Every 26 seconds a student drops out of high school. People of any age that have not graduated can decide to take their high school equivalency tests and do so to improve their future.
Do you live in a state that offers the HiSET test and are debating whether to take it or go for your GED? What, if any, are the differences between the two? Let’s find out.
Taking The GED Test
The GED is scored on a scale from 100-200, and you will need to score at least 145 to pass. If you do not pass the first time, you can retake the test twice. To take it a third time you will need to wait 60 days.
To access your scores, you can go to the GED website, or contact the facility where you took the test for a hard copy of your certificate. Results will be ready within 24 hours of taking the test, and you will get an email letting you know that your test has been scored.
Taking The HiSET Test
Each of the HiSET multiple-choice questions is worth one point, and the writing essay is worth six points. To pass, you must score at least forty-five points out of 100. If you do not pass the first time, you can retake the test twice within one year of failing.
To access your scores you must go to the HiSET website. The scores will be available anywhere between three to five days after taking the test.
The HiSET test is available in the following states:
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wyoming
More states may be available soon.
The GED vs The HiSET
For both the GED and HiSET the test subjects are the same. Each section will be multiple choice answers, making it easier than having to come up with the answer on your own. Just choose the best choice from the answers provided.
- Math – 50 questions
- Reading – 40 questions
- Science – 50 questions
- Social Studies – 50 questions
- Writing – Essay style
When choosing between GED and HiSET, be aware of certain restrictions such as the United States Air Force does not accept applicants with their GED credentials. All colleges and trade schools accept both the GED and HiSET, though.
Experts say that while the tests are very similar that the HiSET math section is slightly easier to pass than the GED math section.
Prepping For Your Test
Be advised that you can not be too prepared for your test. Study as much as you can, and follow these tips so that you can absorb and retain the information that you are learning.
- Study in a quiet place with no distractions
- Don’t wait until the last minute to study
- Get organized
- Invest in test prep
- Take practice tests
Test prep should be taken seriously. Studying and taking a GED or HiSET practice test can help ensure that you receive the highest possible score.
Both tests cover materials that are on a high school level, so you do not have to study beyond a senior level.
Go For It!
Whether you decide to take the GED or the HiSET test, you are more informed about the differences between these high school equivalency tests. To learn more about either test or to purchase test prep, check out Petersons.com. Once you pass, you will be proud that you took the time to do it.
