| -- End Ad Box ---> | | | | online preparation program. If online learning or distance |
| For today’s student, distance learning is an | | | | learning is the best solution for you, look for a program |
| ffordable way to work toward a GED, the best way | | | | that includes all the components needed to prepare for |
| for an adult to demonstrate the skills of a high school | | | | the GED test. |
| education. But there are a growing number of | | | | Here are some guidelines for choosing a real online |
| companies and schools who aren’t really in the | | | | GED program provider and avoiding bogus schools or |
| business of education. Instead, they’re in the | | | | fake diploma scams: |
| education business -- their biggest business is selling | | | | -- The American Council on Education (ACE) has tight |
| quick and easy programs or simple online tests that | | | | guidelines for the GED. The test covers science, social |
| result with worthless transcripts and fake diplomas. | | | | studies, language arts reading and writing, and math |
| In most cases, the GED -- the term for General | | | | — including algebra, geometry and data analysis. |
| Education Development credential -- is the only official | | | | Find a program that includes all testing areas; avoid any |
| diploma’ that has value and is meaningful for | | | | solution or school that doesn’t include all test |
| adults who never completed their high school | | | | areas or information about test areas and ACE |
| education. There are exceptions. But as a rule most | | | | requirements. |
| transcripts and diplomas ordered or obtained from | | | | -- GED practice tests are available online and are a |
| online high schools are worthless. Unfortunately, | | | | good way for a student to determine what to study |
| students and adult learners are often misled -- and | | | | for the test. But the actual GED test cannot be taken |
| easily misled -- by these diploma factories or diploma | | | | online! The test is only given at official test sites. So |
| mills. Here’s a recent letter from a new GED | | | | avoid any company that claims to offer the official |
| student, who learned about one education business the | | | | GED test or a quick version online. For a listing of |
| hard way: | | | | official test sites and state contacts, visit |
| "I paid $250 and got this paper in the mail, but it | | | | -- Read the fine print, before you pay -- make sure |
| didn’t help me get a better job. It was a ripoff. It | | | | you understand what the company or school is |
| wasn’t till my boss told me that I found out it | | | | offering and determine if it’s worth the price. Is it |
| wasn’t a real high school. It wasn’t even | | | | a worthwhile learning process or just a fake diploma? |
| a real high school diploma, just something somebody | | | | Will it help you move ahead in your career or |
| made on a computer. But it looked like a real school. | | | | education? Will the online GED program or learning |
| With a real test. | | | | solution you choose really prepare you for the GED |
| This student’s story is typical and more | | | | test? Ask for guidance if you’re unsure. |
| common every day. Many adult learners fall victim to | | | | -- Look beyond the company or school; discover what |
| diploma scams, usually paying $200 to $800 in tuition, | | | | other teachers, students and adult learners are saying. |
| testing, transcript or diploma fees. But because the | | | | Explore GED and education message boards, online |
| school or program isn’t accredited, the diploma | | | | forums or learning communities. |
| has no value -- it’s meaningless. When it comes | | | | -- Be very cautious in dealing with any company or |
| to employers, job training programs, tech school, | | | | online high school that offers a diploma or transcript |
| community colleges and universities, bogus diplomas | | | | after passing an online test. The GED test is difficult; |
| are useless. | | | | the test is timed and usually takes more than seven |
| But a GED credential is useful. For today’s 34 | | | | hours. So check out the school with your state |
| to 38 million adults in the US who never graduated | | | | Department of Education. Basically, just as the old |
| from high school, passing the GED test is a pass key | | | | adage says: If it sounds too good to be true it probably |
| to both career and educational opportunities. | | | | is too good to be true. |
| Approximately 95 percent of employers and 97 | | | | Education is about the best investment you can make |
| percent of US colleges and universities accept the | | | | in yourself. Make sure your investment is a good one, |
| GED because it’s an official, accredited | | | | and gives you a return that’s worthwhile. The |
| diploma.’ | | | | GED credential might be harder to get than a $250 |
| When choosing education, an adult learner's best | | | | diploma, but you can sure count on it to take you to |
| option is GED prep, whether enrolling in a local class or | | | | where you want to go. |