Top Study Tips to Pass the GED
Teachers often recommend starting with the test subject that is least challenging, to wade in gently with topics that are in your comfort zone. This approach helps build confidence as you gear up for the tough stuff.
To begin, login to your account at GED.com to check out free study guides. You’ll get a sense of all four subjects, then decide which one is best for you to take first.
Social Studies
Social Studies is interesting because there are many visuals involved, such as graphs, maps and charts. These help you understand trends and gather clues through imagery. You won’t feel pressured to answer every question based only on text.
You won’t have to memorize a lot for Social Studies. It’s more about applying concepts that you know already and interpret info presented in the test.
Science
Science uses formulas and analytical thinking. You’ll be given reference sheets during the test, so there’s very little memorization. Practice questions are a great way to stay sharp for Science.
RLA
To make Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA) flow smoothly, get used to absorbing info quickly by reading articles on major news sites. The average article contains 500 to 700 words. Here’s a hint: it typically takes less than a minute to read 100 words. So you’re looking at just a few minutes of reading per article. For example, the blog post you’re reading now is under 400 words long.
Writing is something we do everyday, like texting and posting to social media; but when it comes to long-form essays, it’s great to have a writing tutor help you along. This virtual expert will help you organize thoughts, make content flow, catch spelling errors and clear up grammar confusion…like when to use an ellipsis.
Math
Many students agree that Math is the toughest subject. By enrolling in a local class or taking online courses, you can learn the skills you need to pass, such as algebra. Also, practicing a little at a time makes Math easier to get through. In just a few minutes a day, try GED Flash for thousands of interactive questions at home or on-the-go.
Last but not least, here’s a tip for test day from Captain Obvious: “Get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated.”
Have other study tips that you’d like to share with other GED students? Put them in the comments below.
I am an adult who dropped out in middle of junior year and never got his GED before this. I definitely need to get this, but I only know basic math. Algebra makes absolutely no sense to me and everyone older adult to talk to about this says they have never needed to know it. Why is it on the GED test? I have doubts I can learn it. I believe it will keep me from passing my GED and I need to start work yesterday!
Hi Josh! Algebra is on the GED test because it is part of the high school math curriculum. If you’re struggling with the algebra portion we suggest looking for in-person classes or trying online classes specifically for math. We also offer other great study tools like GED Flash practice questions and a free study guide. You can definitely learn algebra!
Hi Josh. Contact your local Adult Education office and they’ll give you information on where to take the GED in your area. For me, the community college offers the GED program and my initial cost was $60 and that included a huge GED study book plus I have online class 2 nights a week (2 subjects on Tues. and 2 on Thurs.). This might really help you a lot.
Just an FYI: I feel the same way you do. I’ve been out of school since 1980 (failed the 12th grade due to absences.) Then I enrolled in my community college for a degree but when I took my assesment test, I had to do some intermediate math and I failed the simple algebra math and I barely passed Alg. 100 & 101, but I had a lot of support there with tutoring and I did make a big difference.
Why was the Apex Learning online program removed as an option on the Study Materials list as an approved vendor for the GED Ready and GED Test score reports?
Apex used to offer only Math and RLA software linked material, but, this year, they now offer all 4 content areas as software linked material under Tutorials. My school district uses Apex Learning for credit recovery, and Apex offers us an excellent alternative to other linked materials.
Hi Marisa. Apex Learning was not removed from the score report – both the RLA and Math online learning programs are still there. For more information you can contact Chris Blaisdell at Chris.Blaisdell@ged.com. Thank you!
I, need to retake the math portion of the GED I’ve pass the other sections have study materials been updated for the math section or still using 2000 edition?
Kim Anderson
Hi Kim. We’re now using the 2014 version.
This will be the 6th time taking this social studies test ,I feel so behind, like I passed all the other’s but this one,I’ve been working on for 2yrs on and off ,I’ll get discouraged and stop ,wait 2mths start again, like this time I need to get this done I just don’t know what I’m missing 🤦🏾♀️I’ve scored 142,144 ….and all I need is a 145 and can’t get it,so FRUSTRATING, I need tips
Same i failed 5 times but passed in September with a 157 but i went on youtube search up “david cohen” he has good videos also look up test prep champion on youtube
Same🤔☹