WCC Adult Transitions: GED Questions

If you didn't finish high school, we can help you prepare to take the GED (high school equivalency test). Skill Building (GED Preparation) classes are offered throughout the year in several locations in Washtenaw County. You can also take advantage of test coaching to help you prepare for the COMPASS test, which is required for WCC enrollment.

1. What is the GED test?
The GED test is the General Educational Development Test. It is an international test that gives students certification of high school proficiency.

2. How long is the GED test?
The GED test is a 7 ½-hr. test in five subject areas: Math, Language Arts: Reading, Science, Social Studies and Language Arts: Writing. Each test is 1-1 ½ hours in length.

The Math and Language Arts: Writing tests each have two parts. You will be required to use a Casio fx 260 solar calculator on the first part of the math test. Most students take the tests 1 or 2 tests at a time.

3. How hard is the test?
How hard the GED test will be is related to the mathematics, writing and reading skills you bring to the test. Students with skills at the 12th grade level are generally successful on the GED test. Most students need a review of grammar, an opportunity to write, and math review of fractions, decimals, percents, some algebra, and geometry. Students also need practice with a Casio fx 260 Solar Calculator.

4. Do I need to review science and social studies?
You need to review how to read science and social studies. The test is composed of reading selections from magazines like Time and Newsweek. The questions deal with the interpretation of the information in the articles. It is very important to review reading charts and graphs as well.

5. What about the essay?
You will be asked to write a 250-word essay as a part of the writing test. The most important thing to remember is to answer the question you have been asked to write about. Journal writing you do in class will be your best preparation for the essay.

6. Do I need the Adult Transitions Skill Building (GED Preparation) Class?
That depends on your goal. Our students find that this class is an important support in their goal of attaining a GED. The Skill Building Class is also an invaluable support for students who want to go to WCC.

The Skill Building Class helps you to establish a relationship with a counselor on campus as well as providing a skill refresher to prepare you for the COMPASS test, a placement test you will take before entering WCC. The Skill Building Class provides supports you may need to be a successful student at WCC.

7. Can I just take the test?
You may elect to take the GED test on your own. GED Testing is available through the WCC Testing Center on Tuesdays and Fridays. To sign up call 734-477-8545. The cost is $100.00, payable by money order only.

8. If I want to do my own preparation, how do I do that?
GED Practice Tests are available for purchase at the WCC Bookstore located on the first floor of the Student Center Building. They are also available in the WCC Testing Center on the third floor of the Student Center Building.

9. What materials should I use to prepare for the GED Test?
We recommend The Complete GED Preparation by Steck-Vaughn and the Casio fx 260 Solar Calculator. These are the materials required for the Adult Transitions GED Program. They are available for purchase at the WCC Bookstore on the first floor of the Student Center building and in Campus Book and Supply across from Eastern Michigan University's campus at 1078 Huron River Drive.

10. How do I know if I've passed?
The passing score on the GED Test is 2250 points total or an average of 450 points, with no score below 410. Each test is scored separately on a scale of 200 - 800. If you receive a score of less that 410 you will have to retest on that part. You are not able to retest until you have taken all five parts of the test.

Washtenaw Community College