college. We hope that you consider the GED as a powerful step toward future opportunities with short-term and long-term benefits. For tips on how to study for the GED, explore Peterson’s GED prep programs and resources to reach an excellent score and your future goals.
