The GED (General Educational Development) test, particularly the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) section, includes an extended response essay that's a key component of your overall score. Understanding how to access this score is straightforward and helps you gauge your performance quickly. Here's a step-by-step guide to viewing your GED essay score, along with tips on interpretation and next steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Your Score
- Create or Log In to Your GED Account: Visit GED.com and sign in using the email and password you used to register for the test. If you haven't created an account yet, click "Create Account" and follow the prompts it's free and quick.
- Navigate to My Scores: Once logged in, go to the dashboard and select the "My Scores" section. This is your central hub for all test results.
- Locate the RLA Test Results: Find the entry for the Reasoning Through Language Arts test. Your overall RLA score (on a scale of 100-200) will be displayed here. To see the essay breakdown, click on the detailed score report link below the RLA result.
- View the Essay Details: In the score report, look for the "Extended Response" or "Essay" section. It shows your essay score out of 6 points (based on three criteria: creation of arguments, development through reasoning and evidence, and clear language use, each scored 0-2). This score contributes to your total RLA performance but isn't shown separately it's factored into the 100-200 scale.
Scores typically post within 24 hours of testing, though it can take up to 3 business days. You'll receive an email notification when they're available. If you took the test online or at a center, the process is the same.
Understanding Your Essay Score
- Scoring Rubric: Two trained readers score your essay independently on a 0-6 scale. An average of at least 2 is needed to pass, but focus on the overall RLA score: 145+ passes, 165+ is "College Ready," and 175+ may earn college credit.
- Common Pitfalls: Many test-takers score low (even 0/6) due to weak structure or evidence. The essay is only about 20% of RLA, so multiple-choice questions carry more weight. If your overall RLA is below 145, review the report's feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
What If You Disagree or Need More?
- Request a Rescore: For $50 per essay, contact GED support at 1-877-EXAM-GED or via email to challenge your score though changes are rare.
- Order Transcripts: From "My Scores," click "Order Duplicates" to get official transcripts for schools or employers via Parchment (fees apply).
- Retesting: If needed, you can retake RLA up to twice per year after a 60-day wait.
Tips for Success
Practice essays using GED's free resources on GED.com, focusing on clear thesis statements, evidence from texts, and organized paragraphs. Aim for 45 minutes during the test. Viewing scores promptly lets you celebrate passes or plan retakes efficiently.
By following these steps, you'll have your essay insights in minutes, empowering your next move toward your GED credential. For more, explore GED's score scale page.