What colleges accept GED credits?

Yes, nearly all U.S. colleges accept GED credits, especially community colleges with open admissions, but some universities (both 2-year and 4-year) might require higher scores, placement tests, or extra steps like SAT/ACT scores for direct entry into bachelor's programs, with many institutions now recognizing "College Ready" GED scores for course placement or even credit.

What schools accept GED college credits?

Practically every college and university in the U.S. accepts a GED diploma. More and more schools are also recognizing GED College-Ready and College-Ready Plus Credit scores. If your GED scores are in these ranges, you can skip the SAT, ACT, or state-specific college placement tests to enroll in these schools.

Can you get college credits from GED?

GED® College Ready + Credit: Test-takers who score in the GED® College Ready + Credit level (175-200) demonstrate some of the skills that are taught in college-level courses and may be eligible for up to 3 credits in Math, 3 credits in Science, 3 credits in Social Studies, and 1 credit in English.

Can I use my GED to get into college?

Yes, you can absolutely go to college with a GED, as nearly all U.S. colleges accept it as equivalent to a high school diploma, but you might need to meet extra requirements like placement tests or higher GED scores, especially for competitive programs. Community colleges are a great starting point, and showing strong academic performance in your first few courses, alongside other achievements like work or volunteer experience, helps strengthen your application. 

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. 

Can I Get Into College with a GED?

Does Harvard accept the 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. 

Is it harder to get into 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. 

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 is my GPA if I got a GED?

To convert your GED to a GPA, divide your total score by the number of sections on the test you took. Most students are tested on five sections of the GED. For example, if your total score was 2300 and you took five sections, your average GED score would be 460 (2300/5 = 460).

What are the disadvantages of getting 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.
 

How long do GED credits last?

Q. When do these GED tests expire? They don't! Since you are not buying vouchers, but actual tests, they don't expire.

What careers can you get with a GED?

What Jobs Will a GED Qualify Me For?

• Food Preparation and Service. ...
• Legal Professions. ...
• Community and Social Service Careers. ...
• Personal Care and Service and Healthcare. ...
• Office and Administrative Support. ...
• Sales. ...
• Protective Services. ...
• Building and Grounds Cleaning.

Can I skip high school and go to college?

Yes, it is possible to attend college without a high school diploma or GED. While most colleges require these credentials for admission, there are other options. Some institutions allow you to demonstrate your academic capabilities through assessment or placement tests.

How many college credits can you get from a GED?

GED® College

Scoring above 175 (on any test subject) means you have demonstrated skills that could qualify for up to 10 college credit hours.

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. 

What percent of colleges accept GED?

Nearly 98% of U.S. colleges accept applicants who have a GED diploma, according to the GED testing service. In addition to qualifying for college credits, having high GED test scores may also help you get out of taking some college placement tests.

Can I attend college with a GED?

Yes, you can absolutely go to college with a GED, as nearly all U.S. colleges accept it as equivalent to a high school diploma, but you might need to meet extra requirements like placement tests or higher GED scores, especially for competitive programs. Community colleges are a great starting point, and showing strong academic performance in your first few courses, alongside other achievements like work or volunteer experience, helps strengthen your application. 

What's a perfect GED score?

GED® Test score requirements are: Required minimum standard score of 145 on each test (Max possible: 200)

Do universities look at GED scores?

Demonstrating Your Strengths with a 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.

Is a GED better than a diploma?

A high school diploma is generally considered better than a GED because it often leads to higher earnings, better college acceptance rates, and is viewed more favorably by employers, signaling greater commitment, though both prove high school-level knowledge. A diploma shows completion of a multi-year program, while a GED is an equivalency test, making the diploma a stronger indicator of academic engagement and future readiness, though the GED offers flexibility for those needing an alternative path.
 

How do companies check if you graduated high school?

Employers verify high school diplomas by contacting the school's registrar, using third-party background check services like National Student Clearinghouse, or asking candidates for official transcripts, ensuring compliance with laws like FERPA by getting the applicant's consent through a signed release. This process confirms graduation dates, enrollment, and the legitimacy of claimed credentials, helping to prevent hiring risks from falsified information, say resources from GCheck. 

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.

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.
 

Has anyone gotten into Harvard with a GED?

Harvard does accept GED graduates, but admission is highly competitive. Beyond earning your GED, you'll need strong academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and a compelling application. The first step to reaching your goals is passing the GED with a high score—and that requires proper preparation.

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.