Getting a GED diploma is important because it provides a pathway to higher education, better job opportunities, and higher earning potential compared to having no high school credential at all.
Having a GED can significantly enhance employment prospects and earning potential, as many employers require a high school diploma. Beyond practical benefits, earning a GED can also provide a sense of personal achievement and pave the way for lifelong learning and career advancement.
If you want to attend college or university like Harvard, obtaining a GED diploma is a highly recommended step. GED test prep helps you get started with your GED preparation. Online GED preparation is the best choice for you
What Can You Do With a GED Diploma?
The GED program was developed during World War II by the U.S. Department of Defense and the American Council on Education. It was created to provide young men, who were being drafted to fight overseas before completing high school, with an opportunity to earn an equivalent credential. Upon passing the GED test, states award students a GED diploma, acknowledging that they have achieved the educational equivalent of a high school diploma.
Here are three key things you can do with a GED:
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Higher Education
While a high school diploma is generally more widely accepted for college admissions, 98% of colleges do accept the GED. This means you can use your GED to pursue a four-year degree, community college program, or vocational/trade school training.
To strengthen your college application, seek out letters of recommendation and reach out to admissions offices about their specific requirements. With a GED, you can still achieve your higher education goals.
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Career Opportunities
With a GED, you can qualify for many entry-level jobs that previously required a high school diploma. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 73% of all jobs require at least a high school diploma or GED.
In 2023 the median annual salary for workers with a high school diploma or GED was $42,000, while those without a high school diploma or GED earned a median annual salary of $30,000.
This means your chances of getting hired increase significantly once you obtain your GED. You can pursue careers in fields like office administration, transportation services, community/social services, and more.
Other GED diploma-holders choose to immediately enter the workforce. Earning a GED credential can help you land jobs in a variety of fields, including administration, community and social services, healthcare, sales, and transportation
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Military Service
The GED was originally created for veterans and members of the military. With a GED, you can enlist in the military under Tier 2, which accepts GED holders. This provides access to great benefits like healthcare, housing allowance, tuition assistance, and retirement benefits.
To enlist, you’ll need to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam to determine your skills and best-suited military role. .
What Colleges Accept the GED Diploma?
In the United States, the majority of colleges and universities recognize the GED credential as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma.
Around 98% of colleges, including community colleges, vocational schools, private universities, and public universities, technical schools, and even Ivy League institutions like Yale, accept GED holders as applicants provided they meet the other admission requirements.
While getting into highly selective four-year universities with a GED can be more challenging than with a high school diploma, it is still possible with a strong application demonstrating exceptional academic abilities through top standardized test scores.
Colleges use a holistic admissions process, so GED applicants should focus on all aspects of their application to stand out in the competitive pool.
The key is ensuring GED applicants meet all other college requirements, as most schools treat GED and diploma holders equally in the admissions process. Each institution has its own specific admission requirements.
Applicants should research to determine the necessary criteria and supplemental materials for their application. For instance, placement tests might be required. Most public and private schools accept first-year and transfer students who hold GED certificates.
Once accepted, students can prepare for their careers after college.
Does Harvard Accept GED?
Yes, Harvard does accept GED graduates. Harvard College does accept students with a GED diploma, but it is not a requirement for admission. Harvard does not require a high school diploma or GED for admission, as long as applicants can demonstrate strong academic preparation and potential for success.
According to Harvard’s official admissions website, they are open to considering applicants before they have obtained their high school diploma or equivalent credential. The website states:
“You may apply before you receive your high school diploma or the equivalent.”
This suggests that Harvard does not require a traditional high school diploma as an absolute prerequisite for admission. The website also notes that the university does not adhere to a rigid formula or standard practice when evaluating candidates.
Applicants with a GED need to focus on other aspects of their application to stand out, such as high standardized test scores, college-level coursework, extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays .
While Harvard accepts GED holders, the university has very selective admission criteria, so getting accepted with just a GED can be challenging. Applicants need to have an exceptionally strong overall application.
There are examples of students who have gone from earning a GED to eventually obtaining a Ph.D. from Harvard, but this requires exceptional academic performance at the college and graduate school levels .
Harvard and many other highly selective universities typically prefer applicants who have completed a traditional high school curriculum and have earned a high school diploma.
These applicants are often seen as better prepared for the rigorous academic environment at top-tier institutions.
However, Harvard and similar universities review applications holistically, considering all aspects of an applicant’s background and achievements.
Prospective GED applicants are advised to directly contact the Harvard admissions office to inquire about their specific policies and any considerations they may have for applicants without a traditional high school diploma.
Harvard Selective Admission Criteria
Harvard University was founded in 1636, making it the oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It was established by the Massachusetts colonial legislature and named after its first benefactor, Puritan clergyman John Harvard, who left the college his library and half his estate upon his death in 1638.
In its early years, Harvard primarily trained Puritan ministers, with a curriculum based on the English university model. The college was not formally affiliated with any particular denomination, though it maintained close ties to Congregational churches.
Over time, Harvard shifted away from its Puritan roots, becoming more secular under the leadership of presidents like Charles William Eliot in the late 19th century. Today, Harvard has a highly selective admissions process, with an acceptance rate of only 3.5% for the Class of 2027.
The university evaluates applicants holistically, considering factors like academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, personal qualities, and geographic diversity. Harvard accepts GED holders, but the bar for admission is extremely high.
The admissions committee continues to gather new information about candidates up until final decisions are made. Harvard seeks to identify students who will be inspirational leaders and educators, both during their time at the university and beyond.
The school’s goal is to select individuals who will thrive in Harvard’s rigorous academic environment and make significant contributions to the campus community.
How Does the Harvard Admission Process Work?
Harvard admissions officers use a rating system to evaluate applicants across different components of their application. They assign a rating from 1 to 6, with 1 being the highest, in the following areas: academics, extracurriculars, athletics, and personal qualities.
To earn the top rating of 1 in academics, an applicant must demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, such as near-perfect grades and test scores, combined with evidence of original scholarship or creativity. A rating of 2 indicates an excellent student with superb grades and high test scores.
For extracurriculars, a rating of 1 requires an applicant to have achieved at a national or professional level in their activities, such as winning prestigious competitions or having significant leadership roles.
A rating of 2 signifies strong secondary school contributions and local or regional recognition. In athletics, a 1 rating is reserved for those with the potential to play at the national or Olympic level, and who are likely being actively recruited by Harvard’s Division I sports teams.
The personal rating evaluates an applicant’s character, leadership, and maturity. A 1 in this category indicates exceptional personal qualities and achievements beyond their years.
An applicant’s overall admission chances are strongly correlated with their combined ratings across these four components. Those who receive a 1 overall are almost always admitted, while those with a 3- or worse are almost always rejected.
Achieving a 1 rating in any single component can provide a significant boost to an applicant’s chances, but being a well-rounded “Renaissance” candidate with high ratings across multiple areas is extremely difficult and competitive.
How to Improve your Chances of Joining Harvard College
While gaining admission to Harvard with a GED can be more challenging than with a traditional high school diploma, it is still possible.
While Harvard does accept students with GEDs, you’ll need to demonstrate your academic strength in other ways to stand out in the highly competitive applicant pool.
To improve your chances, focus on the following areas:
- Standardized Test Scores: High scores on the ACT or SAT can help offset the fact that you have a GED rather than a high school diploma. Aim for scores in the top percentiles to show that you’re academically prepared for Harvard’s rigorous curriculum.
- College-Level Coursework: Consider taking college-level classes through a local community college or online program. This will show that you are capable of handling rigorous coursework and have continued to pursue your education after obtaining your GED.
- Extracurricular Involvement: Schools like Harvard value applicants with proven leadership abilities and a passion for their chosen field. Pursue extracurriculars related to your areas of interest, and try to obtain leadership positions in those activities. Additionally, seek out internships or research opportunities to showcase your dedication to your intended field of study.
- Letters of Recommendation: Ask for letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your academic abilities, work ethic, and character. These letters can help compensate for the absence of a traditional high school transcript.
How to Get a GED
To obtain a GED, you must meet all state requirements, including age and residency, and successfully pass all GED subjects. To begin your journey towards earning a GED, the first step is to create a GED account. Learn how to get a GED.
Eligibility Requirements for Taking the GED Exam
To be eligible for the GED, you must not currently possess a high school diploma or equivalency certificate from the United States or its territories. This includes diplomas from accredited and unaccredited high schools, as well as homeschool diplomas.
If you have a diploma from a non-U.S. high school, you may still be eligible to take the GED in most states as long as you meet the other requirements. A U.S. high school equivalency credential is often more readily accepted by colleges and employers than a foreign diploma.
The standard age requirement to take the GED is 18 years old. However, many states allow 16 and 17 year old’s to test with some additional requirements:
- To take the GED in Massachusetts, you must be at least 18 years old, but 16 and 17 year old’s can also take it if they obtain an official Letter of Withdrawal, provide parental consent, and have been withdrawn from school for at least 6 months.
- To take a GED in New York, the required age eligibility form for 16-17 year old’s can be found in the GED registration system.
- Typically, you need to be at least 16 and have been out of high school for 60 consecutive days
Each state has its own residency requirements for taking the GED exam. In New York for example, you must be a resident of the state.
If you meet the age and education requirements but don’t currently reside in the state where you want to test, you may need to establish residency first by living there for a certain period of time. Proof of residency is typically required during the registration process in some states.
Learn more about GED requirements in states that offer HiSET and GED tests.
What Score is Required to Pass the GED Test?
To earn your high school equivalency credential, you must pass all four subject tests with a minimum score of 145 out of 200 points on each. The GED exam tests knowledge in four main subject areas:
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Mathematical Reasoning
The GED math test covers a range of topics including basic math, algebra, geometry, graphs, and functions. It consists of two parts and lasts for 115 minutes in total.
During the test, candidates are permitted to use an on-screen calculator and have access to a formula sheet. Question formats include multiple choice, as well as interactive types such as drag and drop and fill-in-the-blank,
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Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)
The GED Language Arts exam assesses reading comprehension, writing, and grammar skills over a duration of 150 minutes, divided into three sections. One of these sections includes a 45-minute essay component.
Test-takers are tasked with reading excerpts and demonstrating their understanding through various question formats, including multiple choice and other types of questions.
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Science
The Science portion of the GED test encompasses life science, physical science, and earth/space science topics. It lasts 90 minutes without breaks and provides an on-screen calculator for use.
This section assesses candidates’ skills in reading scientific materials, interpreting numerical data and graphics, and understanding experimental procedures.
It includes various question formats, including multiple choice and other types designed to gauge comprehension and analytical abilities in scientific contexts.
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Social Studies
The Social Studies section of the GED exam spans topics such as civics and government, U.S. history, economics, and geography. Lasting 70 minutes without breaks, it permits the use of an on-screen calculator.
This section evaluates skills in reading social studies materials, analyzing historical events, and interpreting numerical data and graphs. It includes various question formats, including multiple-choice questions and others designed to assess comprehensive understanding across these disciplines.
GED Performance Levels
The passing scores are categorized into four performance levels:
- Below Passing (100-144): Scoring in this range on any subject test means you did not reach the minimum passing score of 145. You will need to retake that subject test.
- High School Equivalency (145-164): Achieving scores in this range on all four subject tests indicates you have demonstrated high school-level knowledge and skills, and have passed the GED exam. This is the minimum score required to earn your GED credential.
- College Ready (165-174): Scoring in this range shows you have the academic skills and knowledge to be considered college ready. Earning GED scores at this level may qualify you for college-level coursework and some colleges may offer you advanced placement or other benefits.
- College Ready + Credit (175-200): GED scores in this top performance level indicate you have academic abilities comparable to or exceeding those of the average first-year college student. Earning these high scores demonstrates an exceptionally strong grasp of the subject material covered on the GED exam.
If you score below 145 on any of the four subject tests, you can retake just that individual section, rather than having to redo the entire GED exam. Most states allow test-takers unlimited retakes, though they may charge an additional fee for each attempt.
With proper preparation, passing the GED test can be straightforward. For a guaranteed pass, consider using GED test prep notes from Prepsaret.
These materials include study guides and practice test questions for all GED subjects. They are the best GED study resources available online, and many have successfully benefited from them.
Is it Possible to Earn a Ph.D. from Harvard if you Earned a GED?
Yes, it is possible to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard even if you earned a GED instead of a traditional high school diploma. While getting into Harvard with a GED can be more challenging, it is still possible with strong academic credentials and a compelling application.
The key is to focus on academic excellence, leadership, and demonstrating your potential for success in graduate school and beyond.
To transition from a GED to a Harvard Ph.D., earn excellent scores on standardized tests, take college-level courses, pursue extracurricular activities related to your academic interests, apply to a four-year university or college after your community college coursework and maintain excellent grades in college when applying to Harvard’s graduate programs.
While it’s an uphill battle, there are examples of students who have successfully made this transition, proving that with dedication and hard work, earning a Ph.D. from Harvard is achievable even with a GED background.
So, if you want to have better chances of joining Harvard college and getting a GED, you should consider getting a GED first. Enroll in free GED classes online to start your GED preparation in your pursuit to get a GED certificate.
FAQs
Can You Get into a Top College with a GED?
Yes, you can get into a top college with a GED diploma. Nearly 98% of U.S. colleges and universities accept the GED as an equivalent to a high school diploma for admission. While a traditional high school diploma is the typical path, many top colleges and universities do accept applicants with a GED credential.
The admissions process at selective institutions remains highly competitive, so GED applicants must present an exceptionally well-rounded profile to be considered. Admissions offices evaluate candidates holistically, looking beyond just the credential and focusing on the overall academic and personal qualifications.
While it may be more challenging for GED holders to gain acceptance to top-tier colleges compared to traditional high school graduates, it is certainly possible with a strong application that demonstrates academic excellence and the potential to thrive in a demanding university environment.
Can I Go to College without a GED?
Yes, it is possible to attend college without a GED or high school diploma. Many colleges have flexible admissions policies that cater to nontraditional students, such as community colleges and vocational schools.
These institutions may accept applicants without a high school credential as long as they are over 18 and pass a placement test demonstrating academic readiness.
Some colleges even allow students to enroll in individual courses or programs without submitting transcripts, which can be beneficial for personal enrichment or professional development.
Additionally, the Ability to Benefit (ATB) program enables students to earn a college credential and a high school diploma or GED simultaneously. While federal financial aid typically requires a high school credential, many schools offer institutional aid to students without one
Can I Apply to Harvard with a GED?
Yes, you can apply to Harvard with a GED. Harvard accepts GED graduates and does not require a high school or GED diploma for admission. However, Harvard has very selective admission criteria, and getting accepted with a GED can be challenging.
To improve your chances, you should focus on achieving high standardized test scores, taking college-level coursework, being involved in extracurricular activities, writing compelling application essays, and obtaining strong letters of recommendation.
While it is possible to go from a GED to a Ph.D. from Harvard by working hard and performing well academically, Harvard’s acceptance rate is less than 5% even for applicants with traditional high school diplomas
Does Oxford Accept GED?
Oxford University does accept the GED diploma as an equivalent to a high school diploma for admission, though it is not the most common qualification they receive from applicants.
The University of Oxford has a highly selective admissions process and generally looks for students who have taken rigorous academic coursework, such as A-Levels, the International Baccalaureate, or other advanced qualifications.
While the GED is accepted, Oxford tends to favor applicants with stronger academic credentials.
Applicants with a GED are still required to meet Oxford’s other admission requirements, such as submitting standardized test scores (e.g. SAT or ACT), writing samples, and demonstrating extracurricular involvement.
The university evaluates GED applicants on a case-by-case basis to ensure they have the academic preparation to succeed in Oxford’s demanding programs.
Why is a GED not as Good as a Diploma?
While the GED is accepted by many colleges and employers as equivalent to a high school diploma, it is generally not viewed as favorably as a traditional high school diploma.
Earning a diploma demonstrates a student’s ability to complete a full high school curriculum and curriculum, whereas the GED only requires passing a series of standardized tests.
Employers and colleges often perceive diploma holders as having stronger academic preparation, discipline, and well-rounded skills compared to GED recipients.
Additionally, GED holders may face some stigma or limitations in terms of educational and career opportunities, as the GED is sometimes seen as the “easier” path compared to a full high school education.
For these reasons, a high school diploma is generally considered the more desirable credential, even though the GED is an accepted equivalent.
Does MIT Accept GED Students?
MIT does accept GED students. According to the MIT Admissions website, MIT does not have any age requirements or require a high school diploma to apply.
While MIT does not have separate requirements for homeschooled or GED applicants, they consider each applicant within their full context, including their schooling choice, family situation, geographic location, resources, opportunities, and challenges.
The College Confidential forums also indicate that MIT would not turn down an applicant simply for having a GED instead of a traditional high school degree, as colleges are looking for diversity and different backgrounds. As long as GED applicants can demonstrate a strong academic foundation and high test scores, they have a chance of being admitted to MIT.
Can I Earn my GED Diploma Online?
Yes, you can earn your GED diploma online. To prepare for the exam, you can take free online GED classes that cover all four subjects at your own pace. Once you feel ready, you can schedule your GED test at a testing center near you.
After passing all four subjects, you will automatically receive an electronic diploma and transcript, and can order a printed diploma.
While a GED is not a requirement for admission to Harvard University, it is still an important credential to have.
Most colleges and universities accept the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma, so obtaining a GED can open the door to a wide range of educational opportunities.
If you don’t have a high school diploma, taking the steps to earn a GED should be your first priority in order to qualify for college admissions and further your academic and career goals.