5 Best Study Tips for the GED® Test
By Lena Kelly, Seeds of Literacy volunteer
If you’re looking into taking the GED® test, congratulations! You’re taking your life into your own hands and are ready to work hard. Passing the GED test is a big achievement and something to be very proud of, but you won’t get there without putting in the necessary time. This post explores five best tips for passing the GED test.
1. Find out Where Your Skills Are Now
You’ll want to make sure that you’re focusing on the skills you need to improve to pass the test. One way to do this is to take the official GED Practice Test (called GED Ready), which will give you a sense of your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to what’s on the GED test.
The practice test costs money to take, so another option is to find a program in your area that offers free GED help (like Seeds of Literacy does in Cleveland). These programs will usually give you a test that breaks down your skill levels for free, so they know what kind of help to give you.
2. Make a Study Plan
Studying for the GED test is a big commitment. Making a plan (and sticking to it!) will help make sure that you reach your goal and pass the test. Since life can be so busy, making a schedule that works for your day-to-day life is important. Think about sharing your study plan with friends and family so that they encourage you to stick to it.
Building a schedule will also help stop you from cramming for the test. Cramming is never a good study solution – it’ll leave you tired, stressed, and more likely to forget the information. When you plan ahead, you’ll have used your time better and will feel prepared on test day.
3. Find a Study Space and Stick to It
Between kids, jobs, and other things, it can be hard to find a quiet place to study. But once you decide to study for the GED, your study space becomes really important. Research suggests that studying in the same place every time lowers overall distraction, so if it’s possible, try to study in the same space every time. It’ll help you focus on your studies.
4. Know What Resources Are Available to You
Studying for the GED test is a big commitment, but you don’t have to do it alone. Lots of cities have resources, like through libraries or high schools, to help people study for the test. For example, at Seeds of Literacy, we provide free GED prep and basic education to adults in the Cleveland area. We pair our students with a tutor to help them reach their goal of passing the test. You can learn more about taking GED classes with us here. Even if you’re not in Cleveland, there may be similar resources to help you in your community.
5. Don’t Give Up
There are many reasons you might feel frustrated while studying for the GED test. The material might not always make sense the first (or second, or third) time you review it. Maybe you don’t stick to your study plan and are feeling discouraged. But it’s important to remember why you wanted to take the GED in the first place – you’re reaching for a goal that will improve your life! The fact that you want to take the GED shows that you’re full of ambition and grit. Even when it gets hard, don’t give up. You got this!
About Seeds of Literacy
Seeds of Literacy is a non-profit organization that provides free basic education and GED preparation to adults in the Cleveland area. Together with our students, volunteers, and donors, we are working to break a root cause of poverty: illiteracy.
If you live in the Cleveland area, we’d love to work with you. Check out how to sign up for one-on-one tutoring or learn about our classes and stop by! Together, we’ll make sure you pass the GED test.