Podcast Transcript: More Information About the GED® Credential
Welcome to another episode of the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center’s GED Podcast. In our previous episode, we tried to give you a clearer understanding of the General Educational Development credential and how you can earn a certificate yourself. During this episode, we'll explain why earning a GED credential may be the right choice for you.
First, you may be wondering to yourself: What is the GED exactly?
The GED Tests are a group of five tests that measure skills that correspond to those of recent high school graduates. The skills tested include: understanding and applying information; evaluating, analyzing, and drawing conclusions; and, expressing ideas and opinions in writing.
The five areas the GED test covers are reading, writing, science, social studies, and math. However, it is mostly your problem solving and critical thinking skills that are tested when you take the GED Tests.
So, getting your GED credential certifies that you have the same or better skills than a high school graduate. The tests measure your "General Educational Development" – your "G-E-D." That’s what the letters stand for.
The most common reasons for taking the GED test are:
- To get a better job
- Be able to enroll in college
- To make more money
- To set an example for others, like your children or grandchildren
- For your own sense of accomplishment
So, why do you need your GED credential?
While you think about that, let’s talk about what the GED certificate can do for you.
Did you know that people who have earned a GED certificate earn $7000 more per year than people without a GED credential or high school diploma? The GED certificate might be required for the job you want, or it might be required for you to move up in the company you work for.
To increase your earning potential, it is a good idea to continue your education after passing the GED Tests. With a GED credential, you can enroll at a community college and work toward an associate’s degree. If you want a bachelor’s degree, 95% of all 4-year universities and colleges accept the GED certificate. However, you need to check with the admissions department of the university or college you are interested in to find out if there is a minimum GED score required. Or, you can do both: If you maintain a high grade average at a community college, you can transfer to a 4-year school regardless of your scores on the GED test or your grades in high school. In other words, the future is what you make of it once you have passed the GED Tests.
So, don't delay. Give us a call at 877-376-9433 in Virginia, or 800-626-9433 for all other states. You can also locate your local adult education program on the Internet at www.gedvirginia.com.
This installment of the GED Podcast was produced by the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center with funds provided by the Virginia Department of Education's Office of Adult Education & Literacy. Click here to download a PDF version of this transcript.
GED® and the GED Testing Service® are registered trademarks of the American Council on Education® and may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of the American Council on Education.