Is the GED Right for Your Teen?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the benefits of a high school diploma or a GED are more than financial. In addition to earning over $8,000 a year more on average, Americans with a high school diploma or GED certification were more also more likely to be employed and reported being in better health than those without. For many young people who leave high school before graduation, a GED is a key step in applying for college or joining the workforce. Homeschooled students may also benefit from a GED diploma as part of their educational path. Whatever your teen's reasons, it's worth knowing a little bit about the GED before you make a decision. The GED, which stands for General Educational Development, is a series of exams which test equivalencies in five areas: Reading, Writing, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. Tests are administered in certified testing centers, and if you live in a city, you and your teen may have more than one to choose from. Each state issues its own diploma, and students who score well may receive an honors distinction. Costs vary by testing center and state.

So how do you begin?

First of all, be sure that the GED is right for your teen. While the diploma certifies that the test-taker has a command of the topics required for high school equivalency, there is still a cultural bias against the GED. Employers and universities may regard a GED diploma as inferior to a high school diploma, so if you and your teen are looking for an 'easy out' from high school, you might think twice. If you home-school, this is an excellent reason to check if your state has an equivalency certification other than the GED for homeschooled students. You might consider contacting schools and employers that your teen is interested to find out about their policies with regard to the GED.

Each state also has a set of eligibility criteria for individuals who wish to take the GED, including residency and age requirements. Individuals who wish to take the GED cannot already have a high school diploma or GED certificate, and cannot be concurrently enrolled in an accredited high school. Your state's GED testing program can provide you with more information.

When and if you and your teen decide that the GED is the right next step, it's time to prepare for the exams. That means finding a testing center, as well as choosing a preparation program.

One way to study for the GED is by using test preparation books available online, at your local mall, or at independent book shop. Companies like Kaplan, McGraw-Hill, Barron's, and others publish an array of both complete GED and subject test review guides, many of which come with practice tests and tutorials in CD-ROM format. Since the GED is updated periodically, so be sure to use new books!

Another option is to enroll in a GED preparation course. Check with your local adult education center for options in your area, or look online. As always, when shopping online, be sure to research any product or program before buying.

When your teen is ready to take the exams, your local testing center will be able to offer information about testing times and rates. Remember that your teen can sit each exam individually. Also, individuals taking the GED can re-take failed exams within a year of beginning, so if your teen has difficulty initially, be sure to encourage him or her to keep trying.

For more information on the GED, or to find a testing center near you, visit the American Council on Education website.

Sources:

US Department of Education, "Dropout Rates in the United States: 2002 and 2003", National Center for Education Statistics

"General Educational Development", Wikipedia

American Council on Education