What Can I Do To Study for The GED?

Question:
Dear Guidance Counselor,

I live at home with my Dad and can only pay to put food in my mouth. How can I get the proper help that I need to continue my education so I can further myself in life? Right now,  I’m struggling so hard and I can’t provide the things that I need for myself. I want to take the GED as soon as I can. Thanks, Nick

Answer:
Dear Nick,

It sounds like you are going through a hard time and I appreciate you taking the time to write. Getting your GED is certainly a step that can increase the possibility of a better job and life for yourself. I am concerned, however, about your statement that you want to go get it as soon as you can. The GED is a battery of five tests that covers the span of high school knowledge: language arts (reading and writing), math, science, and social studies. This set of tests can take up to seven hours to finish.

I guess what I am saying, Nick, is do take the GED but be really sure you are prepared first. That way you will have the best chance for success.

Study for the GED

So what can you do to study for the GED? First, let me clarify that the GED is a group of tests that must be taken at an official GED testing site. Every state has at least a few and you will find them by looking at the American Council on Education GED website. Although I have written the following in many articles, I feel it is important to repeat as I am often asked about it:

You Cannot Take the GED Online.

I understand why people want to take the GED online for convenience and flexibility, but the only way you can get the official credential is by passing the exam at a testing site.

The good news is that you can certainly use online resources to prepare for the GED. I am going to suggest that you consider taking the GED a bit farther off in the future– maybe a few months from now. Until then, spend some time every day or every week studying the material you need to learn.

You may wonder where to begin. An excellent source is the American Council on Education’s GED preparation locator. By selecting your state, you will find out what community colleges and adult education centers in your area offer in-person preparation. The advantage to going to a classroom type preparation is that you can ask the instructor questions and receive live guidance and feedback. There are even practice questions on this GED website to get you started.

If you are an independent learner with good motivation, you can also take GED preparatory classes online. These classes will give you extensive guidance in the material, but you will also need to have the discipline and focus to do your work at home.

In summary, go after your dream but make sure that you spend the proper amount of time  to prepare yourself. Getting a GED is an important milestone and a good investment in your future.

Tags: american council on education, ged, online

Filled Under: Finding the Right Career - Karen Jo @ January 3rd, 2011 Comments (10)

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