MyCareerDecision is an advocate for every young person finishing the traditional high school program, but we understand that there are a variety of reasons that would cause someone to seek a GED (General Education Development test).  If you are considering leaving school, please take the time to talk to your parents and your high school guidance counselor about the seriousness of your decision and the skill level it takes to successfully complete the GED.

The goal of this section is to encourage those who have not completed their high school education and are no longer able to participate in a traditional high school program to attain the GED credential.  Someone with a high school diploma/ GED makes more money than someone without.  Attaining your GED increases your self-esteem, gives you the opportunity to attend college or a trade school, join the military, and so much more.

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK

The GED was initially created to help World War II veterans return to civilian life.  Like most people you are probably most familiar with the GED giving adults who have not achieved their high school diploma, the opportunity to receive a credential showing their attainment of high school level academic knowledge and skills. 

There are five content areas that the GED test covers: 

• Language Arts, Reading (test your ability to read and understand passages of text)
• Language Arts, Writing (This section is divided into 2 parts.  The first covering sentence structure, organization, usage, and mechanics and the second half being a 45-minute essay.  How well you score depends on essay structure, organization, and how well your topic is developed.  Remember introductory paragraph, supporting points, and conclusion.)
• Mathematics (This section has two parts as well.  You are allowed to use a calculator for the first half, but for the second half they are prohibited.  Geometry, algebra, statistics, and number operations are all included in this section.)
• Science (life, earth, space, and physical science)
• Social Studies (covers American history, world history, civics, economics, and geography)

The GED takes a little bit more than 7 hours to complete and is only offered at official GED testing centers.  The GED cannot be taken online.   The maximum that can be scored in each section is an 800.  According to the American Council on Education, “to pass the test you must earn a minimum total standard score of 2250 on all 5 tests and a minimum standard score of 410 on each content area test.”  For more information on locating testing centers, qualifications, and taking the first steps to attaining your GED visit http://www.gedtest.org

WHO ACCEPTS THE GED?

According to the American Council on Education’s website, 98% of colleges and universities that require a high school diploma accept the GED credential and 96% of companies accept applicants with a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma according to the Society for Human Resource Management.  If you are considering joining the United States Armed Services the requirements for those wanting to enter with a GED are a little stricter.  If you receive 12-15 college credits then you are considered on equal footing with a high school graduate.  Make sure to research colleges and universities that interest you and branches of service for more specific information.