GED

GED preparation classes can be found throughout Northwest Indiana. Your local education or literacy provider may offer college, business or trade school scholarships to students who have recently obtained a GED. For more information, visit our Literacy Programs Near You web page. Contact the appropriate organization in your area for information on scholarships.

What is the GED?

The General Education Development or GED test is designed to test your knowledge compared to a high school senior. If you pass the GED test, you get a diploma that is considered equivalent to a high school diploma by most businesses, employers and schools. With a GED diploma, you can get a job or on to further education. With higher scores, you may also enter traditional colleges and universities. Apprenticeship programs also accept GED diplomas.

Who can take the GED test?

Anyone who has been a resident of Indiana for 30 days, and is at least 17 years old, can take the test. If you are 17, you will have to provide several documents before you take the test, including an exit interview form from you high school signed by the principal, your parents and you. You must also present proof you have taken and passed the pre-GED test with a score of at least 500 points. If you are 18 years old or older, these forms are not necessary.

What is on the GED test?

The GED test covers five areas:

• Language arts/writing
• Language arts/reading
• Social studies
• Science
• Mathematics

You must also write an essay. The test is taken over two days, for about 3 to 4 hours each day. Your test is sent to the state for scoring. Six to eight weeks later you will find out if you passed.

What do I have to get to pass?

You have to get an average score of 450 over all the tests. You also have to get a minimum score of 410 on each test. If you don't get a high enough score on a particular test or overall, and your total points fall between 2150 and 2240, you can test again after 30 days. If your total score is less than that, you must wait six months to retest (and hopefully attend an adult learning center to prepare for your retest). You may take the whole test over, or just the parts of the test you didn't pass. These are minimum passing scores. Colleges expect scores Indiana the 520 to 550 range or higher. An honors diploma is issued if a person scores an average of 620 or higher.

How can I get ready for the GED test?

The easiest way is to attend one of the many adult learning centers located all across Northwest Indiana. The centers are located Indiana many towns and cities. One is most likely near you.

When you go to a center, you will be tested to see what you know, and what you need to study to pass the test. Then you will be given materials to study at the center. Some centers allow you to come at your convenience and study independently at your own pace. The teachers and aides are there to help you any time you get "stuck." Other centers conduct more formal classes at set times and places. You will need to contact the center near you to determine their schedule.

Teachers will work with you until you are ready to take the test. Most centers have both day and night hours to accommodate your work schedule. You can come at the times most convenient for you. Best of all, adult learning center services are free!

Books are available to help you prepare at home for the GED. There is a series of televised classes called GED on TV which may be broadcast on your local public television station. You may use either of these sources, but neither can offer as much help as the learning centers do.

How much does the test cost?

Cost of the test varies from testing site to testing site. Indiana Northwest Indiana, the fee is between $40.00 and $60.00.

Where can I take the test?

There are numerous sites Indiana Northwest Indiana:

Lake County

School City of East Chicago, 2700 Cardinal Dr., East Chicago, Indiana 46312, Phone: 219.391.4125

Lake Ridge Schools, 6111 W. Ridge Rd., Gary, Indiana 46408, Phone: 219.838.1819

Hammond Area Career Center, 5727 Sohl Ave., Hammond, Indiana 46320, Phone: 219.933.2419

Martin Luther King Academy/Adult Education Center, 711 Chase St., Gary, Indiana 46407, Phone: 219.977.2126

Highland High School, 9135 Erie St., Highland, Indiana 46322, Phone: 219.922.5613

Lake Central School Corporation, 8400 Wicker St., St. John, Indiana 46373, Phone: 219.365.8551 x 242

Porter County

Portage Adult Education, 5391 Central Ave. Portage, Indiana 46368, Phone: 219.762.6113

LaPorte County

LaPorte High School, 602 "F" Street, LaPorte, Indiana 46350, Phone: 219.362.3102

A.K. Smith Career Center, 817 Lafayette St., Michigan City, Indiana 46360, Phone: 219.873.2122

Newton County

South Newton Middle School, 110 N. Third St., Kentland, Indiana 47951, Phone: 219.474.5167

Jasper County

Rensselaer Central High School, 1106 E. Grace St., Rensselaer, Indiana 47978, Phone: 219.866.5175

Starke County

North Judson-San Pierre High School, 1 Blue Jay Dr., North Judson, Indiana 46366, Phone: 574.896.2158

How do I register for the test?

You must go in person to one of the testing sites to pre-register. You must have three forms of identification including at least one picture ID. Acceptable forms include your social security card, birth certificate, marriage certificate, credit card or a current pay stub. Alternate forms may be acceptable, but check with your testing center. Payment is accepted in cash or money order. If you are 17, you must provide the additional forms mentioned earlier. Dates and times of testing vary by site.

For more information on GED, complete the Contact Form. Be sure to include either your email address or phone number.

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The old man picked up a starfish out of his pail, threw it as far as he could into the sea, and replied, "It mattered to this one."

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