Who Can Pass the GED?
Over 39 million Americans don't have a high school diploma, and trying to find a good job or better education can be nearly impossible without getting over the high school hurdle first. For many people, the GED is the best solution. But they are left with the question: Is the GED too hard? Can I pass?
The benefits of earning a GED are clear. Adults with a GED credential earn on average $350,000 more during their lifetime than those who never got a high school degree. For people who use the GED as a stepping stone to higher education at a college, university, trade, or technical school, that amount could rise steeply... and they could earn up to a million dollars more throughout their career.
The biggest stumbling blocks to earning a GED are usually the same things that stopped potential GED test-takers from graduating high school. Some had problems at home. Some had to get jobs. Many had trouble learning in a traditional school environment.
A recent study supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (http://www.essentialed.org/thesilentepidemic3-06.pdf ) found the most high school dropouts leave school because they found school uninteresting, boring, and not relevant to their lives. Most of these students had grade point averages of C or better and could have graduated. The students had the skills, but life and the school system got in the way.
Many adults expect studying for the GED to be like school, and often adult learners have even more responsibilities now than in high school: paying rent, supporting a family, and making ends meet. The good news is that the GED isn't like school, and studying for the GED isn't like going back to high school.
Often, students are overwhelmed by the idea of having to relearn high school, but GED test-takers don't need to learn a whole high school curriculum to prepare for the GED. The GED exams test whether you have essential thinking skills, not a lot of facts and figures in your brain. Instead of memorizing the history of Europe or complex math equations, adult learners need to understand basic, fundamental concepts of math, science, social studies, language, and communication. And most importantly, test-takers have to think critically and solve problems. These aren't just 'school skills.' These are skills that everyone should have. And everyone can learn them.
Another problem is that, often, adults who never graduated high school didn't learn how to learn. Studying on your own or going to adult education classes might not be right for many adult learners. Test prep books may be frustrating, and going to classes after a long day's work may seem impossible. Fortunately, modern technology provides options. Computers and the Internet have changed our lives, and they're also changing the way we learn. Innovative GED study programs are available online that can help students learn at their own pace. Effective programs usually focus on real-life issues and skills, and they engage learners through an entertaining and simple educational experience.
Be wary, though. Websites that offer a "GED" or "high school" diploma in 10 days or a week through an online test are usually scams. These worthless "diploma mills" charge $200 to $1,000 for a piece of paper that has no value. The real GED must be taken in person, at a test center.
Here are tips to make a study plan:
1. Take a practice test to see what skills you need to work on.
2. Find a study program that lets you focus on areas you need to improve and fits into your lifestyle and learning style.
3. Set aside an hour a day to study, starting with the areas that need the least studying.
4. When you're ready to pass a couple of the GED test areas, schedule a test day... you'll feel great to have passed some of the tests already.
Soon, you'll be on your way to a GED credential, more options, and greater earning potential. The most important step in earning a GED is the first one: making a commitment to yourself and getting started on your studying. Can you pass the GED? The answer is yes, if you make the commitment.
