Getting to College Without a High School Diploma
If you could not finish your high school curriculum, you can still earn a high school equivalency (HSE) diploma and pursue your dreams. One of the best and fastest ways to prepare for your HSE exam is to use an accredited GED online course.
All states offer HSE testing programs, and since passing the HSE exam is quite a challenging endeavor, getting properly prepared is highly recommended.
Prep classes are offered at numerous physical prep sites across the nation, but nowadays, there are some well-structured online preparatory programs available as well.
In the U.S., there are two nationally available HSE exams: the GED and HiSET. Upon completing one of these exams, your state will award your HSE diploma.
In the same way as a common high school degree, your HSE diploma allows for a college education and qualifies you for better employment. Some students perform better under the guidance of a teacher, but disciplined students can benefit from the flexibility that comes with online learning and get their GED faster.
Online GED programs
Some developers of online education programs have designed GED preparatory courses that GED Testing Service recognizes as one hundred percent aligned to the current, fully computer-based GED test.
In total, there are 20 online GED preparatory programs that have received this qualification. Some even include courses that stimulate self-learning, and some of these recognized programs even include bonuses, such as motivational courses or GED calculator courses that help students pass the GED math portion more easily.
Usually, online GED courses include many practice tests as well. Taking practice tests allows students to determine which GED subject matter requires their attention most.
If they discover which topics to focus on, they can use their study time more effectively and earn their GED diplomas faster since they don’t have to spend so much time on material they already know and understand.
The GED diploma
The GED diploma is a secondary education credential that has the same academic and legal status as a common high school diploma. Practically all North American institutions of higher education, employers, and government agencies recognize the degree and accept GED holders in the same way as high school graduates.
Since the GED diploma has the same status as a high school diploma, GED holders can apply to college just like high school grads, and they also qualify for federal financial student support.
The GED test
So, GED testing allows adults who have not completed their high school curriculum to earn a diploma that is equivalent to a standard high school degree.
The GED test is made up of four independent, modular sub-exams that, if wished, can be taken one or more at a time and in any preferred order. The four exams measure academic proficiency in the fields of Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
How online courses help to get a high school equivalency diploma
Learning for the GED test with a good online program allows students to earn a high school equivalency quickly and efficiently.
Students should be aware, however, that studying with an online course requires self-discipline on their behalf. That’s why it’s so good that some programs include motivational courses that will help them stay on track and achieve their goals effectively.
Even students who learn better under the guidance of an instructor can benefit from a good online course if they combine online learning with attending a physical class.
Most online GED preparatory programs come with practice tests and include answers with clear explanations. Some online courses have video lessons that come with transcripts so they can read the presented material over and again if they wish.
Independent learning
When working with an online GED program, the students will learn what it means to study independently. They will be stimulated to review the presented material and motivated to achieve good results.
As said before, the GED diploma allows for a college education in the same way a regular high school diploma does. So, learning how to study independently is critical for students’ success in college if they decide to pursue a college degree after achieving their GED.
Preparing students for college
If GED graduates wish to enroll in college, they need to be prepared for the challenges when starting their college education. They should not only benefit from online instruction and practice tests but also read many articles related to life and challenges in college.
A good online course helps students learn the best strategies to pace themselves. The GED exams are timed, and usually, college entrance exams, such as the SAT or ACT, are timed tests as well.
Fortunately, GED students who have achieved “college-ready” scores are often exempt from taking a college entrance exam or a placement test, and if they have reached “college-ready PLUS credit” scores, they may even qualify for college credit!
On the GED test, there are four scoring ranges, and results are calibrated on a 100 to 200 scoring scale. On all sub-exams, the minimum score is 145.
- Results in the 100-144 range – Below Passing Scores
- Results in the 145-164 range – High School Equivalent Scores
- Results in the 165-174 range – College-Ready Scores
- Results in the 175-200 range – Colleg-Ready PLUS Credit Scores
A good online course helps students who have had problems in the traditional educational system achieve their goals with a second chance to earn a secondary education degree.
Many young individuals never completed their high school curriculum due to family circumstances, illnesses, or other reasons. Estimates are that some 30 million Americans don’t hold a high school or equivalent diploma.
Over the last eight decades, the GED program has helped more than 20 million North Americans achieve their GED diploma and pursue a better future through a college education or better employment.
The GED diploma is actually much more than just a diploma! It helps students to develop and improve their skills, leading to success in career growth and higher education.
Good online GED programs help these students boost their educational and professional options and improve their lives with GED preparatory programs that enable them to earn a GED fast!