If you earned a General Educational Development (GED) credential, you do not receive a GPA (Grade Point Average). Here's why and what it means for you:
The GED is a high school equivalency diploma, not a traditional high school transcript. It consists of four subject tests (Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science), each scored from 100 to 200. To pass, you need:
- At least 145 on each test (passing level).
- 580 total across all four tests.
- No single test below 145.
Your final credential simply states "Passed" or includes a total score (e.g., 620/800) and may note college-ready (165–174) or college-ready+credit (175–200) distinctions. No letter grades (A, B, C) are assigned, so no GPA is calculated.
Why no GPA?
- GPA requires course-by-course grades over semesters (e.g., 4.0 for an A).
- GED is a single battery of tests, not a multi-year curriculum.
- It proves high school-level competency, not academic performance over time.
What to use instead:
- List your GED with total score on applications (e.g., "GED, 2025 – Total Score: 680/800").
- Highlight college-ready status if achieved.
- Many colleges accept GED + placement tests (like Accuplacer) for admission.
- Employers value the equivalency focus on skills gained.
In short: Your GPA is N/A. Your GED proves you meet high school standards, but it’s a pass/fail equivalency, not a graded transcript. Celebrate the achievement it opens doors to college, jobs, and training!