How to Study for the GED: Subject-by-Subject Plan
How to study for the GED: take a practice test to find your weakest subject, then study one subject at a time (Math, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science and Social Studies) with short daily sessions over about six weeks. You don't have to take all four tests at once, so you can schedule each one as soon as you're ready and build momentum.
If what's slowing you down is forgetting formulas, vocab and key terms between sessions, FlashDeck turns your GED notes into cards and shows you only the ones you're about to forget: Build my study plan.
Whether you left school early, life got in the way, or you're 17 and want a different route, the GED is very passable with a plan. Here's that plan.
The four GED subjects
In the US, the GED is four separate tests. You can take them one at a time, in any order.
| Subject | What it tests | What helps most |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | Algebra, geometry, data, word problems | Daily problem practice |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) | Reading, grammar, a short written response | Reading + essay practice |
| Science | Reading charts and experiments, science concepts | Data practice + key terms |
| Social Studies | Civics, US history, economics, reading sources | Key terms + source practice |
Each test is scored on its own, and you need a passing score on all four to earn your diploma. The official GED site lists the current passing score and test details, so check there before you plan.
Studying for the GED in Canada
If you're searching how to study for the GED in Canada, Ontario or Alberta: the GED in Canada is run province by province, and the format, subjects and registration can differ from the US version. Check your province's ministry of education or official GED page for the exact subjects and rules before you start. The study methods in this post still apply.
Start with a practice test
Before you study a single topic, find out where you stand.
- Take an official practice test. GED.com offers the GED Ready practice test, which is built to show whether you're likely to pass. It also gives you a study report showing which skills to work on.
- Or start with free sample questions on GED.com if you want a feel for the format first.
- Pick your first subject. Many people start with their strongest subject to get an early win, then tackle the hardest one with momentum. Others start with math because it takes longest. Both work; just pick one and go.
How long to study for the GED?
It really depends on how long you've been out of school and how your practice tests go. Some people are ready for one subject in a couple of weeks; others need a few months for math. A realistic target is about six weeks of steady study for your first one or two subjects, then reassessing. Studying 30–60 minutes a day beats one long weekend session.
Math reasoning plan
GED math is the subject most people worry about. The good news: it's very predictable.
What to focus on
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ratios, rates and proportions
- Basic algebra: solving for x, writing equations from word problems
- Area, perimeter and volume
- Reading graphs and tables, mean/median/mode
How to study for the GED math test
- Learn the on-screen calculator. GED math uses an on-screen calculator for most questions, but part of the test doesn't allow one, so practice both ways. GED.com has a calculator tutorial.
- Know the formula sheet. A formula sheet is provided, but you still need to know which formula to use. Make a card for each: "Volume of a cylinder → πr²h. When to use it: how much fits in a can or tank."
- Do 10 problems a day. Mix easy and hard. Redo every wrong one the next day.
- Write out word problems. Underline what it's asking, list what you know, then set up the equation.
Here's the honest struggle: you learned slope on Monday, percent change on Wednesday, and by Friday Monday is fuzzy. Keeping track of which formulas and rules are slipping is a whole job on its own. FlashDeck does it: tap Knew it or Missed it, a missed card returns tomorrow, and a known one waits a day, then three, then longer. About ten minutes a day. Build my study plan
Reading and language plan (RLA)
RLA tests reading, grammar and writing. You're not memorizing a textbook; you're practicing skills.
Reading
- Read one short article or passage a day (news, essays, opinion pieces).
- After each one, write: the main idea in one sentence, and one piece of evidence that supports it.
- Practice spotting the author's purpose: to inform, persuade or entertain?
Grammar and language
- Common GED grammar topics: subject-verb agreement, commas, run-on sentences, its/it's, their/there/they're.
- Make a card for each rule with one example. "Run-on fix: add a period, a semicolon or a comma + and/but/so."
The extended response (essay)
You'll read two passages that disagree and write about which side makes the better argument, using evidence. Practice this structure:
- Intro: which argument is stronger, in one sentence
- Two body paragraphs: evidence from the passages and why it's convincing
- One sentence on the weaker side's problem
- Short conclusion
Write one practice essay a week and time yourself.
Science and social studies plan
These two tests are less about memorizing facts and more about reading charts, graphs and passages. Key terms still help a lot.
GED science tips
- Practice reading graphs and data tables every day. Ask: what's being measured, what's the trend?
- Learn the experiment vocabulary: hypothesis, independent variable, dependent variable, control group.
- Make cards for common concepts in life science, physical science and earth/space science from your study guide.
GED social studies tips
- Focus on civics and US government: the three branches, checks and balances, the Bill of Rights, how a bill becomes a law.
- Practice reading historical documents, political cartoons and maps.
- Make cards for key terms: federalism, popular sovereignty, supply and demand, inflation.
A 6-week GED schedule
This example targets two subjects. Repeat it for the other two.
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Practice test. Make cards for formulas and key terms. Start math basics (fractions, percents). |
| 2 | Math: algebra and word problems. 10 problems a day. Daily card review. |
| 3 | Math: geometry, graphs, data. Take a math practice test. |
| 4 | Book your math test if your practice score looks good. Start RLA: daily reading + grammar cards. |
| 5 | RLA: one practice essay. Grammar drills. Daily card review. |
| 6 | RLA practice test. Book it if ready. Start science or social studies next. |
How to study for the GED at home or online
Most GED prep happens at home. Free and low-cost options include the official GED.com resources, your local library, adult education programs (many are free) and free online lessons. GED.com also explains online testing options and requirements if you'd rather test from home.
Thinking about the military or nursing after? See how to study for the ASVAB or how to study for the TEAS test.
Pass your first subject faster
Paste your GED study guide notes, formulas or vocab lists into FlashDeck and it writes one card per fact, definition or formula from what you pasted. Each day it shows only the cards you're about to forget, in about ten minutes, so you can spend the rest of your session on practice problems.
FAQ
What's the best way to study for the GED?
Start with a practice test, then study one subject at a time with short daily sessions. Use practice questions for skills like math and reading, and flashcards for formulas and key terms.
How long does it take to study for the GED?
It varies a lot. Some people are ready for a subject in a few weeks, while others need a few months, especially for math. Steady daily study and regular practice tests tell you when you're ready.
How do I study for the GED math test?
Practice daily with mixed problems, learn to use the on-screen calculator, know which formula on the formula sheet fits which problem, and redo every problem you get wrong.
How do I study for the GED in Canada?
Check your province's official GED or ministry of education page first, since the format and rules can differ from the US test and between provinces. Then use the same approach: practice test, subject-by-subject study and daily review.
Can I study for the GED at home for free?
Yes. Free sample questions on GED.com, library resources, many adult education programs and free online lessons can cover a lot of your prep. The official GED Ready practice test is a separate purchase.