• How to Prepare for and Pass the GED Math Exam

    By GED Author

    Are you preparing to take the GED math test? Whether math comes naturally or it feels like a foreign language to you, you can walk into your test well-prepared to pass if you know what to study and how to go about it. To ensure you are ready, check out our tips for how to pass the GED math test.

    What to Study

    There are found four main types of math four main types of math on the GED exam. By breaking down your study time to cover all four types of math, you’ll be well prepared for exam day.

    • Basic Math
    • Geometry
    • Algebra
    • Graphs and Functions

    How to Prepare for the GED Math Test

    Knowing the type of material on the GED math test will help guide your studies. Take time to become familiar with each of these four subjects well before exam day. Once you have a good knowledge base, it’s time to start taking practice exams. This will help you know if you’re prepared to take the test—without any help from your book or answer key.

    After taking a practice test, be sure to go back and study the subjects that you struggled with on the practice exam. Keep in mind that you’ll have the most success on the GED math test when you have an understanding of math concepts and how they apply to real-life situations. You should be prepared to answer questions in many different formats, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and more.

    Formulas

    You won’t need to memorize formulas, but you will need to know how to use them. You can use this formula sheet to understand a breakdown of the different formulas you’ll be using on the test.

    Calculators

    You will want to be well-practiced with using a calculator before taking your test. During the test, will be provided with an on-screen calculator to make calculations. You can reference this tutorial to understand how to find it and use it during the test. When you take your test, you will be provided a calculator reference sheet as well, but you will be better off if you know how to use it ahead of time.

    How Difficult is the GED Math Exam?

    The GED math exam is designed to test your skills and ensure that you have a solid understanding of basic math, algebra, graphs, and more. You will need to thoroughly study the right concepts to feel prepared going into the exam. With the GED Ready practice test, you can test your knowledge and see exactly what you need to improve. If you’re in the green with the GED Ready, then you should have no problem passing the actual test. Once you’ve taken the time to go through these steps to prepare, you can go into the exam and be confident about achieving a passing score.

    Are there Questions that Are Commonly Missed?

    The difficulty of the questions on the math exam are entirely up to your ability and preparedness. You will have a different understanding of the material than someone else who takes the test. The hardest questions on the tests will be the ones you are unprepared for. So the best approach is to study, take a practice exam, spend additional time on the areas you fall short, then take the practice test again to make sure you improved. Sticking to this pattern is the best way to prepare for the exam. We do know that many students find the math exam difficult, in addition to studying, you can always save the math exam as your last GED test subject.

    Start Studying Today

    Remember that through diligent study and preparation, you’ll be well equipped to pass the GED math exam. Take practice tests, identify your weaker areas, and keep studying until you have a solid knowledge base. All of this knowledge will help you pass the exam and benefit you in your future career.

  • How to Get a Passing Score on the GED Test

    By GED Author

    You’ve been dedicated to consistent study and are finally ready to take the GED. But before you go in for your test, it’s important to know your goal. A GED passing score on all four subjects allows you to earn a high school equivalency credential, and a college-ready score can allow you even more opportunities for your future education. So what is a good GED score? And how do you find out your GED score and what it means? The answer to this question depends on your goals.

    What is a Passing GED Score?

    You need to receive a score of 145 or better to pass the GED. But students who score higher may be eligible to receive college credit or even skip college entrance exams. So clearly, it’s in a student’s best interest to do as well as possible on the GED.

    Overview of GED Scores

    GED test score percentiles can be broken down into four categories: below a passing score, a high school equivalency score, a College Ready score, and a College Ready + Credit score that could result in college credit.

    Below a Passing Score: 100-144

    Students who get below a passing score will need to retake any test subject of the GED exam that they did not pass. If they earned below a passing score on all subjects of the GED exam, they would need to retake each subject.

    Passing Score: 145-164

    Students who achieve a score of 145 or higher on each section of the exam will earn a high school equivalency credential.

    College Ready Score: 165-174

    Though a score of 145 or better is considered a passing score on the GED, a college-ready score is considered to be anything above 164. Students who score 165-174 show that they have the skills needed to start college-level courses and may be exempt from placement tests or remedial (non-credit) courses in college. However, their score may not qualify them to skip entrance exams.

    College Ready + Credit Score: 175-200

    Any student who earns a score of 175 or higher may have the chance to earn up to 10 college credits, or have the chance to skip college entrance exams. GED Testing Service will endorse these students, but it’s ultimately up to the college to decide if they are eligible for these benefits.

    Does a Score on the GED Test Translate into a GPA?

    Though many students believe that a GED test can be easily translated into a GPA, there is actually no general rule of thumb to do so.

    Do Your Best

    When it comes to studying for the GED, doing your best is what counts most. Study the right topics, take practice exams, and hone in on your weaknesses. The better your score, the more opportunities you’ll have to earn college credit and begin your path to a rewarding future.

  • How to Prepare for and Pass the GED Science Test

    By GED Author

    From human evolution to the Earth’s placement in the cosmos, the GED science exam will test your knowledge of many different subjects. But before you start to feel overwhelmed, take this bit of encouragement: the GED science test has a 90% pass rate, meaning if you are well-prepared, you have a great chance of doing well on the exam.

    By learning more about what to expect and spending time studying well in advance, you’ll be well prepared when test day arrives. Check out our tips to learn how to pass the GED science test.

    What’s on the GED Science Exam?

    The GED science test is a 90-minute exam with questions across three main topics: Earth and space science, life science, and physical science. As with the other GED exams, the science exam is scored from 100-200, with a passing score set at 145 or higher. Questions are in a variety of formats, such as multiple-choice, drop-down, short answer, and more.

    Here’s an in-depth look at the topics you’ll be tested on for the GED science exam:

    • Reading and meaning in science
    • Designing and interpreting science experiments
    • Using numbers and graphics in science

    Are there Commonly Missed Questions?

    The difficulty of the questions on the science exam depend on your preparedness. The hardest questions on the tests will be the ones you did not study enough. The best approach is to study, take a practice exam, spend additional time on the areas you fall short, then take the practice test again to make sure you improved. If you implement this strategy, you will be prepared for the test.

    Tips for Passing the GED Science Exam

    Keep in mind that the GED science exam isn’t about memorizing facts. Instead, you’ll need to use your reasoning skills to interpret scientific data. Here are some tips for passing this part of the GED.

    • Use the question as a source of information (most include a graph, chart, diagram, text, etc.)
    • Focus on the bigger picture—don’t get lost in the basic details of a topic.
    • Remember to think like a scientist:
      • Use data to make conclusions
      • Review an experiment and find the hypothesis, variables, errors, etc.
      • Know how to apply math in a scientific setting
    • Ready carefully before you answer a question
    • Use data to make conclusions
    • Review an experiment and find the hypothesis, variables, errors, etc.
    • Know how to apply math in a scientific setting

    Studying for the GED Science Exam

    Are you ready to dive into your studies? Once you’ve spent time reading up on the three main topics, you can assess where you’re at by taking GED Ready, the official GED practice test. You can also try a free GED sample test to help further your studies. Once you’re happy with your score, you’ll know you’re ready to take the GED science exam with confidence.

  • Math 101: How to Use the Number Line

    By GED Author

    A number line is a horizontal line that has equally spread number increments. The numbers included on the line will determine how the number on the line can be answered. The question that goes with the number determines how it will be used, for example, plotting a point.

  • Timeline of Earning a GED: How Long Does It Take to Earn a GED?

    By GED Author

    How long does it take to get a GED? Studying 2-3 times a week can help you become GED ready and more likely to pass the test in just a few months, which can vary based on the last grade you completed and how recently you attended school. In most cases, the more you study, the quicker you can learn the information needed to pass the GED test subjects. Decide how quickly you want to finish, and use a step-by-step checklist to get there.

    There are four different tests you’ll take to earn the GED: Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. If you shoot to finish the process of earning a GED in three months, you could either:

    Option 1: Study a single subject for three weeks, take the GED test for it, then repeat for the next subject.

    Advantage: Focus completely on just one subject at a time and finish faster.

    Option 2: Study all four subjects for about three months, then take all four tests in one day.

    Advantage: If you have to drive far to get to your testing center, avoid taking the trip four different times.

    Either way, you’ve got to set a goal that will work for you and start using it. Be realistic about your situation and personality. For example, if you don’t have a lot of time to study, you may need to give yourself a longer timeline.

  • RLA 101: What is a semicolon?

    By GED Author

    The semicolon may not be as complicated as you may think; it’s simply misunderstood and often misused by students during the RLA test. In short, a semicolon is a mashup between a comma and a period. Comma + period = semicolon.

  • How to Prepare for and Pass the GED Social Studies Exam

    By GED Author

    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.

  • Science 101: What is the Scientific Method?

    By GED Author

    Science is an exciting subject because we use it all the time; sometimes we don’t even realize we’re thinking in a scientific way. For example, the Scientific Method is a great way to imagine science in action.

    The Scientific Method helps you put together experiments, use data to find conclusions and interpret them. In short, the Scientific Method is a step-by-step process:

    • First, observe. Use your senses and take notes about the situation.
      • Then, ask a question about the problem at hand.
      • After that, form a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a potential explanation to your question.
      • Predict what the hypothesis may lead to and conduct an experiment to test it out.
      • Analyze the data to draw a conclusion from your findings.
      • Share your results.
    • Then, ask a question about the problem at hand.
    • After that, form a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a potential explanation to your question.
    • Predict what the hypothesis may lead to and conduct an experiment to test it out.
    • Analyze the data to draw a conclusion from your findings.
    • Share your results.
  • GED Graduate Highlight: Meet Jennifer

    By GED Author

    Meet our next GED graduate highlight, Jennifer. In high school, Jennifer was bullied to the point that she stopped going to class. Unfortunately, this led to her being expelled due to poor attendance. By getting her GED, Jennifer could prove to herself, her children and her mom that she could do better in life.

  • Introducing the Official Online GED Test

    By GED Author

    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.

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