To earn your Arkansas High School Diploma, you must pass the four tests that make up the GED Test.  The four test subject areas include language arts, math, science, and social studies.  Arkansas requires all test takers to pass the GED Ready in all four subject areas before taking the actual GED Test in a particular subject.  The GED Ready refers to practice tests that have been designed to determine if an individual is ready to take the GED Test.

1. Better Opportunities:  While you can get a job without a high school diploma, most jobs now require a person to have at least a high school diploma.  People without a high school diploma are two times more likely to be unemployed.   In addition, colleges typically require students to have a high school diploma, with most colleges accepting a GED instead of a traditional high school diploma.  A high diploma or a GED is needed to join the U.S. military.

2.  Improved Self-Esteem:   Passing our four subjects on the GED Test and earning an Arkansas High School Diploma is an accomplishment.  Most adult education students have families and full-time or part-time jobs, along with other commitments and responsibilities.  The time and effort needed to pass the tests take determination and dedication.  Earning your Arkansas High School Diploma can do wonders for your confidence, self-worth, and self-esteem.  

3. Higher Earning Potential:  According to a news release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (October 18, 2022), full-time workers age 25 and older without a high school diploma earned approximately $692 per week, while workers with a high school diploma, or its equivalent,  in the same age group earned approximately $866 per week during the third quarter of 2022.   

4. Increased Knowledge:  It has been said that “Knowledge is power.”  The GED Test covers a wide range of subject matter and interesting topics, most of which apply to daily life.  You can learn to make a family budget and determine if you are getting a good deal with concepts learned for the math test.  Social studies can help make sense of the world while language arts give you the skills needed to improve your communication and thinking.  People without a high school diploma are four times more likely to be in poor health.

5. Set an Example for Your Family and Friends:  Earning your Arkansas High School Diploma by passing the GED Test will demonstrate to your family and friends the importance of getting an education and the value of never giving up.  This creates cycles of education for future generations.