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.

did not fit in, so I drifted. By the end of the tenth grade I wanted out. No money to go to a private school, so I just dropped out. People, including my own family, did not believe I could do it, so I had no support and limited encouragement. I had to figure out everything by myself, like financial aid and college applications. I did it, which sucked at the time, but it just made me stronger. It was my faith in God that pulled me through. I knew that he would do it for me. I dropped out at age 17 in 1991. I got my GED two months later. I started college in 1992 while my classmates were still in high school! I was able to start at a four year college. I was so lucky! I was having problems at home and needed to be away. In my junior year, I transferred to Rutgers University. I earned my BA in Sociology in 1997 and my Master’s degree in Social Work in 1999. I was 24 years old and did more than some of my old classmates at the time and even now.

My friends don’t even know. I have moved on and it happened so long ago. I do not feel the need to explain myself to them or anyone. I did it and took full responsibility for my actions. I did not realize how hard it would be, but I just took it one day at a time.

My math skills were horrible. I had to take remedial classes that carried no academic credit, so I was behind. At times I feared that I would never make it, so I fell into a deep depression throughout my college years. I did not have friends from high school, so I was alone with no support my freshman year. I started from scratch on everything. Some classes were really tough for me, and it was a constant battle the whole time I was in college to stay ahead.

After I got my Masters, I went to work at different social work jobs. I eventually became a probation officer which is what I am still today. I’ve been in my profession for almost twelve years. My dropout days were so long ago. It’s been twenty years since I left high school, and I’ve never looked back. There’s no need to. The ironic part is that sometimes I run into some old classmates who are on probation, and some of them even finished high school! It’s not where you start in life, it’s how you finish.

Just do it! People will have their opinion, but it’s up to you to make a life for yourself. Do not look back or blame anyone. Success does not come without hard work. So just take it one semester at a time, and you’ll get to where you’re supposed to be. Sometimes you have to fail to succeed. Learn from your failures and press forward!

From the GED Academy: We love stories like these, so thank you for sharing yours! Your success after such difficult times is a perfect example for students (and soon-to-be-students) who are intimidated about the idea of getting their GED. “ It’s not where you start in life, it’s how you finish.” These are wise words indeed.

start the next semester of college, but I could sit for my GED. My friends and family all stood behind me in my decisions and congratulated my efforts and successes. I hope to gain my masters degree in business admin eventually.

I entered a computer systems technology course at Eastern Maine Community College and gained my Associates in Applied Science with High Honors. From there I did an internship at Sebasticook Valley Hospital in Pittsfield, ME. I now work at Husson University in Bangor as a Tech Support Specialist and plan to enter the computer information systems degree program in the fall of 2013. This is part of a 5 year MBA program offered here at Husson.

From the GED Academy: It sounds like you’re doing very well for yourself! Congratulations on all of your successes thus far, and thank you for sharing your story. It’s wonderful that you’ve overcome all of the obstacles that have stood in your way. You’re truly an inspiration, and we wish you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.

After 10 years of really doing nothing with my life, I made the best choice ever. I studied for about 2 months, a couple of hours a day, and then signed up to take my GED. And I passed!

I was the only one to motivate myself, and I’m so proud! I have such positive goals for my future now! I’m enrolling in college in March and am hoping to be a dental assistant. I’m so excited for what’s to come. So to anyone who reads this: please don’t give up ever and study study! The only thing in life you can do is TRY. Good Luck!!!

From the GED Academy: Congratulations! We’re proud of you too! And what a great inspiration you are to future GED students. It’s important to realize how motivation can really come out of nowhere and, like you said, just hit you. Now you’re on to bigger and better things, and we’re so excited for you. Good luck on whatever the future holds for you, and remember we’re rooting for you the whole way!

trying to do it all on my own. I’ve been close to giving up.

When I fell back in school, I started getting into a lot of trouble. I was kicked out of a few schools before my parents got fed up with me and sent me to a military school. There, I received my GED. They made me a better person, and I want to continue moving on with my life. I want to be successful.

From the GED Academy: Congratulations on getting your GED! It sounds like you’re turning your life around, and we know you’ll keep moving down this path to success!

given me a great sense of satisfaction and has really improved my self confidence. I believe I am more marketable. This course was instrumental in helping me achieve my goal of completing my GED. My wife and I feel like the people in this story have become like family. We are actually going to miss Leonard, Dwayne, Curtis, Maria, and Elizabeth. I couldn’t have done it without them.

From the GED Academy: We are honored to have you as an alumni. Your success story will definitely serve as inspiration to other students. Many people are intimidated by getting their GED after being away from education for many years. You are proof that it’s never to late to achieve an important goal! Thank you for choosing our program!

going to make someone out of myself. I did it with full grades. When I took my test, it is worth it.

When it comes to my problems, I’ve never felt a need to ask for help. Just use your mind and it comes to you. Now, I have my GED, and I’m a successful business person. I hope to do more in the future to help teach others to be their best.

Don’t do drugs. It just messes everything up in life: your body and your soul! Believe in yourself, it will all work out. Hope will prevail.

From the GED Academy: Thanks for the inspirational words, and congratulations on getting your GED and finding success in your life. It’s wonderful that you’re spreading your story and trying to help others. We wish you all the luck for you continued success in the future!

up. I passed everything but math and science the first time, but studying, believing in myself, and most of all, prayer paid off. I’m so happy!

From the GED Academy: You are a great example of what a little dedication can do. Doubt can be the hardest thing a student overcomes, but your story shows how the hard work pays off, and overcomes the doubt in the end. Good luck on your life’s journey!

assigned to a halfway house known as Youth Haven in Roanoke, Virginia.

My GED allowed me to serve 9 years in the Army, finish my Bachelors degree, Masters Degree and enroll in school for my Doctoral degree.

I am currently a school Principal at one of the largest youth confinement facilities in Texas. I help students earn their GEDs monthly. It is what helped me, so I feel in some ways I am returning the hope once given to me.

No matter your age, a GED will help you. It is not simply a replacement for a high school diploma, but a passport to chose your future. Education is a journey, not a destination. Be sure to enjoy the ride.

From the GED Academy: Thank you for sharing your story! It’s wonderful that you’re helping people earn their GED diplomas now. We wish you the best of luck with your future in getting your doctorate, and we know that you’ll continue to spread the hope and help children and adults alike in reaching their dreams.

flying colors! I plan on becoming a sonographer/ultra-sound technician. I actually received my GED in YDF, which is the Sacramento youth detention facility, a.k.a. Juvenile Hall.

From the GED Academy: Being a sonographer is a great goal to have. Because you have such specific goals, you’ll be able to move forward quickly and with ease. It sounds like when you put your mind to something, you really can do it. Congratulations on passing the GED too! We have faith that you’ll continue with your success!

life to creating lasting change for those who desire it; Craig has risen to national prominence by delivering a high energy message which tells people how to shake off mediocrity and live up to their greatness. It is a message Craig has learned from his own life and one he is helping others apply to their lives.

Craig is one of the nation’s leading authorities in understanding and stimulating human potential, utilizing powerful delivery and newly emerging insights to teach, inspire and channel people to new levels of achievement. Craig’s personal mission in life is to provide hope to individuals who feel that their current situation is hopeless. Craig travels the country presenting his seminar, “Seize the Moment”. In this seminar he teaches seven powerful principles that, if used appropriately, can be instrumental in facilitating real life change.

Craig endured numerous hardships which he credits for his passion for helping those who are less fortunate. In reviewing the events of his life, Craig realized that his beginning started long before his birth. Craig’s mother was a product of a broken home. She didn’t have a relationship with her biological father. She, a homeless, high school dropout, became a new mother when she gave birth to Craig at age 15. Craig’s mother was physically and emotionally abused. Ultimately, Craig’s mother who was jobless, uneducated and a single parent with three kids turned reluctantly to the public welfare system for help and began receiving food stamps. It is likely that the pressures of being a single parent began to close in on Craig’s mother. She began drinking and using drugs on a daily basis. Her relationships with men throughout my childhood were very toxic.

In elementary school, Craig’s grades began to fall and He began to act out. Craig was involved in a lot of physical altercations with other students which often ended with His suspension. Teachers and counselors became very concerned with Craig’s actions and decided to have him “tested.” Craig ultimately was diagnosed with a learning disability and placed me in special education classes. Due to his difficulties in school Craig repeated the third and fifth grade. Consequently, by the time Craig was in the tenth grade he was two years older than most of his classmates and he still did not hold the necessary skills to write a five sentence paragraph. Overwhelmed, Craig ultimately dropped out of high school, thus continuing the cycle of high school dropouts in his family. Craig’s mother, father, brother and sister all dropped out of high school.

Confused about life, Craig began engaging in dangerous activities that led him to become the victim of a random shooting and caused him to land in jail. Having hit rock bottom, Craig realized change was needed. Craig decided to enroll in the Job Corps career program which allowed him to earn both his G.E.D. and a diploma in retail sales from Job Corps (Prestonsburg, KY). In 1999, following Job Corps, Craig enlisted in the U.S. Army. It was in the military that Craig developed integrity and discipline. Upon completing his time in the service Craig decided to further his education. Despite being encouraged to attend a community college, Craig enrolled in one of the most challenging four year university in his home town. In spite of the educational challenges he faced with a G.E.D, learning disability, and the pressure of failing, three years later, Craig graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Auburn University Montgomery. Craig went on to earn a Master’s degree in Theology and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice, both from Faulkner University. Craig will complete His Ph.D. from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Services in the coming years.

From the GED Academy: Craig’s story is an inspiration. Through struggles and seemingly hopeless situations, he dedicated himself to bettering his life, and has succeeded in doing so. Thanks for sharing this story!

showing up to school to dropping out completely with a 10th grade education. That was a real disappointment for my family. They always saw the potential in me that I didn’t see in myself. Without a high school diploma, I just moved from one dead end job to another for over a decade. I wanted something more out of my life: more money, more interesting experiences, more challenges, and of course, a mark of some kind of achievement. A little something that I could be proud to have accomplished! In May of last year, my brother’s girlfriend told me that she was attending online college. With that, I knew that I could do it too! I immediately began to study for the GED, devouring any online and printed practice tests. My life, this past year, has been an educational whirlwind. I passed the GED test a year ago next month and am currently enrolled in online classes at my state university pursuing an MDS (Multi-Disciplinary Studies) degree with a 4.0 GPA.

Math, of course, was my biggest fear and to be honest, still is. However, I refused to let it beat me and keep me from achieving my goals. I did all the problems in the GED book and checked my answers. When they were right, great! When they were wrong, I just went back and redid the problems until I came to the understanding of how to get the right answer.

Quite frankly, after being out of school for seventeen years, getting my GED seemed like an impossible wall to scale. Last spring, I would have told you that I wanted more out of life but I was destined to be a loser, working dead end jobs until I was 65 or dead. However, after getting the GED, I realize that one is in control of one’s destiny as long as they are healthy and alive. Every single one of us doesn’t have to let our circumstances or even our limitations shape our futures. Even though we may be fearful or insecure, we can can move beyond that to achieve what we want. We can persevere through our struggles to come out the victor in the end.

Because I took the initiative to get my GED, my brother, who is not very academically inclined also decided to pursue his GED as well. Last week, he took the test and passed it! There were times when he would become so frustrated with studying and he even had to take the pre-test several times before passing it. He would just dust himself off, take a deep breath, and get right back on the horse. As long as he was up for the challenge, he wasn’t ready to admit defeat and he wouldn’t give up the fight until he was the winner. Because of that attitude, he walks a little straighter, his eyes are a little brighter, and he dreams a lot bigger!

From the GED Academy: Thank you for sharing your story! Not only have you passed the GED, but you’re an inspiring writer to boot! I hope that you can continue to encourage those around you, like your brother, for there are definitely great things on the horizon for you!

read all the required books. My test scores were always high, top 10%, but the missing home work was a major factor in my failing nearly every subject for the first two semesters. In my second year I changed and started studing in earnest but it was too late. Because I was so far behind at the end of my 2nd year I was expelled. Being now just turning 17-years old, I felt that I had made some major mistakes and the military would give me the second chance. My entry tests, academic, physical etc were all very high, so I was admitted. Later I was told that the tests were high enough for OCS admission, but I lacked some requirements such as; not being 18 1/2 years old and not having a HS diploma, this was in 1956. I was getting regular promotions ahead of others, E3 in 10-months & E4 8-monthes later plus while a E3 I was a squad leader with some of the squad that out-ranked (E4s & E3s) me. I immediately proceeded with acquiring my GED which I accomplished with a high score, top 10% then started taking “home” accredited study courses. All these had supervised (Officer and/or NCO) tests to assure non-cheating. Some were through The United States Coast Guard Academy (Navigation & Math) and others from USAFI. When I became 18 1/2 with a HS GED certificate and some college, I applied for OCS (my CO recommended me) and was turned down, the requirements had been raised to two years of college, bummer. So now I continued with my studies, when I finally got my two years of credits, they had yet again raised the requirements to a full four year degree. By this time I was at the end of my enlistment and decided to not re-enlist. Later during the Vietnam war the OCS requirements had fallen to a HS diploma and for battle field commissions to less than that. Upon discharge, I continued taking classes at night and also took two-years full time in addition along with additional engineering courses and supplemented with some non-accredited home study courses. I now have aprox 270-credit hours of which aprox 235-hours are accredited of which half of those are actual class room time. I have a good reputation in my industry (Structural Engineering & Metal Fabrication) and never have a difficult time finding meaningful employment, always being contacted by businesses that heard about me. And this was thanks to the GED tests. Considering that the average high school grad and 25% of the college grads cannot pass the GED, it should say a lot.

From the GED Academy: Thank you for sharing your story with us! It sounds like you’ve really done a lot with your life so far. You’re an inspiration to students everywhere!

back and a willingness to work hard was all you needed. Nowadays you need an education more than anything else to succeed. At the bare minimum a GED gets your foot in the door and allows you to go on to college.

At first, I didn’t want to tell anyone I was working on my GED: I was embarrassed. After a while I realized I needed their encouragement and motivation and told my children. Guess what? they where proud of me and even offered to help me with the math section. Working on your GED is nothing to be ashamed of. Many people for many reasons didn’t complete high school. Whatever your reason now is a good time to get your GED. Tell your fiends and family, if they care about you they will be supportive and provide inspiration.

My biggest hurdle was just getting started, I figured I could never do the math section, therefore I was doomed to fail before even getting started. I saved the math for last so that I would have a better idea of how to perform during testing. I eventually found myself enjoying the math practice lessons once I began to figure things out. Don’t worry about getting perfect scores just have fun, it will all start to sink in over time.

My goal was to gain the satisfaction of knowing that I could obtain my GED. I had been putting this off for the last 35 years. At 51 I feel like I have really accomplished something significant. Something that nobody can take away from me or minimize the importance of my accomplishment, I did this for me.

Don’t give up. Call the staff at the GED Academy or send them an email. Ask for their help and they will help get you through this. It’s not as hard as you think but it’s not simply going to be handed to you either. Study hard and you will achieve your goal. Very important: Read the sections on how to study, how to test and think smart and stay motivated. These sections I almost overlooked but found to be very helpful.

From the GED Academy: Thank you so much for your words of encouragement! Times have certainly changed, and they continue to change as education becomes more and more important in the world. It’s great that you were able to have a successful career, even without a GED! And now you’re going after even more. You’re truly an inspiration, and we hope you the best of luck on your future goals!

for my unborn daughter.

I was really inspired by my mother. I know it sounds cliche, but I wanted a better career. I know I can become anything if I put my mind to it. And now, thanks to passged.com, I passged my GED. It’s definitely a breath of fresh air and a huge monkey off my back!

From the GED Academy: Congratulations! Your daughter is very fortunate to have a father who cares so much for her! Now that you’ve passed the GED test, you truly can obtain anything you set your mind to! We know you’ll go far. Good luck!

better option for me because I was so behind. This way, once I get my GED I can start some online college classes which will work better with the way my life is scheduled now.

My parents have been there for me every step of the way. It’s been hard to keep up with the social aspects of life, but I have a lot of online friends that are always there to support me. My mom especially helps because she believes in me and knows I can still be successful in school even though I’m behind.

I just have a lot of doctor’s appointments and I often end up stuck in the hospital. Online programs really are a good thing for me, because I can work on things when I’m able to.

I’m confident that one day I’ll be feeling much better and be able to live a normal life. When that day comes, I’m sure I’ll be very glad I didn’t give up on my education. I may be behind now but I don’t plan on staying that way.

From the GED Academy: You’re an inspiration to students everywhere! It’s easy to give up when you’re not feeling well and life seems stacked against you. However, your determination will not only see you through the GED and further education, it will carry you on to succeed in anything you set out to do in the future! Good luck, and let us know when you pass!

my motivation to continue on this fulfilling journey to accomplishing my dreams. I got my GED march 14th 2011/ And was top of my class.

Well for starters, I had never planned on ever getting my GED. I had high hopes of graduating high school. And walking down the aisle in front of a huge crowd earning my diploma, while my parents and family were there to cheer me on. Well, that all changed when I got pregnant at 16 years old. I honestly thought I had met my prince charming. But now I realize how far from the truth that really was. I come from a rather wealthy family that always expected perfection from me. So when they found out there little princess was not so innocent. They cut me off quicker then I can grasp. Before you knew it, I was pretty much barefoot and pregnant with nowhere to turn to. I bounced from house to house trying keep a roof over my head. I don’t know how I did it. God must’ve loved me, because I was always protected from harm’s way. Now I have my own house, am happily married, and continuing to defy the odds. I will succeed. I have to. The way I look at it is I’ve already witnessed the storm. Now comes the sunshine sooner or later.

I already accomplished a HUGE goal. And that’s getting my GED!!! The next step is to get my behind into nursing school. Once I have earned my nursing degree, then I can finally say that I MADE IT!! I have shed alot of blood, sweat and tears, but honestly if it weren’t for all the bad things that has happened in my life, I would not be the women, the mother and wife I am today.

What got me through the tough times were these two quotes and of course the man upstairs. “The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.” Another quote I love is, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”

From the GED Academy: Your story is amazing! It must have been incredibly difficult to have been on your own at such a stressful time in your life. But you made it through, you have your GED, and you’re on your way. Realize that what you’ve already done in your life take so much. You’re an incredibly strong person, and an example to others. We know you’ll make a great nurse! And thanks for the story!

about my desire to take the test. I had only completed the 9th grade. When I purchase a GED study guide, I literally buried myself in it for several hours each night. It’s now approaching 20 years since I earned my GED. I’m going to California to attend college with the goal of becoming a lawyer.

Excelsior!

From the GED Academy: That’s wonderful that you put your mind to it and passed! What a wonderfully inspiring story! Thanks so much for sharing, and good luck with your career as a lawyer. You’ll do great!

not the future I wanted for me and my daughter, so I knew it was time to stop procrastinating and do what’s best for me and my child.

My Mom and Great-Grandmother where the ones to help me the most. My Grandmother would always tell me that she wanted me to go further in life and get my education because she didn’t have a chance to get her’s. I watched my mother struggle to raise me and my two sisters with no help. I used to tell my mother all the time that I wanted to be like her when I grow up and she would always say, “Don’t be like me T’Yanna. Be better than me.”

I had a cousin who I grew up with in the same household. He was more like a brother to me. He was killed in a car crash when I was in the 8th grade. I was devastated, and at that time I cared nothing about school or the people around me. I carried the weight of his death on my shoulders so much that by the time I was in the 11th grade, I dropped out of school. I got a job at McDonald’s and then I got pregnant. I decided it was time for me to go back to school and make a better future for my child, but I wasn’t fully motivated. Another one of my relatives who I also consider a brother was murdered, and at that moment I knew it was time for a change. So instead of me walking around depressed, I decided to spend all my time either studying for my GED or spending time with my daughter. Now at 19 and a mother of two, I have my GED and I’m in college studying to be a legal assistant! It was all in God’s plan.

I want to teach my daugthers and little sisters that it’s not okay to drop out. Yes it’s okay to have a job, but I’m reaching toward having a career. I want my kids to know that anything is possible when you believe and put your mind to it.

From the GED Academy: Congratulations! Thank you for this great story! It sounds like you really overcame some very difficult things to be where you are today. You are an inspiration to other students, and I hope you continue to inspire your peers by example. Good luck with college, and with life! We know you’ll go far!