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.

Meet Reggie our next GED student highlight. Leaving high school at age 15 was a tough decision, but Reggie understood that it just wasn’t the right learning environment for him. Crowded classes and endless distractions didn’t mix well with his learning style. He tried hard to fit into the group setting, but knowledge wouldn’t stick unless he studied on his own.

One day, his coach made a life-changing suggestion for Reggie to try the GED® program. He’s a Special Olympics athlete; basketball and track are his favorite sports. He could finally focus on studying and obtain his high school diploma without the distractions and stress of the classroom environment.

Meet Kinzie our first GED student highlight. Kinzie overcame many obstacles on her journey to becoming a GED graduate. When she was 12 years old, she lived in Las Vegas, Nevada with her mother and younger sister. Life took a turn when her mother became an alcoholic.

Throughout this time, Kinzie had to take on the responsibility of caring for her younger sister. She began to take on the role of a parent–ensuring that her sister went to school and completed her homework everyday. Kinzie gave up her childhood so that her sister would never have to give up hers.

Updated 09/15/2020

The GED test is a second chance for people who didn’t receive a formal high school degree to earn their high school credentials. Having a valid GED provides an opportunity to move forward in life like going to college or opening the door to a wider variety of careers.

Do Fake GED Certificates Work?

Unfortunately, there are diploma mills out there that try to take advantage of those who want their GED certificate and only provide fake tests and certificates. Fake certificates hold no value. Therefore, if students use a fake GED credential or high school diploma, they can get kicked out of school or lose their job. It is definitely not worth the risk. A real GED is worth it.

Additionally, sometimes these certificates are purchased intentionally, while other times people purchase them as victims of a scam. That’s why it’s important to know ahead of time how to prevent purchasing a fake GED certificate. Here are five tips to help avoid getting fooled by a faulty GED website.

1. Online GED Tests Are Only Administered on GED.com

GED tests are given to those eligible – you must reside in a participating state and score “green” on the GED Ready practice test. You can find everything you need to know about the official Online Proctored GED®test here. Be aware of other sites that are not affiliated with GED and offer a quick, often fake GED credential.

2. They’re Attached to Non-Accredited Online High Schools

While some school districts are moving toward online schools, there is a difference between an accredited program from a school district that is working with high school age students, and an online high school that is promising it can give you a GED diploma when you complete. Be careful when dealing with online schools and fake programs.

If you want to know if the program you’re looking to join is accredited and can provide you with a GED certificate, a simple search online may provide you with the answer and provide you with reviews. If that doesn’t work, consider getting in touch with a local college or community college. You don’t have a real GED certificate if they don’t accept the certification.

3. They Offer a Test “Based On” the GED Test

A legitimate GED test is never going to be “based on” the GED test. It is not the real deal if there is any wording in the test that distances it from the official GED test.

4. They Try to Sell You Your GED Diploma

You should never be able to buy a GED certificate without taking the test. If you pay to skip the test, then you do not have a legitimate certificate.

Do not be confused by having to pay to take the test. The official GED test is not free to take unless you reside in a state that currently offers free or discounted testing. You can find out what your state charges for the test by visiting the state policy pages. It’s not official if you did not go to a testing center or take it through GED.com.

Earning a Valid GED Certificate

If you’ve discovered your certificate is a fake, then you should get a real GED credential. For example, it’s a lot like having a fake driver’s license. It isn’t the same as having a real one and you can run into trouble for being in possession of it.

Fortunately, it is possible, and worth your while, to earn your GED certificate the right way. Therefore, by taking the time to prepare for the test, you can pass and receive a valid certificate. Once you earn your GED certificate the right way, you will be on your way to a better future without having to look over your shoulder.

It’s easy to feel intimidated by math. Many people are, because it’s sort of like a foreign language. But with practice and great resources, anyone can understand it and master it.

Studying for a test is much easier when you know what will be on it, especially when you can break it down into understandable parts. You can then study each part separately.

The math section will challenge your skills in basic math, geometry, algebra, and graphs and functions. Once you study each of these areas long enough, you’ll be confident that you can pass.

General Tips: GED Math Section

Tip #1:

You don’t have to memorize formulas before the math test. You’ll need some experience using them, but will be given a formula sheet during the test.

Tip #2:

You should also practice general math questions along with common measurements and real-life applications.

Tip #3:

The exam questions will come in several types: multiple choice, drag-and-drop, drop-down, fill-in-the-blank, and others. That means the listed answers could give you some clues, but they could also mislead you. Make sure you can solve the problems on your own, but if you are struggling, you can use the process of elimination to narrow down the answer.

Tip #4:

You’ll only need to use a calculator in section two of the test. That means you’ll need to understand math ideas well, not just know how to use a calculator.

The GED and the military have a closer relationship than you might think. In fact, the GED was originally created in 1942 for veterans and members of the military to find good jobs. So if you’re interested in knowing if, and how, you can get into a branch of the military with a GED, keep reading to find out more.

Can You Join the Military With a GED?

Yes! You can join the military with a GED. The military often requires a high school diploma, but it is still very possible for you to become a member of the armed services after you earn a GED.

No matter which branch you are looking to serve in, you still must meet the age, citizenship, height and weight, and legal requirements in order to join the military.

Each branch of the military has tiers for recruits and classifies all of their recruits into one of three categories. Tier 1 recruits have earned a high school diploma or have completed 15 credits (one semester) of college. Tier 2 recruits have a GED. Tier 3 recruits have neither a GED or high school diploma.

Tier 3 Recruit

There are almost no Tier 3 recruits. It is rare for Tier 3 recruits to join the military. If you are looking to join the military and you do not have a GED, it is highly recommended that you study and pass your GED exam.

You can get help with earning your GED with practice tests online. They can help you feel prepared for earning your degree so you can have a better chance of entering into the armed forces.

Tier 2 Recruit

If you have a GED and are looking to get into the military, you have to know that each branch sets its own limits. For example, less than 1% of the annual recruits for the air-force are Tier 2, while roughly 5% of the USMC are Tier 2. One of the biggest ways to help you get into that small percentage of Tier 2 recruits, is to score well on your ASVAB.

ASVAB

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is key for a Tier 2 recruit to make it into the military. Tier 1 recruits only have to score 31% or higher on the ASVAB. Tier 2 recruits have to score 50% or higher. The ASVAB also provides grounds for what you are qualified to do in each branch. If you score well enough in certain areas and show knowledge or talent in those areas, you can be recruited to fill a specific job, which pretty much guarantees your recruitment.

Tier 1 Recruit

It doesn’t matter if you have a GED or not if you have either a high school diploma or 15 college credits. You are considered to be a Tier 1 recruit, and Tier 1 recruits get first pick for any open positions.

If you have a GED and want to become a Tier 1 recruit, you need to earn 15 college credits. These credits do not have to be at a large university or state-run school, but can be earned from vocational, community, or business colleges. Before you apply to colleges to get 15 credits (which can be completed in one semester of school), double-check with your recruiter to make sure you are applying to a school that is recognized in programs that will count towards your 15 credits.

If you’re looking to enlist in the military but need your GED, get GED Ready the official GED practice test. This practice test can help you know where your strengths and weaknesses are within the GED and let you know if you’re going to pass or not. Not only does it show your progress on GED topics, but it can help you create a custom study plan to work on areas that you need to improve, with exact chapters and pages to study that will directly improve your score.

What kind of jobs can you get with a GED? Since more employers require either a high school diploma or equivalency, like the GED, you’ll find opportunities in every field. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, 73% of all jobs require a diploma or GED at a bare minimum. This means your chances for employment go up when you get your GED.

It’s never been easier. With plenty of online resources to assist you, now’s the time to get started earning a GED so you can begin qualifying for higher-quality jobs that lead to a better future, and a higher salary.

Jobs You Can Get with a GED

Do some digging, and you’ll find that many industries hire people with a GED. This may be just what you need to get a foot in the door to something new and exciting and then work hard to get ahead.

You can discover what jobs you can get with a GED in this list we’ve compiled.

Office Support Administration

With an annual salary of $29,950 to $51,730, these jobs offer a professional office environment for someone who can read, write, and use a computer. Roles include:

• Receptionists
• Bill collectors
• Tellers or representatives
• Personal secretaries
• Clerks
• IT aides
• Corporate assistants
• Tellers

You can expect to manage day-to-day responsibilities in these roles. This may include greeting customers, clients, or patients; answering phone calls; preparing budgets; operating payroll; maintaining equipment and supplies; and organizing office space.

Arts

Artists find jobs in general arts and crafts or even something specific like floral design. Annual salaries fluctuate depending on where you live and what job you do. Talent and available audiences for your work also matter. For example, floral designers average $29,880 per year, while craft and fine artists average $49,960.

Grounds or Building Maintenance

Professionals in this line of work can earn between $29,760 and $37,540 per year. A GED will help get you a position in:

• Maintenance
• Janitorial or cleaning services
• Bug and pest control

Building and grounds cleaners keep buildings safe, operational, clean, and sanitary. They also keep their surrounding areas looking good and well-kept, which includes spraying for bugs and overall lawn care.

Community or Social Services

The average annual salary for someone with a GED in community or social service professions is $37,610. A GED helps you become qualified for a position as a:

• Health liaison or aide
• Social service clerk
• Counselor or advocate

Community and social service workers help people struggling with personal issues. They also help people navigate through different local services. In counseling or other support roles, workers perform their duties with empathy and compassion.

Construction Services

Construction workers and contractors can earn between $37,520 and $97,860 per year. You can qualify for many roles in new construction or repair, including:

• Day laborer
• Electrician
• Professional handyman
• Glazier
• Equipment, machine, or service vehicle operator
• Ironworker
• Woodworker
• Insulation or another type of installer
• Masonry worker
• Carpenter
• Sheet metal worker

While this field is vast and ever-expanding, you’ll generally work to build or repair commercial structures or residential homes. You may also take on projects like roads, bridges, and utility systems. You could start as an apprentice or trainee and go up from there.

Food Service Industry

Food service workers make between $25,980 and $50,160. Restaurants and catering businesses often don’t require proof of graduation or GED, so you may stand out from the rest if you’ve earned yours. Roles include:

• Waiter
• Bartender
• Food prep worker
• Cook
• Baker
• Server
• Host

Food servers and preparation workers ensure work areas operate according to strict cleanliness and sanitation regulations. They also work with cooks, prepare the food, slice meat and cheeses, peel and cut vegetables, and perform other duties.

Farming and Forestry

You can earn between $29,680 and $46,330 in the fishing, forestry, and farming industries. This work means spending a lot of time outside, working in the elements. Roles include:

• Machine and equipment operator
• Breeding expert
• Fishing deckhand
• Hunter’s apprentice

These roles often require workers to understand the mechanics and business of agriculture, farm work, fishery, and parks and recreation.

Healthcare Industry

Healthcare is a massive industry and one of the top employers in the country. With your GED, the average annual pay ranges anywhere from $29,430 to $37,570. Roles can include:

• Childcare professional
• Home health aide
• Nurse or healthcare assistant
• Occupational or physical therapy aide
• Intake manager for psychiatric settings or personal care agencies

Healthcare and personal care aides typically assist patients or clients with daily activities in an assisted living facility or home. These duties include companionship, making meals, laundry, and other basic chores.

Legal Professions

Positions in the legal industry average $52,390 per year as a:

• Title examiner
• Title abstractor
• Title searcher

Professionals in the title abstractor, examiner, or searcher field gather data to review and summarize. They also write and edit company paperwork so that executives or lawyers better understand the information.

Management

Management positions help you learn valuable people skills. They also provide better pay and more opportunity. Management comes with an average annual salary of $59,230 to $73,060 in the United States for GED holders.

You may begin in entry-level positions, but with hard work and determination, you can advance to management in places like:

• Food services
• Ranching
• Commercial or residential real estate
• Lodging
• Agriculture
• Property management

You need strong interpersonal skills to succeed as a manager in any field. You’ll also benefit from the ability to communicate, organize, strategically plan, and solve problems.

Protective Services

Average salaries in the protection field range from $31,470 to $59,380. With a GED in hand, you can apply for work in certain types of law enforcement or protection, including:

• Prison guard
• Correction officer
• Private investigator
• Police or sheriff’s deputy
• Bailiff
• Security professional

Protection officers ensure the safety of others. They perform these roles in a variety of settings, and it typically involves being armed and/or preventing crime. Knowledge of local laws and ordinances is essential.

Sales

Sales positions attract people with an inner drive and outgoing personality. These professionals find themselves valued by corporations who make money from selling goods and services. Sales representatives make between $27,260 and $52,340 per year. You’ll become a vital team member in companies specializing in:

• Insurance
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Real estate

You’ll generate leads and meet goals by negotiating, delivering presentations, and networking to build relationships.

Transportation Services

The average annual salary for a job in this industry is anywhere from $36,660 to $64,150. Meet lots of different kinds of people and travel all over the country with jobs in transportation, including:

• Marine oiling
• Cargo handling
• Truck driving
• Taxi driving
• Chauffeur work
• Sailing work
• Bus driving

Transportation involves working in fields that move passengers to and from planes, trains, buses, and other modes of transportation. You might even move cargo or goods. This industry can also include tourism.

A Future with No Limits

These positions represent only a sample of the good jobs with a GED that you can pursue. Salaries depend on where you live and how much effort you put into a position.

When you earn your GED, you’re opening doors for a brand-new outcome. It’s the missing ingredient to continue your education or to earn a professional certificate to get to the future you want. Take this opportunity and earn your GED.

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.

Some people think that colleges will reject them if they have a GED instead of a high school diploma, but is that true? Can you go to college with a GED? Yes, you can! There are many, many colleges you can apply to. In fact, 98% of colleges accept applicants with a GED. Once you get in, you can earn your degree and progress towards a great career. Use the tips below before you start sending out applications.

Does a GED Affect College Acceptance?

You may be wondering if your application will get overlooked if you have a GED rather than a high school diploma.

Nearly all colleges in the US accept the GED as well as many universities around the world. The GED is widely recognized. In fact, there are over 20 million GED graduates and counting. GED graduates that earn the College Ready score levels may even be eligible to bypass placement testing and earn college credit for classes related to the test subjects.

Tips for Applicants

If you have, or are working towards, your GED and want to apply to college one day, these are a few pointers that might give you an extra boost at the admissions office:

• Volunteer in your community and get references from those you volunteered with
• Work hard for an employer, get valuable experience, and show it on your applications
• Take a college entrance exam like the SAT or ACT and do well on it. (College entrance exams are standardized tests that measure how ready you are for college-level work).
• Get really great letters of recommendation (which means you need to work hard helping others and showing that you’re responsible). These letters highlight your positive personal and academic qualities and why you would be successful in college.

Applying to more than one college increases your chances of being accepted. Make sure you fulfill their application requirements and check if they have an alternate form or method to submit your GED scores. With any college you apply to, be sure you to triple-check that you fill out each application correctly. Finally, show off your other accomplishments besides your GED including any of those mentioned above.