Can You Go to College With a GED in 2024?

If you’ve ever wondered if you can go to college with a GED, you're not alone. Many people aren’t sure if a GED is equivalent to a high school diploma when it comes to getting into college, but I am here to tell you, yes, it is. Sometimes, our circumstances interrupt our ability to attend and graduate from high school, and that’s okay! The important thing is knowing that getting a GED doesn’t have to disrupt your future plans to go to college.

Today’s article is designed to help you understand more about the transition between your GED and college. We'll explore what a GED is, how colleges view the GED and the steps you'll need to take in order to go from being a GED holder to becoming a college student. By the end, you will have gained valuable insights into the GED-to-college process and have new knowledge on how to navigate through the GED process with confidence. So, let's get started on our quest to discover how your GED can open doors to higher education.

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What's a GED and How Do You Earn It?

In case you were wondering, going to college with a GED is within your reach. But what exactly is it? How can you go to college with a GED?

A GED, or general education diploma, refers to a set of tests that assess whether someone has high school-level academic skills. When you pass these tests, you receive a certification that is considered equivalent to a high school diploma in all 50 U.S. states and Canada.

Now, let’s take a deeper look at the GED process and the steps needed to complete it.

Understanding College Admission Requirements for GED Holders

Navigating through the college admission process as a GED holder may seem complex, but understanding the requirements and expectations can ease any stress you may feel. While it’s common for each institution to have its criteria, there are common elements GED graduates should be aware of when applying to college.

Application Process for GED Students

Prospective students with a full GED certificate will follow a similar application process to those with a high school diploma. This usually includes:

• Completing the Application Form: Whether through the Common Application, individual college applications, or other platforms, GED holders fill out the same forms as other applicants.
• Submitting Transcripts: Colleges will require your official GED transcript, which serves as proof of your academic achievement.
• Essay Submissions: Personal essays are often a critical component of the application, offering a chance to showcase individuality and motivation.
• Providing Letters of Recommendation: These should come from individuals who can attest to your abilities and character, such as employers or mentors if traditional school references are not available.

Understanding the GED Testing Process

The GED testing process consists of two placement tests and four subject area tests:

1. Mathematical Reasoning
2. Reasoning Through Language Arts
3. Social Studies
4. Science

These exams are designed to evaluate your knowledge and application of skills typically acquired during four years of high school education. To be eligible for these exams, you need to meet certain requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years old.
• You cannot be currently enrolled in high school.
• You must not have already earned a high school diploma.

You can register for online testing at GED.com. On their website, you'll be able to create an online test account, find testing locations near you, and schedule your tests.

Understanding Your GED Score

Your GED score is a three-digit number ranging from 100 to 200, divided into several performance categories: Passing, College Ready, and College Ready+. Here's a detailed breakdown of what each score range means:

Passing Score:

Range: 145 to 164

Implications: Scoring within this range means you have passed the GED test. A score of 145 or higher on each subject test is required to earn your GED credential, allowing you to apply for colleges and jobs​ (GED)​​ (GED Prep)​.

College Ready:

Range: 165 to 174

Implications: Scores in this range indicate that you possess the skills necessary to begin college-level courses. This might exempt you from taking placement tests or remedial courses, saving you both time and money as you pursue your degree​ (GED)​​ (GED)​.

College Ready+:

Range: 175 to 200

Implications: Achieving a score in this range suggests that you have demonstrated proficiency in skills typically taught in college-level courses. Depending on the program and institution, you may be eligible to receive up to 10 college credits. This can include up to 3 credits each in Math, Science, and Social Studies, and 1 credit in Humanities​ (GED)​​ (GED Prep)​.

By understanding these score categories, you can better gauge your readiness for college and potentially accelerate your educational journey by earning college credits while completing your GED.

Studying for the GED

It goes without saying that preparing to take the GED is crucial if you want to pass the tests. So, here are some study strategies and resources that can help you:

• GED study guides: These comprehensive guides provide reviews of each subject, practice questions, and tips for taking the test.
• Online courses: Websites like Khan Academy offer free online courses covering various topics tested in the GED exams.
• Practice tests: Regularly taking practice tests will make you more familiar with the exam format and improve your time management skills.

Whether you're studying on your own or attending a local GED program, it's important to stay consistent and dedicated in your efforts.

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Exploring Different Pathways With a GED

Also, don’t let the GED stigma stop you from thinking big. A GED can open doors for multiple educational opportunities. It is a widely accepted certification recognized by accredited colleges and online universities across the nation, and it’s valuable to employers, as well. How, you ask? Let’s go over it.

Traditional Colleges and Universities

Traditional colleges and universities are the first and most popular educational opportunities available to GED holders. Many institutions welcome GED graduates with open arms, so you shouldn't worry about the GED-affect-college-acceptance myth. They understand the commitment required to earn a GED and appreciate the unique perspective these students bring to college courses.

• Notable mentions: Penn State University and Kaplan University both consider GED holders as standard applicants for their undergraduate programs.

Online Universities

Online universities represent another viable opportunity. These institutions offer flexibility that can be beneficial for non-traditional students who may have work or family commitments.

• Notable mentions: Western Governors University and Southern New Hampshire University are among many online institutions that accept students with a GED.

Community Colleges and Vocational Schools

In addition to traditional and online universities and technical colleges, there are also community colleges and vocational schools that can accept applicants with GEDs. These institutions often provide career-focused programs that can lead to employment after graduation.

As a former GED exam holder, it's essential to consider:

1. The acceptance rate of GED students at your chosen institution
2. If the college provides support services for non-traditional students
3. Flexibility of class schedules
4. Your own career goals and how the college's program aligns with them

Having a GED does not limit your educational prospects but rather expands them in various directions – whether it be traditional colleges, online universities, community colleges, or vocational schools. The key is to explore all available options to find the one that best fits your career aspirations.

Dispelling Misconceptions About College Acceptance with a GED

When it comes to attending a community college or college with a GED, several questions arise regarding eligibility. These myths and misconceptions can create unnecessary apprehension when pursuing your education or college credits, so before we get lost in doubt, let's clear up the confusion:

1. Myth 1: GED holders are not eligible for college admission. This is not true. A GED is recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most colleges, universities, and employers across the United States.
2. Myth 2: Colleges look down on GED holders. This is also incorrect. Many colleges understand that every student has a unique story and that getting a GED may have been the best option for some students. In fact, some colleges view GED holders as determined individuals who have demonstrated resourcefulness and resilience in the face of adversity.
3. Myth 3: All GED holders are automatically placed in remedial classes. While this may be true in some cases, depending on an individual student’s academic readiness, it's not a universal rule. Many GED graduates perform well in regular college-level courses without needing any additional support.
4. Myth 4: Obtaining a GED is an easy workaround to avoid high-school challenges. In reality, a passing score in the GED exams requires substantial knowledge in various subjects, including Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Reasoning through Language Arts.
5. Myth 5: Admissions officers prefer traditional high school diplomas over GEDs.While each institution has its own policies, many admissions officers consider more than just your method of secondary education completion. They take into account factors such as personal essays, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, work experience, and standardized test scores.

The moral of the myth-busting: getting your GED does not close doors – it opens them. By earning your GED, you've proven your commitment to furthering your education despite obstacles you may have encountered along the way.

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Embracing Your Educational Journey with a GED

Most importantly, having a GED still offers an abundance of opportunities for those who’ve taken a non-traditional path to higher education. Those who chose the GED route are often driven by determination and self-motivation, amongst other qualities that resonate well in the college environment.

Unique Strengths of GED Graduates

• Resilience: GED education requires dedication and perseverance. These attributes are highly valued in both academic settings and the workplace.
• Diverse Perspectives: Having possibly faced unique life challenges, GED holders can contribute different viewpoints to classroom discussions, enriching the learning experience for all.
• Adaptability: Successfully navigating the journey to achieve a GED diploma showcases an ability to adapt to different situations—a skill that is critical in today’s ever-changing job market.

Career Opportunities for GED Holders

GED graduates have access to a wide array of career paths. Some may choose to pursue specialized vocational training, while others might opt for a four-year college degree leading to careers in fields such as:

• Healthcare: Nursing, healthcare administration, or public health
• Technology: Information technology, computer science, or cybersecurity
• Education: Teaching, counseling, or educational administration
• Business: Finance, marketing, or entrepreneurship

Remember, your GED is not just a ticket to higher education; it's a testament to your resilience and determination and can lead to a prosperous future. Use it to push you forward in the educational path that suits you best.

Also, individuals with a GED or associate degree are often driven by qualities that resonate well in the college environment and beyond. And no matter which way you go, each path offers potential for personal growth and professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions about General Education Diplomas

Can you retake the GED test to get a better score?

Yes, you can retake the GED (general educational development) test if you want to improve your score. Many people choose to use a GED testing service in order to get better results. Though you can settle with the minimum GED test score, there is always room for improvement and impression!

The rules for retaking the test and any waiting periods that apply depend on where you live, so it's a good idea to contact your local GED testing center for more information. I recommend taking a GED practice test to challenge yourself and aim high!

Is a GED the same as a high school diploma?

A GED is widely accepted as being equivalent to a high school diploma, but there is a difference between the two. A high school diploma is awarded after completing the college-level classes and required coursework, while a GED is earned by passing a series of tests that assess your knowledge and skills at a high school level. Both can open doors to different careers and education opportunities, but as stated, some institutions and employers may have specific preferences.

Is it harder to get into college with a GED?

While it's true that applying to college with a GED may present some challenges, many colleges and universities do accept students who have earned their GED; the GED has nothing to do with earning college credit. The admission requirements can vary from one school to another, so it’s important to do your research prior to applying.

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