Is a GED good enough for college?

Yes, a GED is generally good enough for college, as over 98% of colleges accept it in place of a high school diploma, but you'll need strong GED scores (165+), SAT/ACT scores, essays, and extracurriculars to stand out, especially for four-year universities, with community colleges often being a great starting point.

Is it hard to go to college with a GED?

It's not inherently harder to get into most colleges with a GED, as 98% of U.S. colleges accept them, but it can present different challenges, requiring higher GED test scores (around 165+), strong SAT/ACT scores, and extra effort to showcase readiness through essays or community involvement, especially for competitive schools where a diploma is standard. The path often involves demonstrating equivalent preparation beyond just the credential. 

Do colleges look at GED?

The actual score on the GED sections matters. It is not enough to just pass the test if you want to use the GED to apply to college later on. Colleges will look at your score in each component to help make decisions about admissions. Additionally, showcase community involvement as part of the application.

What colleges accept a GED?

Nearly all colleges and universities in the United States accept a GED as a high school diploma equivalent. However, many schools have additional admissions requirements besides a GED or high school diploma.

What is a good GED score to get into college?

What do Scores at the GED® College Ready Level mean? Students who score 165 - 174 (on any given subject test) have demonstrated college readiness skills.

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Will Harvard accept a GED?

Yes, Harvard accepts applicants with a GED, as they consider it equivalent to a high school diploma, but admission remains highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic preparation, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and unique accomplishments to stand out, not just the GED itself. 

Do GED scores expire?

No, your GED test scores generally do not expire and are valid for life, functioning like a high school diploma once earned; however, this applies to the current computer-based test version, with scores from prior versions (before 2014) often becoming invalid when the exam was updated, requiring you to start over if you hadn't finished then.
 

Can I say I graduated if I got my GED?

Yes, you can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's an official High School Equivalency (HSE) credential, but it's best to be specific and list it as "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or "High School Equivalency Diploma" on resumes and applications, as it's legally recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most employers and colleges. 

What branch does not accept GED?

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is one branch of the military that does not accept a G.E.D. at all. For this reason, G.E.D. applicants are often considered Tier 2 potential recruits by military recruiters while those with a high school diploma are Tier 1.

Do I have a GPA if I get a GED?

To convert your GED to a GPA, divide your total score by the number of sections on the test you took.

What is the downside of a GED?

Disadvantages of a GED include potential employer/college bias favoring traditional diplomas, fewer networking/extracurricular opportunities, lower earning potential in some studies, and the need for significant self-discipline for the self-study format, which might leave knowledge gaps compared to a structured high school curriculum. It also comes with testing fees, unlike free public high school diplomas, and may not be accepted by certain programs or the military as readily.
 

What is the lowest GPA a college will accept?

The lowest GPA to get into college can be around a 2.0, but it depends heavily on the school, with community colleges and some state universities often accepting this or slightly higher, while selective schools require much higher (3.5+). Some colleges offer open admissions or have specific programs for students with lower GPAs, sometimes accepting students with a high school diploma or GED, but you might need strong essays, extracurriculars, or other factors to stand out. 

What's the lowest GED score?

A passing test score is 145. GED® Test score requirements are: Required minimum standard score of 145 on each test (Max possible: 200) Required total score of 580.

Is a GED impressive?

A GED also is widely recognized by colleges, universities, and employers. That said, there may be a social stigma associated with obtaining a GED versus a diploma, which is something students should consider when deciding which option is best.

Can I get a scholarship with a GED?

There are thousands of scholarships GED certificate holders can apply for. The requirements of each one are unique. Some may be merit-based, while others are based on community service and interests. UTI will make more than $15 million in scholarships and grants available to students in 2022.

Does GED count as a degree?

No, a GED (General Educational Development) is not a degree; it's a High School Equivalency credential, a certificate earned by passing four tests that demonstrate knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma, serving as an alternative for those who didn't finish traditional high school. While most employers and colleges view it as equivalent to a diploma, it's a different path to showing you've met secondary education standards, opening doors to jobs, trade schools, and further college education. 

Can I go straight to college with a GED?

What Colleges Accept the GED Diploma? Nearly 98% of U.S. colleges accept the GED certificate, according to the GED Testing Service. This includes community colleges, vocational schools, private universities, and public universities. College students can study online or in person after earning a GED certificate.

Does the US military accept GED?

You must have a high school or general equivalency diploma (GED) to enlist in the military. There are fewer spots for GED holders to enter the military. If you have a GED, you will have a better chance of joining if you have: Earned college credits.

What degree can I get with no GED?

In some states, students without a high school diploma or GED certificate can earn an associate degree through community college. Other states require a high school or GED diploma. A bachelor's degree from a four-year school also requires these credentials.

Is a GED just like a high school diploma?

A GED (General Educational Development) isn't a high school diploma but a high school equivalency (HSE) credential, meaning it proves you have the same knowledge as someone who graduated high school, making it accepted by most colleges and employers as an equivalent qualification for work or further education. The main difference is a diploma comes from completing four years of high school classes, while a GED comes from passing a series of tests (Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies) that assess high school-level skills.
 

Does GED show up on background check?

GED test scores and specific testing details typically don't appear on standard employment background screenings unless specifically requested by specialized employers. Professional industries increasingly value skills and experience over the specific method of obtaining secondary education credentials.

Can I still be successful with a GED?

Yes! Many successful people have achieved great things with a GED. While it may present some initial challenges, a GED can be a stepping stone to higher education and rewarding careers. Success ultimately depends on your determination, skills, and work ethic.

What is the hardest GED test to pass?

Most GED test-takers find the Mathematics section the hardest due to complex algebra, geometry, and problem-solving, followed by Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) because of the essay, though personal background greatly influences difficulty, with some finding Science or Social Studies more challenging. Math consistently appears as the toughest, with many needing multiple attempts, but proper study focusing on core math skills makes it manageable. 

Is the GED test changing in 2025?

Yes, the GED test changed in 2025, with significant updates including new drag-and-drop question types, a major platform shift to Pearson VUE centers for some locations, higher test fees (to $85/subject), and a new Android app expected, all aiming to better prepare test-takers for modern workforce demands. The updates also introduced fewer free retakes (1 free within 12 months in Ohio) and saw the closure of older testing sites for the new system. 

How many times can I retake my GED test?

It's usually possible to retake the test twice (for a total of 3 testing attempts) without a waiting period. Candidates only have to retake the subject which they failed to get 145 points. For for the first two retakes and done within one year, they are eligible for $10 on each subject failed.