As a someone who’s just gotten her college degree after years of blood, sweat, andmaybe a few tears (literally),I know just how important it is to find a schedule and tools that work for you. There are many benefits of using apps to help you study.

For example, appscan help you work on procrastinating less (we’ve all been there). Whether you need help being organized or staying on task, there are a multitude of resources out there for you!

Here are four free, and I mean FREE, apps and study tools that will help you be successful on your educational journey. I personally love and use allthese study tools.

Quizlet

What:A lot of you may be familiar with Quizlet during your last-ditch attempt to study for a big test, but it can also be used to study ahead of time.It allows anyone to create a set of flashcards to help them study, or search for flashcard sets made by others for any class or subject.

Best Features:Some perks include being able to utilize the text to speech function, add photos to your study sets, or star important terms.

Is it For You?:Quizlet is great for people who need a quick review of their material prior to a major test or quiz. Basically, there’s no reason not to pass when using this amazing app.

Flora

What:Florais one of my favorites, because it blocks distracting apps on your phone and prevents you from going on them while working.

Best Features:Not only does it block apps for you, such as social media or games,but you can also set a specific amount of time that you want to focus. There’s even a virtual tree that grows the longer you stay focused!If you leave Flora to go on one of your blocked apps, the tree dies, creating a real consequence for not staying on task. So, save the planet!

Some other features include being able to challenge friends, create to do lists, and you can also pay to plant real trees anywhere in the world!

Is it For You?:This app is a good tool for those of us who are easily distracted. Use Flora if you want to get good grades while also getting a green thumb.Talk about saving trees, am I right?

Notion

What:As someone who loves keeping digital notes for everything, I really enjoyed using Notion! This is truly an all-in-one note taking app.

Best Features:In addition to being able to take notes, Notion is a planner, journal, database, habit tracker, calendar and so much more. It allows for customization so you can tailor it to best suit your style.

Is it For You?:I recommend Notion to anyone who likes to keep all their notes in one place. It’s perfect if you’re a student who likes to keep a digital planner or take online notes.

Xmind

What:Xmind is a study tool that focuses on creating mind maps.Mind maps are used to visually organize information and allows you to see the relationships between different topics.

Creating mind maps is great not only for studying, but also planning out projects or working with a team.Now you can finally answer the age-old question, can you compare apples to oranges?

Best Features:In the free version of the app, you can insert notes, markers, stickers, and hyperlinks.You’re also able to add labels to your topics anddownload your maps to look back at later.

Is it For You?:Xmind is a great tool if you like to learn by visualizing topics or enjoy breaking down complex information.

Make sure to check out all the study tools above and get started on your student journey.It’s not easy but it is worth it.Good luck!

*All recommendations are available for iOS and Android users.

If you’re wanting to know how to pass the social studies section of the GED test, you’ve come to the right place. The social studies portion of the GED test is designed to check your knowledge of history, government, economics, and geography. These are divided up in the following ways:

• Civics and Government (50% of the section)
• U.S. History (20%)
• Economics (15%)
• Geography and the World (15%)

To pass the social studies section of the test, you won’t be required to memorize facts about each subject. Instead, it will be more about social studies as it relates to real-life applications, including:

• Analyzing history and interpretations of events
• Reading to understand social studies subjects
• Interpreting graphs and numbers related to social studies

Below, we’ll answer major questions about passing the social studies section. This should demystify the subjects you’ll be tested on and help you study for them in the simplest way.

Updated 09/14/20

Check out our new Online Testing webpage to find out everything you need to know about the Online Proctored GED test and if you’re eligible.

The Online Proctored GED Test was launched in May 2020 and is currently available in select states in the U.S. and U.S. territories. With the Online Proctored GED Test, students can take the GED test from home while securely monitored by an online proctor. Prior to this, students could only take the GED test at approved test centers. This online testing option was created to help students continue testing while some test centers remain closed or have limited appointments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This option is not currently available internationally.

To qualify for online testing, you must meet the following requirements.

• Your state participates in online testing
• You’ve scored “Green” on the GED Ready practice test within the past 60 days

You can also log into your GED.com account to see if you are eligible.

If you meet these requirements, here are some online testing essentials to keep in mind:

• You’ll need a computer, webcam and reliable internet — no tablets or phones.
• You’ll need to take your test in a private room with a closed door.
• Before scheduling and paying for the test, it’s important to run a system check to be sure that your computer meets the requirements.

Check out the video below about how online GED testing works.

Bored in the house and you’re in the house bored? Same. Here’s some ideas to help you stay entertained during quarantine…hope you find something you like.

Mind-Numbing Pleasure

If you want a distraction to numb the brain I suggest trying out some Buzzfeed quizzes. They’re a great distraction from whatever you’re doing (it’s why I struggle to get any work done). From guessing your age based on your McDonald’s order to finding out if you’re over your ex; they have everything. They even have some that’ll test your knowledge…might be helpful for the GED test.

Now while it pains me to say this, I also suggest downloading TikTok if you can. With thousands of videos you can get distracted on this app for hours. From animal content to endless dance trends they really do have something for everyone. Even my 40 year-old manager is on the app…yikes.

Now while we don’t necessarily condone watching television while studying, if you’re a Zoomer (Gen Z) like me, a little background noise can help.

So even if you’re not paying attention to the show because you’re too busy trying to understand exponents, I’ve compiled a list of all the best shows to have on in the background. They’re funny, short and you really don’t need to pay attention to pick up on the plot.

The Office

Miss actually working in an office or going to work in general? Well look no further. This is an American mockumentary sitcom that depicts the everyday lives of office employees at a paper company. It features a nutty boss, crazy pranks and a ton of laughs…it might be a tad far-fetched from a real life office.

How to watch: Netflix

Updated June 8, 2020

We have a launched an online GED test, for more information, click here.

Being stuck at home can be frustrating, especially when you’re counting on getting your GED soon. We are doing everything we can to make testing available as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

In the meantime, we’d like to bring your attention to the CARES Act recently passed by the US government to help people cope during this uncertain time. Be sure to check your state governor’s website for more details and how to apply. Here are some highlights:

Increased unemployment benefits

The economic situation caused by widespread closings can feel scary, especially if your job requires you to be on site in order to get paid. You may be eligible for higher payments and/or longer periods of payments. Salaried and hourly employees, as well as self-employed, independent contractors and even gig workers, could be eligible. Learn more in this article: The historic $2 trillion CARES Act will be an economic lifeline for gig workers and freelancers.

One-time payment to boost cash flow

Depending on your income, you may have already received or will soon receive a check or direct deposit of up to $1,200 for an individual who makes up to $75,000 per year. The amount is up to $2,400 for married couples who make up to $150,000 per year in total. Plus $500 more per child to help with expenses. Calculate how much you’ll get from the $1,200 (or more) coronavirus checks in this news article. You can also track when you will receive your payment through the IRS ‘Get My Payment’ tool.

COVID-19 testing and treatment

The cost of testing and even vaccinations, when they become available, will be covered. This means you don’t have to hesitate if you or a family member may be showing potential coronavirus symptoms. You can get tested without worrying about money. Get more details in this news article: What’s inside the Senate’s $2 trillion coronavirus aid package.

We’re proud of you for staying strong and focused. Try the suggestions below to be confident and ready to test when the time comes.

Free study guides

After logging in, you’ll discover free study guides for every subject. It’s a great way to get started or refresh your skills during downtime.

Comprehensive online classes with GED Live

GED Live brings top Kaplan instructors to your screen with interactive lessons and a library of recordings in case you miss a live session.

Stay social at a distance

Keep up with the GED community and connect with other students on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also watch helpful videos on our YouTube channel.

Teachers often recommend starting with the test subject that is least challenging, to wade in gently with topics that are in your comfort zone. This approach helps build confidence as you gear up for the tough stuff.

To begin, login to your account at GED.com to check out free study guides. You’ll get a sense of all four subjects, then decide which one is best for you to take first.

Social Studies

Social Studies is interesting because there are many visuals involved, such as graphs, maps and charts. These help you understand trends and gather clues through imagery. You won’t feel pressured to answer every question based only on text.

You won’t have to memorize a lot for Social Studies. It’s more about applying concepts that you know already and interpret info presented in the test.

Science

Science uses formulas and analytical thinking. You’ll be given reference sheets during the test, so there’s very little memorization. Practice questions are a great way to stay sharp for Science.

RLA

To make Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA) flow smoothly, get used to absorbing info quickly by reading articles on major news sites. The average article contains 500 to 700 words. Here’s a hint: it typically takes less than a minute to read 100 words. So you’re looking at just a few minutes of reading per article. For example, the blog post you’re reading now is under 400 words long.

Writing is something we do everyday, like texting and posting to social media; but when it comes to long-form essays, it’s great to have a writing tutor help you along. This virtual expert will help you organize thoughts, make content flow, catch spelling errors and clear up grammar confusion…like when to use an ellipsis.

Math

Many students agree that Math is the toughest subject. By enrolling in a local class or taking online courses, you can learn the skills you need to pass, such as algebra. Also, practicing a little at a time makes Math easier to get through. In just a few minutes a day, try GED Flash for thousands of interactive questions at home or on-the-go.

Last but not least, here’s a tip for test day from Captain Obvious: “Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated.”

Have other study tips that you’d like to share with other GED students? Put them in the comments below.

The GED Social Studies test focuses on U.S. history and gives you context to understand the nation, the world and society as a whole. It covers a variety of different topics, but don’t worry it’s not a memorization test. We know trying to remember a bunch of dates or capitals wouldn’t be fun!

Test Topics

The Social Studies section of the GED includes three different topics:

• Reading for Meaning in Social Studies
• Analyzing Historical Events and Arguments in Social Studies
• Using Numbers and Graphs in Social Studies

The GED Science test has a 90% pass rate so you have a very good chance of succeeding if you have a basic understanding of scientific concepts. Luckily, the science test is not a memorization test. For example, you won’t need to memorize the periodic table of elements.

Test Topics

The Science section of the GED includes three different topics:

• Reading for Meaning in Science
• Designing and Interpreting Science Experiments
• Using Numbers and Graphics in Science

Math can be a tough topic for students, but you don’t need a “math brain” to be able to pass the GED math test, just the right preparation and materials.

Test Topics

The math section of the GED includes four different topics:

• Basic math
• Geometry
• Basic algebra
• Graphs and functions

You should be familiar with math concepts, measurements, equations, and applying math concepts to solve real-life problems. However, you will not have to memorize formulas and you will be allowed a calculator for a section.

Format of the GED Math Test

There are two parts to the math test and the calculator will be provided for the second part. The total testing time is 115 minutes, with a short break between sections. You will have access to a calculator reference sheet and math formula sheet.

The question types differ but consist of multiple-choice, drag and drop, fill-in-the-blank, select an area and drop down.