If you didn’t have standard high school graduation, you can still acquire free GED classes online and get an equivalent certificate. But what exactly is a GED? What exactly is GED stand for?
A GED is essentially a credential that can be used in place of a high school diploma. Because most businesses (and all institutions) need a high school diploma, it’s usually a good idea to get a GED if you don’t finish high school. This helps to ensure that you will have more opportunities later in life.
In this article, we will go through what the GED is, what benefits it can provide, and how to get your free GED classes online.
What Is GED?
What exactly is GED stand for? GED is an abbreviation for General Educational Development. It is a test that determines if children have academic skills comparable to those of graduating high school seniors.
People who dropped out of high school yet are concerned about their future without a credential frequently take the GED Test.
The GED Test’s four content categories correlate to the four most important core subjects in high school:
- Language Arts-Based Reasoning
- Reasoning Mathematically
- The Social Sciences
- Science
This is a new adjustment that was implemented in 2014. (there used to be five subject areas, with Reading and Writing as separate tests).
The 2002 edition of the test has been revised to require a deeper comprehension of the content as well as more sophisticated thinking skills.
If you pass the GED Test, you will receive a GED credential, which could be a diploma or a certificate depending on your state. A GED certificate or diploma is technically equivalent to a standard high school diploma.
However, because of the skills each measure, certain businesses and colleges will prefer pupils with high school diplomas over those with GEDs. Because you can obtain your GED by taking a single test (actually, a series of tests, but I’ll get to that later), it may not be regarded as a sign of academic perseverance comparable to a typical high school diploma.
If you’re still young enough (typically under the age of 20, though policies vary by state), and you have the option of returning to high school rather than getting your GED, I would strongly advise you to try to complete your course of study so you can receive a conventional diploma.
Still, having a GED is preferable to not having a high school diploma at all, and with recent improvements to the test to make it more challenging, it may be perceived differently in the future.
According to the College Board, 95% of US schools and universities will accept GED graduates who meet their other admission requirements.
Fairfield University, Sewanee – University of the South, and Bowdoin College are among the few universities that do not recognize GEDs. However, keep in mind that many universities require students to submit SAT or ACT results, and they are looking for a well-rounded application that includes a solid GPA.
You may not have a lot of information to put on your application if you dropped out of high school quite early. As a result, many GED recipients begin their education at community colleges or technical schools before transferring to four-year colleges after a year or two.
Students with GEDs may also struggle to develop the study skills required for college success because the test does not prepare them for more in-depth coursework and long-term projects.
If you struggled to keep up with homework in high school, you should consider how you might improve any negative study habits you developed before enrolling in any competitive college programs.
You should also be aware that, depending on your needs, college financial help is just as readily available for GED students as it is for standard high school grads.
How Do You Get Your GED?
To take the GED Test, you must be at least 16 years old and not currently enrolled in high school.
You should also meet the state’s qualifying standards for the period you’ve been out of high school. In some areas, you must have been out of high school for at least 60 days before taking the test. For further information, contact the program administrator in your state.
You must pass all four subject tests in the GED battery of tests, which means you must score at least 145 on each one (New Jersey requires a score of at least 150 to pass). On the 2014 version, the scores range from 100 to 200. A score of 165 on each test is the benchmark for college and job readiness, and achieving this number will earn you an Honors distinction.
The four examinations are administered by computer and take a total of seven and a half hours. You do not need to take them all on the same day, however, some states have time limits for finishing the tests.
The majority of the questions are multiple-choice, but there are also fill-in-the-blank, drag and drop, and select-an-area questions, as well as an essay question on the Reasoning Through Language Arts portion.
If you fail an exam the first time, you can retake it; however, different states have varying standards for persons who need to retake GED tests (such as additional fees or proof of attending a preparation class).
Testing accommodations are provided for persons with impairments; you can sign up for them after registering online through your online account.
Signing up for the tests normally requires payment, however, the cost varies by state.
Within 24 hours of taking each exam, you will receive your results.
Types Of GED Classes
GED classes are available both online and in person. When deciding on the best manner to take GED classes, folks need to consider several variables.
Flexibility
Individuals taking in-person classes must adhere to a timetable and convey themselves to their class location. This may be tough for students who have a family or full-time work. While some online courses feature scheduled classes, others include self-study or asynchronous content.
For example, the GED Live course allows students to see recordings of classes that they did not attend in person so that they can still cover the curriculum.
Cost
The cost of in-person courses varies, however some adult education facilities provide free GED classes online. When you sign up for MyGED, you can utilize the locate feature to find GED programs near you. Once you have that information, you may look at specifics like how much the classes cost.
Online courses are also available through institutions and the GED Marketplace. The GED Live course is one of the most popular options. The GED Live course is $129.
Access to Tutors
When you attend a class in person, you have the opportunity to ask questions and receive support from your instructor. Individuals enrolled in the GED Live course can ask questions and receive email responses within a day.
Study Groups and Collaboration
If you work best in groups or with other people, you can benefit from joining a study group or finding a study partner.
This may be difficult if you choose to take a GED course online. Students who take GED classes in person may have more possibilities to collaborate with other people studying for the same exams.
Is It Necessary For Me To Take a GED Class?
GED classes are not required in most states, although there are a few exceptions. Anyone under the age of 18 in Nebraska is needed to take GED classes to sit for the examinations.
All test takers in Hawaii must take GED classes if they want to get a diploma from the state rather than just a test transcript. Before taking their tests, they must complete 60 hours of teaching.
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The Benefits Of GED Classes
Dropping out of high school seemed like a smart choice at the time. Looking back, you may find yourself in a situation where your lack of a diploma prevents you from joining the military or obtaining the high-paying job you have always desired.
This may have been an issue before 1942 when the General Educational Development certification was introduced as an alternative to a diploma. Initially, it aided veterans returning from the conflict. It became an acceptable method of displaying your educational rank over time.
Improve Your Self-Esteem
Consider how proud you’ll feel when you show a family member or potential employer your achievement of passing the GED test. This not only demonstrates your level of education but also your capacity to stick to and complete a task.
The responsibility of this act will make your family proud, impress employers, and increase your self-esteem. It may be difficult to study or stay committed to the GED program, but you will be glad you did in the end.
Open New Job Opportunities
Many employers, including the military, labor unions, and others, need high school graduation or a GED certificate. This increases your marketability in the job market, which means you’ll have more opportunities.
If you have a husband and children, greater work opportunities mean a more stable existence for you and your family. Not only will you be able to get work after obtaining your GED diploma.
Availability of Continuing Education
Before you can enroll in most trade schools, community colleges, and off-the-job training programs, you must first pass the GED test.
Getting additional training from these sources broadens your skillset and increases your appeal to potential employers. A greater education leads to better occupations, which have additional advantages.
Earn More Money
People with high school graduation or a GED certificate earn more money than those who do not, according to a 2010 survey by the National Center for Education Statistics.
The survey discovered an $8,000 difference between the two groups. When the GED certificate and high school diploma bearer obtained a college degree, the gap widened even more. Even a small increase in income can have a significant impact on your quality of life.
Is It Possible To Take Free GED Classes Online?
Students can take free GED classes online in addition to taking the test online. While other websites may promise to provide valid diplomas, the GED Testing Service is the only approved provider of online GED tests. The official GED website also has a feature for finding local, in-person testing locations.
Students who want to take an online test must have a computer with a webcam and a stable internet connection. Participants should also have access to a private workplace and a government-issued ID.
Online test takers must complete a GED Ready practice test for each component of the exam within 60 days before their test date.
Free GED Classes Online
Online GED classes and exam prep materials provide test takers with a flexible and cost-effective option to improve their test scores. Furthermore, many programs provide free test preparation materials. This article will showcase some of the best free GED classes online available.
1. GED Testing Service Official
For students who desire to ace their exams, the official GED Testing Service provides a variety of online test prep programs. The website includes live online classes, recorded lessons, and a database of thousands of practice problems. Individuals can sign up for and take the GED test online, in addition to receiving free GED classes online.
Whether a student wishes to choose particular exam subjects or take a complete approach covering all courses, they may do so with the help of expert teachers who are available to answer any queries. Test takers can also take practice tests designed by the same people who compose the GED exam.
Paid Plan Options:
Individual subjects cost $59 apiece.
$129 for all four subjects
2. Kaplan
Kaplan, a well-known name in the field of standardized testing, provides free GED classes online and self-paced courses that students may access from virtually any device. Students can easily access practice tests and questions that are matched with the official GED test objectives, whether on their phone or a laptop.
In addition to video teaching, Kaplan professors respond to students’ inquiries within 24 hours. Enrolled students can also view the program’s video library at any time.
Paid Plan Options:
Self-Paced: $129
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3. Union Exam Preparation
Union Test Prep provides free GED classes online and resources such as practice exams, flashcards, and complete study guides to test takers. Although the $0 option includes commercials, students can pay $5 for an ad-free version, making this a low-cost resource for students.
Students can access a premium option that includes bonus content in all testing areas in addition to the free and standard paid options. All test prep options emphasize both the knowledge you’ll need to know as well as useful test-taking methods that can help you ace your exam.
Paid Plan Options:
Standard price: $5 (no ads, supplemental material extra)
$14 for premium (no ads, includes all supplemental material)
4. UGO Prep
UGO Prep provides test preparation options such as free GED classes online and premium options that allow students to access both comprehensive and individual subject courses. Practice questions, simulated exams, and review guides are included in the two-week fast-track courses.
Enrolled students have access to a plethora of practice exams for all four sections of the GED exam. UGO offers 1,500 practice problems as well as study aids covering test topics and test-taking methods.
Paid Plan Options:
Individual Subject Courses cost $32.99
Full-Time Fast-Track Study Course: $69.99
5. Study.com
Students can have access to Study.com’s enormous library of test prep materials for roughly $60 each month. Students can obtain important knowledge and test-taking skills while interacting with GED prep content at their speed by using videos, assessment questions, and study guides.
Study.com has a wealth of information to help test takers comprehend the test’s structure and scoring, as well as tips and tactics for preparing for test day. Students can also use opt for the free GED classes online with practice tests and GED flash cards.
FAQs
The GED test is a high school equivalency test that assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills in four areas. The GED exam consists of four subjects: science, math, social studies, and reasoning through language arts.
Yes, the GED exam fee varies per state and can range from $30 to $100.
You may take each subject of the GED test three times without waiting. After the third attempt, you must wait 60 days before taking the GED test again. The first two retakes will be $20 if they take place within 12 months. Any extra retakes will be charged at a rate of $40.
Many local testing centers provide testing in the morning or afternoon. While taking all four GED examinations in one day is doable, we do not encourage it. Each GED test is lengthy and can be exhausting. You should take some time after each test to stretch your mental muscles.
You should receive your findings in the mail four weeks after your test date.
An applicant must score 145 on each subject-area test to pass the GED.
Conclusion
The GED is a test that persons who did not graduate from high school can take to demonstrate that they have the abilities and information required to attend a school or work that needs a high school diploma.
If you did not complete high school and are unable or unable to return, taking the free GED classes online might be an excellent option to enhance your education and job path.
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