What to Expect on the GED Test - Improving Your Score

Before committing to a GED program, mostthe GED test can seem difficult. But these skills
students and adult learners want to know whatare skills used everyday -- balancing a checkbook,
to expect on the GED test, and whether the testfollowing a recipe ... perhaps developing or following
is harder than the tests and exams they took ina new way of doing things at work. The thinking
high school.skills used for these everyday life events are the
There's no question about it -- the GED test issame ones required to earn the GED credential.
hard. But according to graduates of the PassGEDWhile most people already have these skills and
program, the test isn't as hard as high schooluse them daily, it's important to sharpen them for
exams since classes focus on essential skills andthe test. And some skills may need to be learned,
relevant information. The emphasis of the GEDor relearned. By following these four easy steps,
tests is not on memorization, but on thinking skillsa GED candidate can easily gain skills, reduce test
and the application of practical knowledge.difficulty and increase test scores.
So what's the difference? Just consider how1. Understand the Test: Get acquainted with the
standard high school classes and courses work.GED test structure; become more familiar with
Over weeks and months, a student covers lotshow test passages and questions are presented
of information and in most cases, must commitand the best way to find the right answer among
most of that information to memory. Whilefive multiple-choice options. You'll also want to
quizzes and tests create a grade, and indicatereview the essay section of the writing test, since
how well a student is progressing through theyour original essay is a major portion of the
material, the real test -- or most important gradeLanguage Arts - Writing Test score.
-- results from mid-term and final exams.2. Practice First: Take some GED practice tests to
Students who have a tough time withgain knowledge of the test and to determine skill
memorization may not test or score well,weaknesses and strengths. Pre-tests or practice
especially if several weeks or months havetests can also help you plan a study guide and
passed since the information was covered.determine how much time and effort you'll need
And many students find it hard -- or even tediousto prepare for the GED.
-- to learn and remember information that doesn't3. Prepare: Enroll in a GED class, a GED study
seem important or practical to their lives. Forprogram, basic skills or GED test prep program.
example, a history or social studies test mayMost communities offer free or low-cost
require that the student remember the date theprograms and classes through local community
Declaration of Independence was signed. Thecolleges, universities or high schools. Or you may
correct answer may not seem very relevant toopt for an online GED program, especially if your
everyday life, but could make the differenceschedule, job or family obligations, or even
between a passing and failing grade.finances make classes difficult. If you're looking
The General Education Development testfor an online GED program, you'll want to shop,
measures knowledge differently, and focuses oncompare and read the fine print -- lots of online
application skills. Like high school, it requirescompanies offer fake diplomas or promise results
knowledge of social studies, science, basic algebrathat they can't deliver.
and geometry, reading and writing. But it's not4. Get Support: Find a community-based or
memory of knowledge that the test measures.workplace support group or study group that
It's the use and application of it.shares your goals, or an online learning community
For some people - especially those who haveof GED students and instructors. You'll get test
relied on memorization skills in their education, GEDadvice, test-taking tips and learn about resources
testing can seem more difficult than high school.you'll likely need. But most importantly, a support
Generally, it's easier to just memorize informationgroup or learning community will offer
than to know how to use it. For people whoencouragement from people who want you to
haven't had much experience in makingachieve your educational and career goals.
inferences, analyzing data, and making judgments,