How do you study for the GED?
Study one GED subject at a time. Take a practice test for each subject first, then spend most of your weeks on the weakest one, usually math. You need 145 on each of the four subjects to pass, on a scale of 100 to 200. Review every miss, and sit the real test when your practice scores say you are ready.
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In more detail
The GED has four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. You can take them one at a time, in any order, so there is no need to be ready for all four on the same day. Rules, fees and testing options differ by state, so check GED.com for yours.
Start with the official GED Ready practice test for a subject. It gives you a score and shows whether you are likely to pass. Most people find math the hardest, so it usually gets the most weeks. Science and Social Studies lean on reading charts, graphs and short passages, which you can train with practice questions and a short list of key terms.
GED subjects at a glance
| Subject | Time |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 minutes |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts | 150 minutes |
| Science | 90 minutes |
| Social Studies | 70 minutes |
Step by step
- 1
Check your state's GED rules, fees and whether you can test at home or only at a center.
- 2
Take the official GED Ready practice test for one subject to see where you stand.
- 3
Plan your order: many people pass their strongest subject first for momentum, and give math the most weeks.
- 4
For math, review fractions, percents, algebra and geometry, and practice with the on-screen calculator.
- 5
For Language Arts, practice short passages and the written response: plan for a few minutes, write, then check your work.
- 6
For Science and Social Studies, practice reading charts and graphs, learn key terms with flashcards, and retake a practice test before you book the real one.
How StudyPDF helps
Upload your GED workbook pages or class notes and StudyPDF builds flashcards, quizzes and a timed practice exam from them, and tracks the topics you keep missing. You can take free GED practice tests in your browser at GED Practice Test and GED Math Practice Test. A free account is needed to make your own, no card.
Sources
See also
- AnswerHow do you study for the ASVAB?
- AnswerHow do you study for AP World History?
- AnswerHow do you study for APUSH?
- AnswerHow do you study for AP Biology?
- Practice testGED Practice Test
- Practice testGED Math Practice Test
- AnswerHow hard is the GED?
- AnswerWhat is a good ASVAB score?
- AnswerHow many questions are on the GED?
- AnswerGED passing score: what do you need to pass?
- StudyPDFAI Exam Generator
More questions
How long does it take to study for the GED?
It varies a lot. Adults who are rusty often plan one to three months per subject, while someone close to passing on the practice test may need only a few weeks.
What is the passing score on the GED?
You need 145 on each of the four subjects. Scores run from 100 to 200. Scores of 165 or more also count as College Ready, which some schools accept.
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