The GED is awarded by your state:

When you successfully pass a set of five exams in math, science, reading, social studies and writing. The GED tests cannot be taken online, only at official test centers. The GED Tests measure your knowledge and academic skills against those of today's high school diploma graduates by testing you in five areas: math, science, reading, social studies and writing.  For most people, passing the test does require some study. How much depends on the person and their particular strengths and weaknesses in these school subjects.  The GED is administered by the American Council of Education (ACE)  through the Departments of Education in each State.

There are many online GED study programs that offer to help prepare you for the GED.  There are also sites that offer a life experience high school diploma.  This sounds great in theory- receiving an actual diploma from a prestigious sounding high school. The difficulty is- and this is usually explained in the FAQs page of such websites- few universities or employers consider that to be the equivalent of an actual high school diploma or a GED.  A GED diploma is preferred over online high school diplomas because it is standardized, universally recognized, and known not to have been simply bought online.  Life experience is certainly valuable, but employers and government bodies look for a standard form of accomplishment that they can easily measure- which is why the GED is so widely accepted, and a near requirement for anyone who has not yet graduated from high school but intends to enter any level of professional career.

Taking tests is a large part of high school, whether students like it or not. Students take a variety of tests, such as weekly tests and quizzes, midterms, finals, standardized state tests, the ACT and SATs. How you choose to prepare for them is just as critical as how long you choose to study. Developing a good study strategy can help make transitioning to college studying habits easier, which is why it's important to develop effective methods during high school. Here are some tips to consider.

Reviewing Notes

Many students review their notes the night before a test. Many professionals suggest that students review their notes the same day they take them when they get home. By reviewing it immediately, they may be able to fill in gaps that they left out or they can call friends to ask questions. They may also ask their teachers the next day while the class is still on the subject. After this initial review, it's important to review notes a few days before the test rather than cramming the night before. Stretching the review over several days allows one time to sort through complex concepts.

Writing Flashcards

Using flash cards is another way to study. Many students take their notes and rewrite them onto flashcards. Using color-coated flash cards can help keep notes organized. There are also different sizes and styles of flashcards. Blank flashcards work well if diagrams help explain concepts. Lined flashcards can be used for bullet points. There are also large cards and small cards. Flashcards can be paper clipped, placed on a ring, or rubber banded to keep them together. It's useful to have flashcards because students can keep them in their backpacks and study in between classes or right before the test. This method is particularly useful when studying a foreign language because continuous practice is essential.

Studying in Groups

Studying with friends or other classmates can be another studying strategy. This strategy works best when it's coupled with independent studying. Working in a group helps many students because they can ask their peers questions. If the other classmates don't know the answer, they can work together to find a solution. It's also helpful to compare notes with friends in order to ensure you have everything written down. When studying with friends, it can be tempting to talk about other things, but it's important to stay on track. Find friends who are as committed to studying as you are to avoid distraction or frustration.

Hopefully, these ideas can help you find a studying method that helps you accomplish the academic goals you hope to achieve. For more tips, try the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com or the About.com website at add.about.com.

Whatever your reason for not graduating from high school, it's never too late to take the Test of General Educational Development or GED. This high-school equivalency exam can help you get a job, a promotion, or even attend college. You have to be at least 18 to take the test, but, under certain conditions, a 16-year-old may be eligible. It costs $35 to take the exam the first time, but you can take any failed tests for $7 each after that initial exam.

If it's been a long time since you studied, don't worry. The GED is geared towards adults who have been out of school for a while. It is a multiple choice test and, with the exception of the essay, you are asked to answer questions related to text on the test. The five tests cover social studies, science, reading and writing, an essay, and math. A calculator is used for part of the math exam and is loaned to you during the test. Those subjects may seem like ancient history, but the library has free books to check out and free computers to help you get ready.