What is Your GED^® Journey?

digits, and the passing score was 225. I kept going and going, but kept giving up every time I got the results back, and I didn’t pass. Then when they changed the GED to the 2250 score, I took it again (in 2006) and failed the math again with same old low ugly score of 360. I was so hurt that I called Albany and asked one of the representatives if someone up there knew me because they kept on giving me the same 36/360 ugly score in math! The lady of course laughed at me, and said girl are you crazy (yeah, I was in so much denial that it was messing with my mind). However, after getting “fired” from my job this January 2013, I knew I had to do something because with all the skills I had I was not earning the money I needed and wanted because I had no degree.

I was reading about people and their GED struggles, and came upon someone who mentioned the GED Academy and how they are good, and that “if he can pass he knew anyone can pass.” So I decided to look them up on the web, and it was sounding really promising. The next day I called and spoke to Rob—who was very helpful by the way—and I signed up. I paid my $189 (which is not bad, because you will have this program even after you pass your GED). I got started around early March, and I was doing every one of Leonard’s recommended lessons, and finding I was getting better and better each day. I was still very nervous with math, but I liked the fact that you could rewind and fast forward this program to your advantage. I filled out my GED Test application and requested two dates to take the test on. I got April 15 and 17. I went quietly. I didn’t mentioned it to anyone but God. I took this exam all by my lonesome just in case. If I failed again no one would know, and I wouldn’t feel hurt and pi**ed off again.

I came home from work on May 8th. I was telling myself it was around this time that I should receive my results. After checking the mail I saw the small envelope and started crying, because back in the day I knew that if you see a small envelope it meant that you failed and a big envelope meant that you passed, because that was your certificate. Anyway I came upstairs, opened it to see which subject I failed, and to my surprise there was this cute little certificate and I burst out crying, literally sobbing so loud you would have thought someone died. This was how happy and lifted I was. Anyone who’s taken the GED 5 or 6 times should know exactly how I felt. Especially with them changing it next January. I was more than happy to have pass this freaking thing finally!!! I scored the highest in writing and reading. I barely passed math, but who cares? I passed!! I asked God for the minimum score of 410, and he give me an extra 10 points. Alleluia! Math is so not my friend, so I was very happy that I passed.

My sister was always saying to me when you get that “thing” you will see how much better your life will get. Also, my brother-in-law, when he found out I didn’t have my GED, was like “oh you definitely need that.” I used to be so stressed out every time I thought about the GED. My 16 year old nephew was even helping me with additional algebra since he tutors 5th graders. I even have a former co-worker who had so much confidence in me and was tutoring me. He told me that, “you’re going to pass,” and he was the first person I called when I got the results back.

I got very nervous during the social studies, because those passages were soooo long. When the instructor said we had 5 minutes left, I still had 10 more questions to go! So I started guessing, and said to myself, “I already passed this so I am not worried if I fail social studies.” Science wasn’t that bad, but science and math are related, and I did my best. I was very confident with the writing and reading, and believe you me, I even felt confident after I was finally done with the math. I said to myself, “I know for sure I won’t be getting no 360 this time.” There were quite a few percentages, and I was very confident doing those because Leonard was very good teaching these in class. I really didn’t have to take the entire exam over, but I did because I knew I could have scored higher, and that’s exactly what I did. I recommend taking the entire exam over, unless you scored 500 and up.

I am going to go and get my para-legal “ABA Certification,” and not this piece of crap they fooled me into getting that is not recognize by the ABA much-less companies who are hiring for paralegals. When you don’t have a high school diploma/GED, you can spend your hard earned money foolishly trying to get something the “easy way,” thinking it will get you a well paying job, only to be disappointed that it’s not even recognized. Then you end up feeling really mad at yourself for trying to take short-cuts.

All I can say is that I am VERY VERY happy and WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE!!! I didn’t think I would pass. You have no idea the FEAR math had me under. I use to cry every time someone mentioned math. Especially integers… Oh my gosh!!! Now I love doing integers, thanks to Leonard. I recommend the GED Academy to anyone who is going to get their GED, and with the GED changing next January, I am confident they will add more to have it ready! GED ACADEMY ROCKS!!! I salute you all!!!

From the GED Academy: What a wonderful, inspiring story you have! So many people struggle with math, so we are so thrilled to hear you were committed to passing and your years of hard work paid off. You’ve learned a valuable lesson in persistence and commitment to your goals. Those characteristics will serve you well in life. We wish you luck as you prepare for your para-legal certification and the next stage of your life.

whenever I was studying for the exam. We all need a little bit of support for this.

I dropped out of high school when I was a junior in high school. my parents divorced when I was little. I was always moving back and forth, so it was hard for me to focus when what I was always thinking was to get used to new places all the time. The credits to graduate also vary from state to state. When I saw that I basically had the amount of credits that a freshman would have when I was preparing for senior year, I was very embarrassed. It discouraged me a lot. I was always the kid that will copy homework off of anyone. The one that was always behind.

For me to see that most of the stories about GEDs are from people that have overcome incredible situations, such as young pregnancy or any type of situation that would cause them to drop out school… Well, I always thought to myself, “what was my excuse?” Laziness? Lack of interest? All those types of reasons that are not an excuse to give up so easy. When I started to study for my GED, maybe two years ago, I had to face a very hard fact: I was in an abusive relationship with a person who was so controlling. Even opening a book to study would cause a problem. So I couldnt concentrate.

I know I went through so many tests in my life to realize how important it is to be able to better myself—to support myself—and not to wait for anybody to pull me out of any hard situation that im in. Just remember that it does NOT matter what have we all been through. What matters is to overcome hard situations and better ourselves from them. Keep going. keep studying. If I can pass this test, I’m sure you can.

Right now I’m focused on entering college and studying clinical psychology. There’s just such a great feeling of accomplishment that flows in me. I now know I can do anything!

What I needed more help with was definitely math. I felt like I always had excuses as to why I couldn’t understand or focus on things. However, at the end of the day, excuses really don’t matter. I learned that focusing on and loving myself can take me places.

From the GED Academy: Thanks so much for your inspirational story! It’s great that you were inspired by others, and shared your story with us as well! Good luck with the future! We know you’ll succeed!

making 8.50. Ugh, I’m sick of this! I need a GED.

From the GED Academy: Good luck, the rising in medical field is a great goal to have! We know you can do it!

test.

From the GED Academy: Good luck! Keep it up, and you’ll be sure to pass!

learned most of the material from past grades.

My family—especially my mom—supports me, because she knows I can do this. She knows if I put my mind to it, and spend my time studying, I will be able to pass and go to college. I have faced struggles in school with my anxiety, but I know I can pass the GED test with the right strength and determination.

I am planning to go to TC3 for college, so I can make something of my life. I am a good writer, and I enjoy writing. That is why I would like to pursue a career in it. I could use all the support I can get. I’m in for a tough road, but I absolutely know Im strong enough to achieve this.

From the GED Academy: We are behind you 100%! You’ve got excellent written skills. With a few classes and some brush-up on grammar, you could definitely get into the field of writing. Anxiety can make school difficult, including studying for the GED and college.

Good luck. We know you can do it. Let us know when you’ve passed!

before and failed. Now that I have the support in my life, I feel I can achieve anything I put my mind to. My kids have always wanted me to get my GED, and I promised them I would at least try. My 18-year-old daughter is the first of my three kids to graduate. She has a tumor in her brain, and yet she pushes her way through school, has a job, and is getting ready to go to college. My 14-year-old has disabilities as well, and even though she struggles in school, she still passes all of her classes. My fiancé sees the potential that I have inside and tells me how much he would love to see me bring it to the surfice. They all stand behind me in my decision. I had to give up school because I was a teenage mom at 16. I’ve made several attempts to get my GED and have failed. With that in mind, I am so proud of myself for going after my GED with the support of my family and fiancé. Knowing all that, I know I can achieve it.

I have A.D.D., and I have problems comprehending what I read. I have solved my problems by fighting to get a diagnosis. Now I can work on taking care of my disabilty as well as obtaining my GED. I need more free literature on how to prepare myself for the GED test. I also need a teacher to work closely with me--one that I can call upon whenever I need help due to my comprehension issues.

I hope to have my diploma in hands and show every one that has ever doubted me that they were wrong. I want to be able to find a career that I can do out of my home. I want to better my life and make my kids proud. My goal is to practice--like I am now--take the test, and pass. Everyone should be able to have access to the knowledge they need in order to achieve their goals. My dream is have a financial stability for me, my kids, and my fiance.

I would like to thank everyone who has been there for me and supportive of me.

From the GED Academy: It sounds like you’ve raised some great kids! You and your entire family are fighters, and you don’t give up. That’s important! Stay strong, and keep trying. The more you learn about your disability and how to work with it, the easier it will be to study. Remember that not everyone learns the same. Good luck!

11th grade and realized how much my child needed me. Going to school all day, then working all night, I’d never see him. So I decided to quit school and support him the best I could.

In 2005 I found out I was pregnant with my second child. Working at McDonald’s, I just wasn’t earning enough money to support my family. I applied to work a New York state job, which is located in my home town. I began working there, and it definitely helped alot. Then, in 2009, I found out I was pregnant with my third child, who was born in 2010. In 2011 I decided that I needed a higher paying job. To do that, I needed a GED, especially with the rate of everything going up.

I need a better job, and to do better myself for my family and our long term future.

From the GED Academy: It sounds like you have been doing a great job of supporting your family up to this point. You realize when you need to do better, and you go for it! Keep up that patten, and you’ll achieve amazing things! Good luck, we know you can do it!

parents did. I want to be content in life.

How have your friends and family helped you? My family and long term boyfriend have encouraged me to get my GED since I dropped out. My boyfriend bought me a GED book and told me to study it everyday for atleast 20 minutes. My mother helps me study and supports me.

What problems have you faced? I have a problem with failure. I never think I’m good enough or smart enough to pass the GED exam. Though I get told I’m a smart girl, I can’t seem to believe it considering I dropped out of school.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? After I get my GED I hope to become a Kindergarten teacher. I love children. It is my dream to work with them, and it always has been.

Do you have more to your story? I dropped out of school at the age of 16. My grandpa was struggling with emphysema and I knew there wasn’t much time left. He picked me up from school everyday. one day I just told him I wasn’t going back--that I was going to stay home and help take care of him. He didn’t argue because he knew that it was my decision, but he did encourage me to go back someday. A few months later he passed away. He was my best friend and confidant. I was planning on going back to school when my great grandma passed away in her nursing home. I decided to just drop out for good and be with my family because they needed me. Months passed and I began helping out around the house, spending a lot of time with family and volunteering at my mom’s work occasionally. After a year had passed, I had not completely healed from the loss of my two loved ones, but I had moved on in life. It had gotten easier. Then suddenly my father passed away unexpectedly on my 17th birthday. This really hurt me a great deal and put me in depression. I am now almost 18 years old and still don’t have my GED.

From The GED Academy: Dropping out of does not mean that you’re not intelligent. High school is not easy, and when you have a lot of problems at home, sometimes dropping out is the only option. It’s okay to take a year or two to yourself when life gets hard at this point. Just don’t let this one thing govern the rest of your life. It shouldn’t be hard for you to get your GED. Your family is right; you are smart. Take the practice test, see what you might need to brush up on, and find a study method that works for you. Before you know it, you’ll be back on track alongside all your former classmates, ready for college and ready to make your dreams come true.

life—not to follow in my foot steps. I grew up spoiled, with everything handed to me. I just feel it’s time to grow up, now that I’m 27. To be more responsible, not just for my kids, but for myself. I seem to never accomplish or finish anything. I just want to make a start by completing and passing the GED test.

How have your friends and family helped you? Well, I’m very secretive. I really don’t talk to friends and family about these things. If I did, I know they would be supportive. I don’t know, it’s just me to keep everything in.

What problems have you faced? Where do I start? Well, first I had my first child at 18 (he’s 9 now). I had to deal with his deadbeat father. Second, I left home rebelliously, which put me and my son in a log of dangerous situations. I became homeless, had relationships with people for over two years, worked at a place I shouldn’t have even been, let alone worked in. I ended up in a long-lasting, abusive relationship, and so much more. However, there was an angel watching over me, because I made it through all of that alive. That’s why I know I can do this and get my GED if I put my mind to it.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to gain pride, completion, and closure. I guess most of all, I want an accomplishment. I always wanted to open a chain of restaurants. That would motivate me to follow my dreams.

Do you have more to your story? I want the best for my kids. Like I mentioned, I was spoiled and given everything. That’s the reason I believe that I’m 27 and still have no GED. I want to give my kids everything. I want to show them that, in life, nothing is really handed to you. I want them to be successful. I want them to know that all their hard work will pay off and get them to their goals. That’s where the real success comes from.

From The GED Academy: You’ve been through a lot! It seems that you’ve only come out of all of it stronger too. It takes strength and understanding of how the world really works to be successful too, and you’ve come to learn that lesson on your own. Keep studying, and you’ll be able to achieve your goals and teach your children the values you hold dear. Good luck!

woman. As I got older, I got wiser about what kind of life style I wanted. Fast food was not in my future. It took me 11 years to finally get the courage to get my GED. I just had faith in myself that I can do it and studied hard. If I would have not found passged I don’t think I would have done it.

How have your friends and family helped you? My family have always said I can do it. But, I guess I just never gave myself enough credit. I used to say I have been out of school too long to go back and graduate. But I always had my family there to tell me it’s never to late. They never gave up on me even when I gave up on myself.

What problems have you faced? Math and Social Studies have always been my worst subjects. I could never understand them. So, I thought for sure there was no way I would ever pass my GED. After studying on passged.com I found out that there’s nothing to it, just understanding how to do critical thinking. My highest score on my GED were these two subjects.

What do you hope to achieve with your GED? Getting my GED has given me a sense of dignity and self confidence. I am already starting to attend college to get my degree in Business Management.

became grown.

How have your friends and family helped you? Yes. My fiancé and best friend of 11 years, Leslie, along with her mother, my mother, brothers, sisters, and friends.

What problems have you faced? I had plenty of years to take the GED test, but I was scared that I wouldn’t pass the math portion, and I was too busy making money, travelling, and taking care of my family. Once you start making money and taking care of responibilties, some of us forget about schooling. We see the bills and just want to pay them. We see the vacation and just ant to take one. However, when the money runs out, we have to find a job to make more money. Most of the positions I wanted, I was asked to produce my High School Diploma or GED, and I could not produce it. So I landed on welfare to help get me through the difficult financial times. I also face hardships of being semi-paralysed in a wheelchair, only to be told by doctors that I wouldn’t walk again, but I did walk with the help of God and my children’s mother.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I have accomplished many good things in my life: from becoming a freelance model, music artist, to an author of a national bestselling book titled “G-String Dreams: True Confessions of A Male Exotic Dancer.” I even made appearances on talk shows such as RuPaul, Maury Povich and the former Ricki Lake Show. I want to graduate. I want to wear a cap and gown and frame my GED in my home. I want my children, who are now between the ages of 19 and 12, to see that no matter how old you get, or hard life gets, you don’t give up. I gave up on plenty of things, but I am very close to getting my GED. I scored 400 on the math, 550 on Writing, 490 on Science, 480 Social Studies and 450 Reading. I am determine to keep going. And when I do complete that test, I am coming at the workforce armed and ready. Otherwise, I’ll reopen up my own business again, which was my publishing company Survival First Publishing. Getting a job is still a door that I have to walk through, because I have to face the barriers of my past from getting in trouble with the law some 20 years ago. But I hope by me earning a GED, that door will close.

Do you have more to your story? Getting my GED also for me is the biggest accomplishment I could ever make. I gave up on many things in my life. I have six children and this time; there is no giving up. My new fiance, Leslie, is pushing me to go on, and we want to be married. So I hope I will graduate before we say I DO. It will make a beautiful present.

From The GED Academy: You have had an incredibly full life. Getting a GED is important, but never forget your amazing accomplishments. There are millions of high school graduates who haven’t even attempted half the things you’ve done. It’s easy to brush artistic things off like modelling, music, and writing off as lesser things, but in truth, it takes much more effort and fortitude to put yourself out there as an artist than to simply follow the steps society lays out for us. So, be proud of yourself! And have the confidence that with your GED and life experience, you can conquer the world in ways you never dreamed! No door will be closed to you. Good luck, study a little more on your math, and let us know when you pass!

friend helped me. He told me that studying for, and passing the GED, is what’s best. It will help my future.

What problems have you faced? I didn’t go to school, because I have a problem with money. So, I’m studying online in order to get my GED.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED degree? I hope to pass the GED test so I can move on with my life.

From The GED Academy: Good luck with the GED! It’s a good start toward a brighter future, but it’s only the first step! Education will not make you money instantly or easily. If you plan on going to college, you will still need money. The GED will help you to get a job, and then it will be a long road beyond that. Brush up on your English and take some writing courses. The essay is a big part of the GED and you will need to be able to write a clear, well organized essay to pass. If you study hard, and have patience, you’ll get to that brighter future. Good luck!

letting me know that the sky is the limit. Just work hard and reach for it.

What problems have you faced? I faced peer pressure, suicidal attempts, and became a mother too soon. However, I use my early motherhood as my motivation.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope to get a better job, so I can further my studies in the pastry arts. My goal is to become a pastry chef, and run my own business.

From The GED Academy: Your friends and family are right, the sky IS the limit! Running your own pastry business sounds fun, and the GED is a great start! Keep your eyes on the sky, keep working hard, and you’ll be able to achieve anything you set your sights on. Good luck!

faced? I read well, but I still don’t know which is the right answer on comprehension questions.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? My goals.

Do you have more to your story? I have been out of school since 1970. I waited too long to do this. I am taking the GED test with my daughter.

From The GED Academy: Reading comprehension can be difficult. Often, there is more than one answer that makes sense. Always make sure to read the questions over carefully, then re-read the passage. Look out for words like “more” or “most” in the question. Sometimes there are more than one answer that makes sense, but one is the best. Just take your time and don’t panic, and you should do fine. Good luck!

have a good job.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I wish to become a teacher someday.

From The GED Academy: Good luck on your goals to become a teacher. Many of the best teachers are people who have struggled with education in the past, and can help other struggling students because of that experience. Teaching is also the best way to learn. Perhaps you can look into tutoring at local community colleges as a start.

again.

How have your friends and family helped you? They haven’t, but I know I can get help. It’s not really an issue.

What problems have you faced? Nothing that I really want to share.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? To be myself, and to show every one else that has ever doubted me in life that I can do it. After I achieve my GED, I would like to futher my education.

From The GED Academy: It sounds like you really know what you want! Good luck on getting your GED and on any future education you enroll in. You’re right, you’re still young, and you can do anything you want if you work hard and keep believing in yourself.

always so much drama, it made it hard for me to concentrate on what really need my attention So, I have decided to study and try to get my GED to move ahead with what I would like to accomplish in life. I don’t want to be the dumb person people use to know, or went to school with. I want to show everyone that anyone can achieve their dreams no matter how high or far away they are. I was in a car accident and had a traumatic brain injury, which left me with a problem concentrating. Focusing is a problem for me. I get headaches easily, and sometimes it takes a while for me to comprehend things. This is why I have decided to get my GED, because I have realized that just because I have some minor problems with schooling doesn’t mean I cant accomplish what i want to!

How have your friends and family helped you? My family and friend have been very supportive of my decision to get my GED. My best friend wasn’t doing so good in school, and he just quit trying. He stopped going to school, and when he realized what he was doing to his life, he decided to turn things around and try harder. After my friend started doing better and showing effort, I supported him ( and i still do ). When my friend made those choices in his life, it inspired me and so I decided to try harder to. He and my family support me 100%.

What problems have you faced? I was hit by a minivan when I was twelve and had a traumatic brain injury. Now I find it hard to focus and hard to understand certain things. I have trouble in Math ( thats my worst subject.) i don’t understand it very well at all, and it makes me angry at myself because I know that I use to get it better than I do now.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I hope that my GED will help me move forward with my life. I do want to go to college and begin to move up and study for what I want to be. I’d like to be an animal police officer when i get through with everything.

From The GED Academy It’s difficult to move forward when you feel like you used to be able to understand things more easily before. Try to look for different methods in studying if you find the traditional methods difficult. Since you’ve continued your studies at home, you’ve already got a good head-start on passing your GED. Good luck!

wasn’t until now that I began appreciating education, and had the courage to enroll in a GED prep program at my local community college. I took 2 “official practice tests” during my time in the program, and I passed both tests. This gave me the confidence to go ahead and take the real GED test.

How have your friends and family helped you? Well, A lot of my motivation came from the fact that I studied hard, never gave up, and took my test with the right attitude. It also took some motivation from my friends and family who all said I would do great.

What problems have you faced? Problems were a big thing for me. Part of the reason why I left school was the special remediation classes I was enrolled in. The fact that I was a different kind of learner, and not as fast as many of my other classmates, made me feel discouraged. Another part of my lack of self-confidence were my teachers and classmates that made me feel totally worthless, which resulted in me giving up on school all together.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? Ok, Its been almost 3 weeks since I’ve taken my GED, and I still have yet to receive my scores, but Im pretty confident I passed. If I passed the test, I am going to aim for higher education at my local community college in their criminal justice program with hopes to pursue a career with the Albany County Sheriff’s Department.

Do you have more to your story? I want to give everyone the advice of DON’T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS. You can be whatever you want to be, even with only a G.E.D. It’s what you make of it that matters. Be the best that you can be. Get out there, take your GED, pass it, and show the world that you’re just as good as a regular high school graduate!! GOOD LUCK

From The GED Academy: Glad to hear you met your goals and took your GED! It’s a big first step, and it sounds like you’ve got your future planned out as well. It’s wonderful to hear that you have learned to appreciate education now. College is a lot different than High School, and you’ll be sure to learn a lot of information that you care about. Good luck with your future in college, and good job on getting started on the road to a brighter future!

family someday, I want them to see that I never gave up.

How have your friends and family helped you? No one has really been a backbone of encouragement. I guess they’re too busy trying to stay above water, I got lost.

What problems have you faced? I am a retired correctional officer. I know you’re probably saying, how did I land that job? Well, God is good. I was a dental assistant for 8 years before going to the federal prison, and my past work ethics speak for themselves.

What do you hope to gain from getting your GED? I will be the happiest grandma on this earth.

I could write a book on my family history. Some day that would be my goal.