How do you study for the GED?
Study one GED subject at a time. Take a practice test for each subject first, then spend most of your weeks on the weakest one, usually math. You need 145 on each of the four subjects to pass, on a scale of 100 to 200. Review every miss, and sit the real test when your practice scores say you are ready.
The GED has four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. You can take them one at a time, in any order, so there is no need to be ready for all four on the same day. Rules, fees and testing options differ by state, so check GED.com for yours.
Start with the official GED Ready practice test for a subject. It gives you a score and shows whether you are likely to pass. Most people find math the hardest, so it usually gets the most weeks. Science and Social Studies lean on reading charts, graphs and short passages, which you can train with practice questions and a short list of key terms.
| Subject | Time |
|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 minutes |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts | 150 minutes |
| Science | 90 minutes |
| Social Studies | 70 minutes |
- 1Check your state's GED rules, fees and whether you can test at home or only at a center.
- 2Take the official GED Ready practice test for one subject to see where you stand.
- 3Plan your order: many people pass their strongest subject first for momentum, and give math the most weeks.
- 4For math, review fractions, percents, algebra and geometry, and practice with the on-screen calculator.
- 5For Language Arts, practice short passages and the written response: plan for a few minutes, write, then check your work.
- 6For Science and Social Studies, practice reading charts and graphs, learn key terms with flashcards, and retake a practice test before you book the real one.