The creative, take-control kind of thinking Kaplan calls the GED Mindset is something you want to bring to virtually every GED question you counter. It means reshaping the test-taking experience so that you are in the driver's seat.
1. Put the Material into a Form You Can Understand and Use
GED questions are not always presented in the simplest, most helpful way. In fact, your main job for many questions is just figuring out what the question means so that you can answer it. Since the material is presented in such an intimidating way, one of your best strategies for taking control is to recast it into a form you can handle better. For example, mark up your test booklet or reword the questions.
2. Ignore Irrelevant Issues
It's easy to waste time on GED questions by considering irrelevant issues. For example, just because an issue looks interesting, or just because you're worried about something, doesn't make it important. Remember, you've got limited time, so don't get caught up in issues that won't get you a point.
3. Check Back
Remember, the GED is not a test of your memory, so don't make it one. All of the information you need is in the test itself. You shouldn't be afraid to refer back to it. Much of the information is too complex to accurately remember anyway. This is especially important in Reading and Science Reasoning, because the passages leave people feeling adrift in a sea of details.
4. Look for the Hidden Answer
On many GED questions, the right answer is hidden in one way or another. Don't let the answer hide from you. An answer can be hidden by being written in a way that you aren't likely to expect. For example, you might work out a problem and get .5 as your answer, but then find that 5 isn't among the answer choices. Then you notice that one reads "1/2." Congratulations, Sherlock. You've found the hidden answer.
5. Guess Intelligently
An unanswered question is always wrong, but even a wild guess may be right. On the GED, a guess can't hurt you, but it can help. In fact, smart guessing can make a big difference in your score. Always guess on every GED question you can't answer. Never leave any questions blank.
6. Be Careful with the Answer Grid
Your GED score is based on the answers you select on your answer grid. Even if you work out every GED question correctly, you'll get a low score if you misgrid your answers. So be careful. Kaplan has found that it's easier to grid the answers in groups rather than one question at a time.
7. Keep Track of Time
During your two passes through each subject test, you really have to pace yourself. Set your watch at 12:00 at the beginning of each subject test, so it will be easy to check your time. Don't rely on proctors, even if they promise you that they will dutifully call out the time every five, ten, or fifteen minutes.
What's the common thread in these strategies? Take control. You are the master of your test-taking experience.
