What GED score do you need for college?

To go to college with a GED, you need a score of 145 on each of the four subject tests to pass, but scoring 165-174 (College Ready) shows readiness for college courses, while 175-200 (College Ready + Credit) can earn you college credits, though specific college requirements vary, so always check with the admissions office.

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.

Do colleges care about GED scores?

Some schools and competitive programs require students to have a minimum GED test score or some prior college credit to be considered for admission. Other institutions require applicants who hold a GED diploma to take additional placement tests.

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 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. 

GED Scores Explained!

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).

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. 

What is a failing GED score?

The GED® test has a passing score of 145 for each test subject. To earn your high school equivalency, you'll need to score 145 or higher on all four subjects.

What's the hardest test on the GED?

Math is often considered the hardest GED subject due to its complex problem-solving and critical-thinking requirements.

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 with a 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 the lowest GPA a college will accept?

The lowest GPA to get into college can technically be near zero at open-enrollment schools or community colleges, but for four-year universities, a 2.0 GPA is often considered the unofficial minimum, though many require 3.0 or higher; however, you can get in with lower GPAs (even 1.2) by applying to schools with less selective admissions or leveraging strong essays, extracurriculars, and mitigating circumstances. 

What is the downside of getting a GED?

However, there are some downsides to a GED. It carries a stigma of not being as robust as a high school degree and may appear as a “red flag” to potential employers. While GEDs are valuable and can help you start a new career or prepare you for college programs, they aren't always treated like a degree.

How do colleges look at GED?

Although a score of 145 is considered passing, many colleges consider scores between 165-174 indicative of readiness for postsecondary study. Additionally, if you have exceptionally high scores, you may be able to qualify for some college credit.

How hard is the GED test in 2025?

Very few people can pass the test without preparing for it first. As long as you put in the time to learn the skills required to pass, the GED test will be a breeze. Know What to Study. Make a study list of skills you need to review based on the high school equivalency test that you'll take.

What grade level is GED math?

The GED math test covers Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, and Graphs & Functions, focusing on applying these concepts to real-world problems, roughly equivalent to 9th-grade math skills but emphasizing practical reasoning rather than advanced algorithms, with topics like fractions, decimals, percentages, equations, and data interpretation being key. You'll use a calculator for most questions, and formula sheets are provided, so it's more about understanding how to use math than complex memorization. 

What is the easiest GED to pass?

So, to answer the question, “Which GED test should I take first,” we cam say that many students start with the subtest Reasoning through Language Arts, as they think that's the easiest for them, and take Mathematics as their last subtest.

How long is a GED certificate valid?

Your GED Diploma Never Expires

Once you've passed all four GED subtests, you've earned your diploma, and that will retain its validity forever!

Will the GED test change 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. 

Can you retake the GED for a better score?

Yes, in most states, you can retake the GED subtests if you want to attain a higher score for one (or more) of the four GED subject tests. However, you must be approved to retake a subject test if you have already passed that section.

Can I get a job with no GED?

Many employers hire workers based on skills, work ethic and personality rather than education. Start by searching online for jobs that don't require a diploma or GED. Many job boards now let you filter results with options like “no degree required” or “no diploma needed.”

Do GED scores matter for college?

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.

Did Mark Zuckerberg get a 1600 on his SAT?

Yes, reports widely state that Mark Zuckerberg scored a perfect 1600 (or sometimes a near-perfect 1590) on his SAT, achieving top marks before attending Harvard University, consistent with his reputation as a gifted student and programmer.
 

What celebrities got their GED?

50 Successful People With A GED – Actors with a GED

• Jim Carrey. Jim Carrey quit high school prematurely at age 16. ...
• Michael J. Fox. ...
• Christina Applegate. “Passed the GED with flying colors toward the end of her Junior Year.”
• Nicholas Cage. ...
• Brandon Lee. ...
• D.L. Hughley. ...
• Christian Slater. ...
• Lindsay Lohan.

Can I go to a 4 year college with a GED?

The short answer is yes: most degree and certificate programs accept applicants who have their GED. However, besides having a GED, you'll also need to meet the college and degree program's other application requirements.