Unlocking Opportunities: Understanding the General Educational Development (GED) Credential
A high school diploma signifies high school graduation, but what happens if the traditional path isn't an option? The General Educational Development (GED) test offers an alternative route to achieving a high school equivalency credential. This article delves into the GED, exploring its purpose, structure, benefits, and how it compares to a traditional high school diploma.
What is the GED?
The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of four academic subject tests in the United States and its territories certifying academic knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma. Passing the GED test gives those who do not complete high school, or who do not meet requirements for high school diploma, the opportunity to earn a Certificate of High School Equivalency or similarly titled credential.
Many people assume that GED stands for General Equivalency Diploma or Graduate Equivalency Degree. In actuality GED stands for a specific pathway for demonstrating minimum high school learning mastery - the General Education Development test. That’s right, it’s a certification that you took a test that covers most basic minimum-level high school curriculum and you passed.
History and Development
The American Council on Education (ACE) developed the GED in the 1940s to help veterans who had joined the military without finishing high school. Passing the test allowed them access to colleges or jobs requiring a high school diploma. The American Council on Education, in Washington, D.C., which owns the GED trademark, coined the initialism to identify "tests of general equivalency development" that measure proficiency in science, mathematics, social studies, reading, and writing. The GED Testing Service is a joint venture of the American Council on Education. Pearson is the sole developer for the GED test.
In November 1942, the United States Armed Forces Institute asked the American Council on Education (ACE) to develop a battery of tests to measure high school-level academic skills. These tests gave military personnel and veterans who had enrolled in the military before completing high school a way to demonstrate their proficiency. ACE revised the GED tests for a third time in 1988. The most noticeable change to the series was the addition of a writing sample, or essay. The new tests placed more emphasis on socially relevant topics and problem-solving skills. A fifth revision was released, designed to be administered on Pearson VUE, a proprietary computer-based testing platform.
Read also: UCLA Residency Program
GED Test Structure and Content
The General Educational Development Test consists of four subject tests that, once passed, earn you a high school equivalency credential. Does this sound familiar? If so, it’s because they’re subjects commonly taught in high school. You will have earned your credential after you successfully pass these four exams.
The GED tests are available in English and Spanish in several states. The test is taken in person.
Eligibility and Cost
Regulations governing who is eligible to take the GED vary by state. According to GED Testing Service policy, students at least 16 years old and not enrolled in high school are eligible for the program. However, many states require the candidate to be 17 years old and a resident of the state.
Depending on the state where you live, the cost to take the GED ranges from $30 per section to more than $40 per section, which means taking all four sections often costs at least $120. A few states offer assistance programs and grants to students from challenging financial backgrounds, and most will allow a certain number of free re-takes of a given section (usually two). There are some free resources and practice tests online, but many in-person GED prep classes cost additional money (though some free resources may exist for qualified individuals). In Canada the testing is free in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and the Northwest Territories.
Scoring and Passing Standards
Possible scores on each test (4) within the GED battery range from a minimum of 100 to a maximum of 200. A score of 200 on an individual test puts the student in the top 1% of graduating high school seniors. ACE issues recommendations for what constitutes a minimum passing score for any given sub-test (currently 145) and for the test as a whole (currently 580-i.e., an average of 145 per test across all four sub-tests). states) adopt these minimum standards as their own, a jurisdiction may choose to establish higher standards for issuance of the certificate. Many jurisdictions award honors-level equivalency diplomas to students who meet certain criteria higher than those for a standard diploma in a given jurisdiction. If a student passes one or more, but not all four, tests within the battery, he or she only needs to retake the test(s) not passed.
Read also: Comprehensive Scholarship Guide
GED vs. High School Diploma: Key Differences
Perhaps the time requirement is the key difference in the GED vs. high school diploma question. Traditional high school students typically need four years to complete classes and graduate. The GED is a 7-hour test. For most people, preparing for it takes less than a year.
Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
- Time Commitment: A high school diploma typically requires four years of study, while GED preparation can take significantly less time.
- Curriculum: High school diplomas often offer a broader curriculum with elective courses, while the GED focuses on core academic subjects.
- Learning Environment: High school provides a structured classroom environment with direct interaction with teachers and peers, while GED preparation can be done independently or in a classroom setting.
- Perception: While increasingly accepted, some employers and colleges may still view a high school diploma more favorably than a GED.
Benefits of Obtaining a GED
Despite the differences, the GED offers numerous benefits:
- Access to Higher Education: Most colleges and employers see the GED and a high school diploma as the same. Coupling your GED with a decent ACT or SAT score will improve your chances of getting accepted into a top school.
- Improved Job Opportunities: Many employers view these achievements equally when it comes to a GED vs. a high school diploma, and getting a GED can lead to a higher salary.
- Personal Fulfillment: Earning a GED can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem.
- Flexibility: The GED offers a flexible alternative for individuals who cannot complete a traditional high school program.
Who Should Consider the GED?
The GED may be a good fit for students who repeatedly struggled with high school and simply need a way to show they have fulfilled their high school requirement. However, it is not a good fit for students who are simply “tired” of high school, those who wish to go to college, or those who want full opportunities for advancement within their careers. Many employers now insist upon an accredited high school diploma before moving up past entry-level to any sort of management position. Even the local stock-person, mall cashier, or restaurant server is typically required to have a high school diploma before becoming an assistant or shift manager. For students who have worked hard to be at the top of their academic classes, the GED will not reflect the level of learning they have achieved. Remember, it shows mastery of minimum requirements only. So, ambitious students who think the GED gets them to college coursework faster will quickly find that it limits their options rather than expanding them.
The GED is particularly beneficial for:
Read also: Applying for GM Scholarship
- Individuals who left high school due to unforeseen circumstances, such as family obligations or the need to work.
- Adults who never completed high school and want to improve their job prospects or pursue further education.
- Individuals who prefer a self-paced learning environment.
Online High School Diploma as an Alternative
We understand that the traditional high school model doesn’t fit every student. We also appreciate that just because some students need to have jobs, care for family members, or raise their own children, it doesn’t mean their only option is to drop out and give up on their high school diploma.
For students seeking a more flexible and personalized approach to education, an online high school diploma offers a viable alternative. Choosing to study with CHS does not mean you’re opting for the GED, it means you are deciding to take control of your educational experience by learning online instead of attending school in person. If the school is a public charter school and accredited, an online diploma is the same as traditional high school diploma. It’s simply earned online. Once again, this only applies to private or public charter online schools who are accredited, as Elite is (accreditation pending, coming soon!). Online school allows for a more personalized approach to learning. This is most appealing to struggling and excelling students with time-demanding activities. There are many instances that make studying at home necessary for some teens. If you have dropped out of high school, there’s a good chance it’s not too late to earn your online diploma.
The Importance of Accreditation
It's crucial to ensure that any online high school program is fully accredited. A fully accredited high school diploma offers more benefits and opens more doors than the typical GED or equivalency credential.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
The GED certification itself (i.e., without further post-secondary education or training) does not help people get jobs as much as a high school diploma does. People who have earned the GED credential tend to earn more than dropouts and less than high-school graduates. Economist James Heckman found in a 1993 study that this is primarily due to differences in the characteristics and backgrounds of GED test graduates.
Preparing for the GED
GED.com makes it easy to work toward earning your GED with online resources, study guides, progress goals, practice tests, and more.
The Future of the GED
There are calls for the GED to be abolished. Some argue that it may encourage students to drop out of high school.
tags: #general #equivalency #diploma #definition
