Why is my college asking for GED scores?

When you’ve completed your GED exam, you qualify for a college education. If you reach high GED scores, you may even have some admissions requirements waived. Many students ask us, “Why is my college asking for my GED scores?”

Students looking to go to college or university with a GED diploma will generally, just like high school grads, have to submit their score reports. There are vocational and trade schools that do not require applicants to hold a GED or HS diploma, but most do.

This way, colleges can determine if the student needs some additional education or courses before successfully attending college-level coursework. Schools use these test scores for proper course placement after enrollment.

Usually, colleges and universities accept GED graduates in the same way as high school graduates but, just like high school students, they may be required to submit SAT or ACT scores or successfully take a state-specific college acceptance test.

Examples are the TSI (Texas Success Initiative) Assessment in Texas and the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) in Florida.

Students that have attained high GED scores, however, may have the ACT or SAT or a state-specific college placement test requirement waived. There are three passing score levels on the GED exam, High School Equivalency (145-164), College-Ready (165-174), and College-ready Plus Credit (175-200).

So you see, scoring well on the GED really pays off. Supplemental remedial courses may not have to be taken before attending college classes, saving lots of time and money! For more information about how the GED test is scored, check here.