Contents
Overview
The GED test can be the gateway to major opportunities. Our list of Best GED Study Guides for 2023 can help you boost your score and nail a passing grade!
The GED is the official and universally recognized exam for your high school equivalency diploma. It covers 4 major topics, each of which is tested in an individually scored exam. You’ll need passing scores on all 4, and that equates to a huge volume of material you’ll need to know inside and out.
Preparedness is key to doing well, and one of the best ways to prepare is with a review or study guide. They can help identify weak areas, explain the questions types, and provide realistic example questions or full length practice tests. But, there are tons of these guides out there… which one is best for you? Read on to find out our top picks for best GED Study Guide!
If you just can’t wait, here’s our short list:
Best GED Study Guides
There are dozens of great GED study guide books and other materials available for students looking to improve scores. Some are great… and some are not so great… We’re here to help you understand the options, and make an informed choice. The difference between a good and bad book can literally affect whether you get a passing grade or not, so you shouldn’t take the choice for granted!
Continue on for detailed information on each study guide on our list!
Kaplan: GED Test Prep Plus
Pros: Over 1000 practice questions and 2 full length tests.
Cons: Formatting and presentation can be overwhelming for some.
Best For: Review ahead of test, and knowing what to expect.
Our Rating: 5 / 5
Kaplan’s GED Test Prep Plus is our top pick this year, and it’s easy to see why. Kaplan is a major name in test preparedness, and you may have heard of them before. They’ve earned their reputation for producing high quality material that can truly make a difference in your final score.
The book includes:
- 60 online videos with expert instruction, explanations, and strategies
- A diagnostic pretest to help you set up a personalized study plan
- Effective strategies for writing the RLA extended response
- More than 1,000 practice questions
While no study guide can guarantee results without hard work and dedication on your end, this one gives you the best shot over all. It will help you identify and prioritize your weak spots to make the most of the time you have available. Whether you’re getting an early start, or it’s already crunch time, this book can really work wonders!
Mometrix: GED Test Prep
Pros: Quality practice questions that reflect the real difficulty of the test.
Cons: Some answer explanations can be hard to understand.
Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
GED Test Prep by Mometrix is the next entry on our list. It stands out mostly because of its excellent practice questions and tests. If you’re not interested in the top pick above (or just want to supplement it), this is definitely a solid choice.
Inside you’ll find:
- Practice test questions with detailed answer explanations
- A complete review of all GED test sections
- Step-by-step video tutorials to help you master difficult concepts
- Tips and strategies to help you get your best test performance
Early and consistent preparation is key to a good score. Equally important is a strategy for prioritizing which areas you need help with and making sure to tackle those effectively. This book will help you do just that!
GED Study Guide 2023
Pros: 2 full length practice exams with explanations
Cons: Explanations in the math section are sometimes lacking
Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
GED Study Guide 2023 is up next, and another great option when you’re getting ready to sit for the GED. As with the other guides on this list, it covers all areas of the test in great detail.
The key features include:
- Quick overview of the exam structure
- Strategies you can use to boost your score when you’re not sure about an answer
- 2 practice tests with answer explanations that go into great detail
The GED covers a lot of material, so it’s best to focus your limited time when you’re preparing. This book will help you do just that! While it’s not our top pick, it’s still totally viable as your only resource or as a supplement to others.
Trivium: GED Preparation
Pros: Strong format and easy to consume material
Cons: Some practice questions are vague or don't make sense
Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
Trivium: GED Preparation is our final pick on our study guide list. Even though it didn’t take the top spots due to some stiff competition, it’s still worth your consideration. Particularly if you’ve used and enjoyed Trivium books for other exam prep, this book won’t disappoint.
The full list of features includes:
- A detailed overview of what you need to know for the GED exam
- Coverage of all the subjects over which you will be tested
- Practice questions for you to practice and improve
- Test tips and strategies to help you score higher
No matter which one you choose to go with, we strongly recommend picking up a good study guide. Knowing what to expect going in can make or break you, and it’s best to pass on the first try.
GED Details
The GED test has led over 20 million people to attain their high school equivalency. The program is recognized by 97% of colleges and employers nationwide, and it’s been around for over 75 years. If you’re planning to sit for the GED, congratulations! This is an important step, and can truly open up doors to your future.
The test is broken up into 4 sections as follows:
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Reasoning Through Language Arts
- Social Studies
- Science
A good prep book can help bump your score, and make sure there’s the best possible chance for success. Don’t sit for the exam until you’ve gone through at least 1 practice test to know what types of questions you’re going to face!
GED Topics
Mathematical Reasoning
This section is 115 minutes long and broken into 2 parts. A calculator is allowed on the second part, and you’ll get access to a formula sheet. It contains multiple types of questions (multiple choice, drag and drop, etc). Themes covered are basic arithmetic, geometry, basic algebra, and graphs.
Reasoning Through Language Arts
This section is 150 minutes and 3 sections long. It includes a written essay part, along with multiple choice and other questions. Main topics include reading, identifying and forming arguments, and grammer.
Social Studies
70 minutes is set aside for this section and a calculator is allowed. It has several question formats, including multiple choice and drag-and-drop. Main topics include reading for meaning, analyzing historical events, and using numbers and graphs.
Science
Finally, the science test is 90 minutes long. A calculator is allowed, and you’ll get access to a reference sheet as well. As with the other sections, there are multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and other types. The topics include reading for meaning, designing and understanding experiments, and using numbers and graphics in science.
Exam Scoring
Each of the 4 sections is scored separately, and you’ll need a minimum of 145 points on each to pass. If college is in your sights, you may be aiming higher than the minimum. 164-174 is considered “College Ready”, while 175-200 means you could qualify for up to 10 credit hours in addition to the “College Ready” rating.
GED Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an GED prep book?
Prices for a good GED prep book usually ranges between $20 and $40.
WWhich GED prep book is best?
Our recommendation for most students is Kaplan’s GED Test Prep Plus.
How long should you study for your GED??
Everyone is different, but students spend an average of 3 months studying for the exam. Plan to spend 30-60 minutes per day reading material and running through practice questions.
Wrapping Up
Doing well on the GED can open up a pathway to prestigious schools, scholarships, and other opportunities critical to your future. With a strong understanding of the topics and questions you should expect to face, you’re best positioned to do well.
We’ve rounded up some of the best materials out there, which can help you succeed.
Our pick for best GED study guide is Kaplan: GED Test Prep Plus. It’s got some of the best practice questions and answers of any resource, and covers all of the material in great detail.
Whatever your circumstances, supplemental review materials are a key part of ensuring success on the exam. We’ve listed some of the best resources available. Good luck!