How to Get a U.S. High School Equivalency: The GED Option
How to Get a U.S. High School Equivalency: The GED Option
Hello everyone! This is Maegami from the blog Goddess Bangs. Many people believe you need to graduate from high school in your home country to study abroad in the U.S., but that’s not necessarily true. Even if you didn’t finish high school in Japan (or elsewhere), you can still pursue education and career opportunities in America. Website
One way to achieve this is by earning the GED (General Educational Development), which is recognized as the equivalent of a U.S. high school diploma.
But you have to have a green card- make sure your status is valid to say in the USA.
What Is the GED?
The GED is a standardized test that certifies high school-level academic skills in the United States. Passing the exam proves you have the same knowledge as a U.S. high school graduate. For international students, it’s a valuable qualification that opens doors to higher education and employment.
Benefits of Earning a GED
- Expand Your Education Options
With a GED, you can apply to community colleges and universities across the U.S.—even top universities if you achieve strong results. - Better Job Opportunities
Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Having a GED makes job hunting in the U.S. much smoother. - A Second Chance to Learn
Even if you left high school early, the GED gives you another opportunity to continue your education—an important aspect of American education culture.
GED Test Subjects
The GED is divided into four subjects:
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Reasoning through Language Arts (Reading & Writing)
You must pass all four tests to receive your GED diploma. Good news for Japanese students: the math section is often considered easier, roughly at middle school level in Japan.
Eligibility Requirement
To take the GED, you typically need to:
- Be 16 years or older (some states require 18+)
- Not have a U.S. high school diploma
- Reside in the U.S. (rules vary by state)
How to Prepare for the GED
- Online Study Resources
Use the official GED website or education platforms offering practice questions, mock exams, and study guides. - Japanese Resources
Leverage Japanese-language books or YouTube tutorials to make learning easier.
How to Register for the GED
- Create an Account on the official GED website
- Select a Test Center and Date
- Pay the Fee (about $30–40 per subject, varies by state)
- Bring Valid ID (such as a passport) on exam day
Can You Take the GED in Japan?
Currently, the GED is not available in Japan. You must travel to the U.S. or Canada to take the test at an official center. However, you can prepare thoroughly online before sitting for the exam abroad.
Important Notes
- State Differences: Each U.S. state may have different fees, rules, and registration steps. Always check local requirements.
- English Proficiency: Since the exam is in English, strong reading and writing skills are crucial—especially for the Language Arts section.
Final Thoughts
Earning a GED in the U.S. is a powerful way to open doors to higher education and career opportunities. While you cannot take the exam in Japan, careful preparation with online resources can make success very achievable.
For many international students, the next step after earning a GED is enrolling in a community college—a pathway that often leads to university and beyond.
