The GED exam might seem intimidating, especially if you’ve been away from school for a while. Regardless of your educational background or past performance, one thing remains true: practicing increases your chances of passing the GED test. If you haven’t completed high school, achieving a GED is important in future.
It opens doors to better job opportunities and the possibility of pursuing higher education. But is getting a GED hard? It varies! The reality is, anyone can pass the test and earn their high school equivalency. It doesn’t have to be challenging. Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about the GED test.
Why Did GED Get Harder in 2014?
The GED test has undergone significant revisions over the years, but in 2014, it underwent a complete overhaul. This new version was designed to make the GED test more challenging, reflecting a shift in the educational landscape.
For years, the GED test was often referred to as the “Good Enough Diploma” because passing it was easier than earning a traditional high school diploma. However, the new test is being aligned with more rigorous college and career readiness standards, making it far more demanding.
Molly Broad of the American Council on Education, which oversees the test along with Pearson, stated that they are “raising the requirements” to make the GED test more meaningful. To pass the new GED test, students will need to demonstrate more than just basic understanding; they will need background knowledge and critical thinking skills.
The test will place more emphasis on science, writing, and critical thinking, and the scoring will change to identify whether students who pass are just “high-school equivalent” or are at a higher standard of “college- and career-ready.”
C.T. Turner with the GED Testing Service emphasized, “If we don’t provide them something of value, and they don’t have the information and skills they need, we are setting them up for failure.” The new GED test introduced several changes to better align with current high school standards and ensure that test-takers are adequately prepared for college and the workforce.
Some of the key differences compared to the old version include:
- Increased Rigor: The new GED test was designed to be more rigorous and demanding, reflecting the higher academic standards expected in today’s educational landscape. The content was updated to align with the Common Core State Standards, requiring test-takers to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the material.
- Critical Thinking Skills: The new GED test placed a greater emphasis on critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and analytical reasoning. Test-takers were required to not only recall facts but also apply knowledge to solve complex problems and analyze information.
- Computer-Based Format: The new GED test was predominantly computer-based, requiring test-takers to be proficient in using technology to navigate the exam. While the computerized format offered certain advantages, such as immediate scoring and feedback, some individuals found it challenging to adapt to this mode of testing.
- Extended Response Questions: The new GED test included more extended response questions that demanded well-structured and coherent written responses. Test-takers needed to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and support their arguments with evidence.
So, Is the GED Test Hard?
The General Educational Development (GED) test is often perceived as a challenging exam, but it is not inherently difficult. The key to success lies in the preparation and dedication of the test taker.
In 2017, the GED pass rate was 79% nationwide. This was a rebound from a sharp drop in 2014 when the GED test was redesigned, causing the pass rate to drop to 59%. By 2015-2016, the pass rate had recovered to 79-80%.
In 2021, Texas, Florida, and Ohio were the states with the highest number of GED test searches, with Texas leading at 132,000 searches. Planning to take the GED test and wondering if it’s challenging? The answer varies. Without dedicating time to study and becoming familiar with the test format, it can indeed be difficult.
However, thorough preparation can significantly boost your confidence and increase your chances of passing the GED test with a good score. To pass, candidates must get a score of at least 145 points in each GED subject: Social Studies, Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning through Language Arts, and Science.
This requires a level of understanding and proficiency that is akin to preparing for 12th-grade finals. Preparation is crucial for overcoming the challenges of the GED. It is advisable to use GED practice test questions and establish a structured study regimen, similar to high school senior year preparations.
The American Council on Education recommends taking practice tests to assess readiness, a process that often spans several months for most candidates. While the passing score seems low, success hinges on comprehensive preparation. Each test taker faces unique challenges due to the varied nature of the GED.
Many candidates have been out of academic settings for years, requiring a mental shift back to structured learning and examination conditions. This reconditioning process itself presents a formidable hurdle. Additionally, the breadth of subjects covered means candidates must be proficient across a wide spectrum, addressing weaknesses alongside strengths.
If you want to prepare well for the GED test, Prepsaret is your perfect solution. Prepsaret offers a comprehensive online GED prep course designed to help individuals prepare well for the GED test. Their online GED class covers all four GED subjects and it includes structured study notes, practice tests, and study materials to enhance understanding and confidence.
While obtaining a GED might appear straightforward at first glance, its rigorous demands and comprehensive subject coverage make it a significant academic milestone. Success demands not only familiarity with high school-level subjects but also disciplined study habits and strategic preparation.
By investing time and effort into targeted study and utilizing appropriate resources, candidates can confidently navigate the complexities of the GED and achieve their educational goals.
What Score Do I Need to Pass the GED Test?
Passing the GED test marks a significant achievement, yet it doesn’t automatically indicate readiness for college. To pass, you need at least 145 points in each section, but most colleges prefer a total score of 165 or higher for “college-ready” status. If you score below 145 in any section, you’ll likely need remedial courses before tackling college-level coursework.
The more remedial classes required, the longer and costlier your path through college becomes. It’s worth noting that statistically, only about 1 in 10 GED recipients ultimately earn a college degree. Earning your GED demands strong motivation and discipline. A helpful first step is taking a practice test to gauge your skills and devise a focused study plan.
Approach your preparation with the same dedication as you would for high school, committing to regular and consistent study sessions. Once prepared, you’ll need to arrange and pay for the GED test, available both in person and online. While the GED offers an alternative route to completing high school, it’s important to recognize it isn’t a shortcut.
Designed to be challenging, passing requires a significant investment of time and effort. If you’re committed to achieving your educational and career aspirations, the GED can serve as a valuable option. However, it’s essential to understand that success with the GED hinges on hard work rather than an easy path to success.
Is the GED Math Test Difficult?
Many students find the math portion of the GED test to be the most challenging. In fact, studies show that over 60% of GED candidates view math as the hardest subject on the exam. This is understandable, as the GED math test covers a wide range of topics, from basic arithmetic to advanced algebra and geometry.
However, with proper preparation, the GED math test can be manageable and even easy to pass. The key is to focus your studies on the specific math skills and content areas that are tested on the exam.
What Math Topics Do I Need to Know for the GED Test?
The GED math test covers four main content areas:
- Basic Math: Whole numbers, decimals, fractions, percentages, and number operations
- Geometry: Measurement, shapes, and spatial relationships
- Algebra: Expressions, equations, inequalities, and functions
- Graphs and Functions: Interpreting and analyzing data, statistics, and probability
To prepare for these topics, focus on mastering the fundamentals in each area. Practice solving a variety of math problems, from simple calculations to more complex word problems and algebraic equations. Use online GED study guides and practice tests to reinforce your knowledge and identify any weak areas that need more attention.
How to Make GED Math Easy
With the right study strategies, you can make the GED math test much easier:
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study schedule that covers all the math content areas. Set achievable goals and track your progress.
- Use Practice Tests: Take full-length GED math practice test to get familiar with the test format and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Master the Basics: Ensure you have a solid foundation in arithmetic, fractions, decimals, and percentages before moving on to more advanced topics.
- Learn Formulas and Strategies: Memorize key math formulas and learn effective problem-solving techniques, such as translating word problems into equations.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: The more math problems you solve, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel on test day.
With proper preparation and a positive mindset, the GED math test can be a manageable and even enjoyable challenge. Stay focused, practice regularly, and you’ll be well on your way to passing the math section with a top score.
Related Post: How to pass the GED math test
What You Need to Know to Pass the GED Test
The GED test can be challenging if you don’t prepare properly. On average, students spend about 3 months studying for and taking the test. However, all that preparation will help you be well-equipped for a bright future. By studying for the GED, you’ll gain valuable skills that can be applied to college courses, a job, and other future tests.
How Can I Prepare for the GED?
Here are five key tips to set you up for success in preparing for and passing the GED:
- Learn What to Study: The GED is made up of four parts, testing your knowledge of reading, math, social studies, and science. These are broad topics, so it’s important to understand the specific skills you’ll need to know for the test. Identify which areas you need more work on, then focus your studies on those subjects.
- Take Practice Tests: Practice tests will help you better determine your strengths and weaknesses. They’ll also help you get familiar with the test format and feel more comfortable on test day. Specific practice tests like the GED Ready allow you to see which subjects you’re doing well in and which ones you may need to spend more time on. Find practice tests online and take them regularly throughout your study period to measure your progress.
- Use a GED Study Guide: Don’t try to prepare for the GED without an online GED study guide. There are so many concepts being tested that if you try to study on your own, you’ll likely get lost. Thousands of people have studied for and passed the GED using a streamlined study guide, so find one from a friend or a test prep company and use it.
- Study Consistently: Preparing for the GED requires consistency. This is not a test you can just cram for and hope for the best. Carve out time to study several times a week or even every day, and create a study schedule to help keep you on track.
- Find an Online GED Preparation Course: Preparing for the GED can feel overwhelming, but a GED preparation program can help direct your studies. Find the right program to meet your needs, then stick with it until test day. Prepsaret offers an online GED test prep course that includes study materials and practice tests to help you prepare for the GED test thoroughly.
Remember, with the right preparation and dedication, you can pass the GED test with good scores.
Is Getting a GED Harder Than Getting a High School Diploma?
Getting a GED is not necessarily harder than getting a high school diploma, but the process is different. While the GED exam may be more challenging in some ways, such as requiring more advanced skills in math and reasoning, the diploma path involves a longer, more structured process of completing courses and earning credits.
The difficulty depends on the individual’s academic background, study habits, and goals. For some, the self-paced GED route may be easier, while others may find the traditional diploma path more suitable. There are major differences between a GED and High School Diploma.
Both options can provide pathways to college and employment, though a diploma may offer slightly more advantages for college admissions.
Earning a High School Diploma
- Requires passing courses and earning a set number of credits over 4 years
- Teaches the full high school curriculum
- Provides academic support and career guidance
Earning a GED
- Requires passing a single exam covering math, science, social studies, and language arts
- Does not teach the full high school curriculum, but tests for an equivalent level of knowledge
- No academic support or career guidance is provided
GED vs High School Diploma
- High school graduates earn around $1,600 more per month on average compared to GED holders.
- 33% of high school diploma holders go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, compared to less than 5% of GED recipients.
- GED holders are also less likely to enroll in college and more likely to only attend for one semester.
Getting a GED is not necessarily harder than a high school diploma, but the processes are quite different. The best option depends on the individual’s unique circumstances and learning preferences.
FAQs
What is the Hardest Part of GED?
The hardest part of earning a GED diploma is often the decision to start the process itself. Many students struggle with the motivation to pursue a GED, which can be a significant barrier to getting a GED. This initial step requires a strong commitment to self-improvement and a willingness to invest time and effort into preparing for the exams.
Once the decision to pursue a GED is made, the next challenge is preparing for and passing the GED tests. Each subject requires a score of at least 145 points to pass. The math test, in particular, is often considered the most challenging, as it covers a wide range of topics including basic math, geometry, algebra, and graphing functions.
To pass the GED test, it is crucial to prepare thoroughly. This includes studying the relevant math topics, practicing with sample questions, and utilizing resources such as GED Flash and the GED practice test. Additionally, understanding the format and structure of each test is essential.
For example, the language arts exam includes a written essay portion, which requires a structured approach to writing and a good understanding of the topics presented.
Which GED Test is the Easiest?
You make a fair point. There is no single “easiest” GED test, as the difficulty of each subject can vary greatly depending on an individual’s prior knowledge and preparation. A subject that may seem easy for one person could be quite challenging for another.
The key to success on the GED exams is thorough preparation and understanding the material, rather than relying on the notion of an “easiest” subject. Each of the four GED tests requires a comprehensive understanding of the content and the ability to apply critical thinking skills.
By dedicating time to study the relevant topics, practicing with sample questions, and utilizing available resources, individuals can increase their chances of performing well on any of the GED tests, regardless of which subject may have initially seemed more approachable.
The true “easiest” GED test is the one for which the test-taker has invested the necessary effort to master the material.
What Kind of Questions are on the GED Test?
The GED test covers four main subject areas – Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. The types of questions on the GED test include:
Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Multiple choice and other question types (drag-and-drop, select an area, drop-down) on reading comprehension and language skills
- One extended response essay question where you read a passage and write an essay about it
Mathematical Reasoning
- Multiple choice and other question types (fill-in-the-blank, drag-and-drop) covering basic math, geometry, algebra, and data analysis
- The math section is divided into a no-calculator part and a calculator-allowed part
Science
- Multiple choice and other question types (drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank) on reading for meaning in science, designing and interpreting science experiments, and using numbers and graphics in science
Social Studies
- Multiple choice and other question types (drop-down, drag-and-drop) covering history, economics, geography, and civics
The GED test is computer-based and includes a variety of question formats beyond just multiple choice, such as drop-down, drag-and-drop, and select an area. The scoring range is 100-200 points per subject, with a passing score of 145 points.
How Hard is the Ontario GED Test?
The Ontario GED test is considered quite difficult, but it is passable with proper preparation. The key is consistent studying and utilizing resources like practice tests and prep courses. The pass rate for the GED test in Ontario was 80% in 2018, indicating it is challenging but achievable for those who dedicate time to studying the material.
If you have a strong educational foundation from 11th or 12th grade, you may already have a good base to pass the test. However, the GED is still considered easier than a traditional high school diploma. Rumors that 40% of high school graduates fail the GED refer to the old test, not the current version.
So in summary, the Ontario GED test is difficult, but not insurmountable, for those who prepare thoroughly. With the right study habits and resources, you can conquer this test.
Is the Ohio GED Test Hard?
The Ohio GED test is not overly difficult if you prepare properly, but it does require some study and preparation to pass. The GED test covers a lot of material and requires well-developed reading comprehension and math skills. However, you only need to answer around 40-50% of the questions correctly to pass.
The biggest challenge is the time pressure, with limited time (70-150 minutes) for 35-40 questions per subject. Many test-takers feel they could have done better with more time. Specific areas to focus on when studying include: Science: Be prepared for questions on chromosomes and genetics.
With proper preparation, the GED is quite easy. Passing is “fast and easy with a little preparation”. Learn how to get a GED in Ohio. One test-taker passed by only 4 points after guessing on many math questions. Ohio provides an $80 voucher for first-time test-takers to help cover the $36 per subject cost ($144 total).
Is GED Easy?
The GED test is not necessarily easy, but it can be passed with proper preparation. The GED test is relatively easy to pass if you come prepared by familiarizing yourself with the test format, content, and time limits. However, assuming you don’t need to spend time getting familiar with the testing format can make the GED test difficult.
Appropriate preparation is required to pass the GED test successfully. Identify your strengths and weaknesses, and focus your studies on the areas you need more work on. Take practice tests regularly to measure your progress and get comfortable with the test format.
Study consistently, creating a study schedule to keep you on track. Find a good GED preparation program that meets your needs and stick with it until testing day. The GED test is time-pressured, with limited time (from 70 to 150 minutes, depending on the subject) for around 35-40 questions per subject.
Many GED test-takers feel they could have done much better if they had more time.