Can You Go to a College with a GED: Exploring Your Options

A General Educational Development Test (GED) is a bundle of courses intended to assess a student’s mastery of standard study courses at high school in the US. To pass this exam, you should score on the four area tests, i.e., science, math, social studies, and language arts. A majority of institutes welcome GED holders as applicants. Since it’s an accepted substitute for a high school diploma, it offers numerous choices to students who pursue a different path. So, whether you want to obtain a GED or already have one, are you still wondering can you go to a college with a GED? Let’s explore!

Can You Go to a College with a GED

If you’re considering schooling after a GED, you may inquire, can you go to a college with a GED? This article will answer this query.

Is GED the Same as a High School Diploma

High acceptance rate colleges often offer students outstanding options, specifically GED holders. Your GED is proof that you passed the tests. In contrast, a high school diploma certifies your completion of the required graduation courses.

However, there are many similarities between a high school diploma and a GED. Firms usually classify them into the same category since they are seen as nearly equal. For example, job advertising lists jobs with a high school diploma or the equivalent of a GED. 

Find Your GED Score

Your GED grade will be a string of digits from 100 and 200. An average of 145 is required to pass the GED. If you complete the exam, you will earn a GED and be able to apply to institutes and jobs. Similarly, a GED result of 165–174 is deemed college-ready. If your GED level falls between 175 and 200 (the highest attainable score), you are labelled as College Ready+.

Get Your GED Transcripts

Requesting your GED transcript digitally is simple. You can also obtain a GED transcript on behalf of someone else; for example, you might ask for your child’s transcript. The ordered transcripts should arrive in two weeks.

When filling out college applications, be careful to distinguish your diploma. Get the document attesting to your GED with your transcript. So, it is a detailed record of your test subjects and results.

Tips for Applicants with GED

Here are some tips for applicants with a GED:

Do Some Research

Most colleges accept applicants with a GED or other HSE, but not all of them. Researching what is required for the degree program is a good idea. Likewise, you should know where to enroll in the college you want to apply to. For instance, graphic design applicants might have their creative portfolio reviewed.

Talk to Admissions

The admissions office will answer students’ questions about whether can you go to college with a GED. It is an excellent resource for accurate details on a college’s admission criteria regarding GEDs. The office can also assist with any inquiries regarding obtaining college credit. It includes College Ready+ credit for a GED score of 175 or more.

Get Recommendation Letter

Applicants to certain schools and colleges may be required to submit one to three letters of reference. Including a reference letter may boost your application and is highly advised. Former instructors, mentors, leaders, military officials, and the heads of any club are excellent sources for this letter.

Compare Tuition and Application Costs

Costs linked with tuition and applications differ widely among the colleges and programs. Make sure to compare prices, such as annual in-state vs. out-of-state tuition. Likewise, the cost of each credit and the total number of credits required to graduate vary. Any expenses for books, transport, or food, as well as the cost of living while attending college, are even altered.

Investigate Loans and Financial Grants

School fees are increasing, but there are ways to minimise them. Grants and fellowships are one method. Many institutes provide need-based grants that can be combined with other funding, like the NU Key Grant. Contact your admissions office or look into outside resources like the CLS or FSA to learn more about your eligibility.

Types of Colleges That Accept GEDs

The answer of can you go to a college with a GED also depends upon the type of college. Students with a GED may be accepted to community, junior, and technical colleges. By attending, you can gain experience taking classes at the college level. It can help you get off to a solid start in college. You can raise your GPA to the point where it will help you get into a BS program. Moreover, research should be done before applying to an online college.

Ways To Prepare For GED

Many test takers can pick their method of reviewing using high-quality materials to prepare for the GED. The exam lessons are available for applicants to watch on the GED website. Free arithmetic guide sheets, subject-specific tutorials, and practice tests are available. Hence, numerous websites provide GED test courses. These include self-checking quizzes, practice exams, and short video sessions.

Benefits of Pursuing A Degree With a GED

A GED can offer many future college students a route to study further and boost their earning potential. According to research, workers with an associate degree make almost 18% more money than those with a high school diploma. Further, higher education might position you for higher-level jobs with more room for growth. Hence, don’t let not having a high school graduation deter you from going to college if you have a GED.

The Bottom Line

A GED is the same as a high school degree. You have to take and pass a series of exams. While some states pay for each subject exam, others give GED exams at no cost. You must receive a minimum of 145 in every subject for your GED. Therefore, can you go to a college with a GED? You can apply to most US colleges with a set of criteria. So before applying, do some research.

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