2016 GED Test Updates: It’s All Good!
Since it was just completely overhauled in 2014, you’d think the information out there about the GED test would be mostly up-to-date. And it is, mostly. But there are a few important modifications that can affect the way you prepare for the test and how comfortable you are when you actually take it. And, yes, the news is good!
The GED testing service has been monitoring performance on the new version of the test since it was introduced in 2014. While they want it to be a true reflection of career and college-ready skills, they also want the scoring to be fair and for all of the tasks on the test to be of value. So, as of March 1, 2016 (just 2 years later), we have some news for you.
The first, and biggest, change is that the passing score for each section has been reduced from 150 to 145. This will be great news for a lot of folks, including some of those who took the 2014 edition of the test prior to the passing score reduction. Great news, because the passing score reduction is retroactive, provided your state has approved the change and will abide by it.
Most states have already sent notification and GED credentials to everyone in their state who scored between 145 and 149 on a previous test administration and was previously notified that they did not pass. A few states are still on the fence about their response to the change, however.
For you less-than-enthusiastic writers out there, the second change will be welcomed, too! The Social Studies section of the GED test had previously included an essay part. Well, this is no more! While there are still some short answer questions in other sections, the only essay you’ll have to write now is in the Reasoning Through Language Arts section of the test.
The test-producers wisely realized that the same writing skills were being evaluated in both the Reading and Social Studies essays and that there was just no need for that. The time for the Social Studies section has been reduced from 90 to 70 minutes but you do not have to write the essay! Woohoo, you say?
Back to scoring for the third major change. (We saved this for last because we knew you’d want to know about the zapping of the Social Studies essay, as soon as possible!)
If you are headed to college after passing the GED test, here’s an incentive to strive for even higher than passing scores. Really, if you can score 145, why not 165 or even 175? Of course, your rewards depend on what your chosen college is willing to honor, but here’s what you could get, for your trouble:
Score 165 or higher: You’ll be labeled “College Ready” and you may not have to take college placement tests or remedial classes before enrolling in core college courses.
Score 175 or higher: Your credentials will say “College Ready + Credit” and you may even get up to ten hours of college credit before you’ve even set foot on campus!
With either of these designations, we’re hearing time and money savings for you!
So, with three new incentives, what are you waiting for? Check out all of our GED test study material—practice questions, flashcards, and study guides. They include all of the updated information for 2016 and links to things such as the updated math reference sheet and calculator guide. There are also local resources who have been keeping up with all of these changes and are ready to help you succeed. Even if you’ve tried for your GED certificate before, this could be a whole new ball game! Get out there… there’s a lot to gain!
For more information, take a look at the details on the GED testing service website, here and some FAQs at this link.
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