College Credit for the 2014 GED Tests

[KayV]

Ten hours of college credit for the updated GED? Who knew?

In 2014, the GED was revamped and many things have happened since it first appeared.

The passing score for all "new" subtests used to be 150, but they just changed it to 145 and made 145 the retroactive passing score. That means that if you took the new GED and made between 145-149, you passed! Most testing centers are trying to contact the people who met this new guideline, but you can contact your testing center to ask about steps to get your GED diploma if you meet the new score. And congratulations!

In addition, scores between 165-174 on any component of the GED are considered College Ready, which waives you from taking developmental-level classes in that subject.

Scores between 175-200 now offer college credit through ACE.

-Mathematical Reasoning gives 3 hours of College Algebra
-Reasoning Through Language Arts gives one hour of lower level Humanities
-Science gives 3 hours of lower level Intro to Physical Science, without lab
-Social Science gives "3 semester hours lower division credit in economic thinking, society and social arrangements or humanities."

I did not realize that the new GED offered so much- indeed, any- college credit. Since I know we have people here from a variety of backgrounds, I thought this information might be useful.

[GMT]

As someone who personally found it easier and cheaper to throw her foreign (British) "high school" education in the bin and start again with an American GED etc., this news is wonderful!
How forward thinking.
The GED is not just for those who didn't finish high school, it's also an amazing education tool for all of those from other countries, starting their education journey in the USA :patriot:

[Outis]

It is somewhat ironic that students can earn college credit for a high school equivalency credential. ACE owns the GED test, and so perhaps it is not such a surprise.

KayV, can you provide us with a link, for the sake of posterity.......

[KayV]

ACE CREDIT | The National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training

I don't know that it is especially ironic, since lots of high schools offer AP and dual credit courses. The scores that earn college credit are very difficult to achieve.

I first learned about the lowered passing score (from 150 to 145) from my tribe's newsletter. The article stated that they now had several more people who had gotten their GED, and the testing center was trying to contact everyone so they could get their diplomas. The adult ed center instructors seemed to think that the updated GED was considerably harder than the old one.

I am all about people furthering their education in whatever manner possible for them, and if someone manages to go from no diploma to GED with ten hours of college credit through hard work, more power to them.

[sanantone]

I heard about this about a month ago on NPR, and the news got around where I counsel because many of our clients attempted or are attempting the GED test. Some had failed, but ended up passing after they adjusted the passing score. Some who only thought they had a GED now know that they can possibly get college credits.

[Outis]

ACE CREDIT | The National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training

I don't know that it is especially ironic, since lots of high schools offer AP and dual credit courses. The scores that earn college credit are very difficult to achieve.

I first learned about the lowered passing score (from 150 to 145) from my tribe's newsletter. The article stated that they now had several more people who had gotten their GED, and the testing center was trying to contact everyone so they could get their diplomas. The adult ed center instructors seemed to think that the updated GED was considerably harder than the old one.

I am all about people furthering their education in whatever manner possible for them, and if someone manages to go from no diploma to GED with ten hours of college credit through hard work, more power to them.

Thanks for the link, I will bookmark it.

AP courses as dual credit is reasonable - the material is (supposed to be) at the level of a college course. Instead of busing talented kids to the local CC, sit and take the AP courses at their location. This makes sense. I've never heard anyone make parallels between AP courses and the GED.

I will have to look into the new version of the GED before I form an opinion, but it is difficult to understand how a credential meant to demonstrate high school level proficiency is worth college credit. Either the new exam is so difficult so as to cover material at the college level (and is no longer a great measure of high school level knowledge), or college credit is being awarded that is not truly at the collegiate level. An exam testing for high school level proficiency should not be difficult! As a thought experiment, why not issue all high school graduates the 10 college credits now available from the GED (who have letter grades equivalent to a score of 175-200)?


In any case, I do find this interesting for a few reasons. I have seen several colleges in the NY area that will offer non-high school graduates a "NY State High School Equivalency Diploma" after completing 24 college credits with a C average (the above situation in reverse).

Second, I have come across admissions standards for students who have not taken the ACT/SAT as something to the affect of "HS diploma or GED with (usually around 24) amount of credits...with (usually B'ish) GPA...", it is interesting that a good score on the GED will help folks get (almost) halfway there. One semester (or two...) at a CC, a good score on the GED, and you could be on your way...

I heard about this about a month ago on NPR

Thanks sanantone, found the article on NPR. Their title starts off "Lowering The Bar For The New GED Test"...which is exactly how I think most colleges will perceive this, which was the point I was alluding to earlier!

[KayV]

Score Change FAQs

Toward the end of this article, it says that more details will be coming in March about the College Ready +Credit program.

[dmjacobsen]

I'll be honest -- I rolled my eyes when I first read the thread title. Seriously? College credit for passing the GED?

But, after reading further, I completely agree with it. If you can totally rock the GED, why should you have to take those lower level courses? Let's be honest -- those intro-level courses are often just a re-hash of your 11th and 12th grade courses anyway.

Not that my opinion means anything, but I fully support this. As with any ACE credit, however, it's ultimately up to the individual university to accept it.