| If you're among the 34 to 38 million adults | | | | lifetime with a GED. Research shows that |
| in the US who never graduated from high | | | | people with a GED make an average of $385,000 |
| school, then you've probably considered | | | | more in their lifetime than people who don't |
| getting your GED, the adult learner's | | | | have a GED or high school diploma. |
| alternative to a high school diploma. The GED | | | | |
| is worth considering -- and worth getting. | | | | 3. Passing the GED test will make you more |
| | | | valuable to your employer because you've |
| The GED, or General Education Development | | | | gained or proven basic writing, math and |
| credential, is awarded to people who pass an | | | | thinking skills. You'll probably find it's |
| exam that measures basic skills, knowledge | | | | easier to get a work promotion once you have |
| and the ability to apply skills and | | | | your GED. |
| knowledge. The GED test is actually a | | | | |
| five-part series, covering math, science, | | | | 4. Having the GED opens up a lot of doors for |
| social studies, reading and writing. Even | | | | advanced training. Most specialized training |
| though some companies promote it, the actual | | | | programs require either a high school diploma |
| GED test is not given online. It's monitored | | | | or a GED. And with a GED, you'll be eligible |
| by a federal agency, the American Council on | | | | for most workplace or on-the-job training |
| Education (ACE), which has official testing | | | | programs, along with higher educational |
| sites across the US and Canada. | | | | opportunities. |
| | | | |
| The test isn't too difficult if you study for | | | | 5. The GED credential is a viable 'diploma.' |
| it. But it may take some time and preparation | | | | It enables access to work choice, advanced |
| since you'll want to re-learn material you | | | | workplace training, as well as access to |
| haven't seen since high school. You may want | | | | higher educational opportunities. The GED is |
| to take some GED practice tests to find out | | | | considered -- and accepted -- as an |
| what you need to study, or enroll in classes | | | | equivalent to a high school diploma by |
| or a study program to help you accomplish | | | | approximately 97% of colleges and |
| your educational goal. | | | | universities in the U.S., and 95% of |
| | | | employers. |
| Why should you bother with the GED test? Just | | | | |
| consider the following facts and research | | | | 6. You'll probably feel better about yourself |
| that demonstrate the benefits of a GED | | | | with a GED because you've accomplished |
| credential: | | | | something that only 60% of high school |
| | | | graduates can do. |
| 1. A GED will help you get a job, and even | | | | |
| keep it. Employers would rather hire someone | | | | 7. Consider the impact on your family. Your |
| who has the basic skills to pass the GED test | | | | family benefits because a GED is a way to |
| than someone who does not. Completing the GED | | | | increase financial security. Research also |
| means that the graduate has the fortitude to | | | | shows that once parents get a GED, they're |
| successfully finish a seven and one-half hour | | | | more likely to encourage their children to |
| exam. This GED is not a small thing. | | | | seek educational opportunities and complete |
| | | | educational milestones. |
| 2. You can expect to earn more money in your | | | | |