What GED prep actually needs to do
The GED is four separate, computer-based tests, and the rule that shapes everything is simple: you need 145 out of 200 on each subject to pass, and you keep any subject you’ve already passed. That means prep should be subject-by-subject, not one giant cram — you can sit Math today, pass it, and never look back.
For most adult learners the challenge isn’t intelligence, it’s consistency around work and life. Short daily practice beats long weekend sessions, which is exactly what an AI tutor on your phone makes possible.
The four GED subjects
| Subject | Time | What it tests |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 min | Algebra, number sense, geometry, data; on-screen calculator (after a short no-calc section) |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts | 150 min | Reading, grammar, and a typed extended-response essay |
| Science | 90 min | Life, physical and earth science; heavy on reading graphs and data |
| Social Studies | 70 min | Civics, US history, economics, geography; source analysis |
Each is scored 100–200; 145 passes, 165+ is “College Ready,” 175+ earns college credit.
A subject-by-subject prep plan
| Phase | Focus | Daily target |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Diagnostic across all four; rank weakest to strongest | 15 min/day |
| Weeks 3–8 | Drill your weakest subject first (usually Math) | 15–20 min/day |
| Weeks 9–12 | RLA reading + essay structure; Science/Social Studies data reading | 15–20 min/day |
| Final 2 weeks before each test | Timed full-length practice for that one subject | 20 min/day |
| Test day | Sit that subject; book the next once it’s ready | — |
Take subjects one at a time as each is ready. Passing Math first removes the biggest source of GED stress for most adults.
Where students lose marks
- Math word problems and algebra — the single most-failed area; translate the words into an equation first.
- The RLA extended response — graders want a clear claim, evidence from the passages, and structure, not a personal opinion.
- Graph and data questions in Science and Social Studies — you lose marks for misreading a chart, not for missing a fact.
- No-calculator Math openers — practising mental math saves you here.
Skoolskill grades practice the way the test does — checking method on Math, and structure-and-evidence on the essay — and uses spaced repetition to bring back the questions you missed.
Comparison: GED tutor vs Skoolskill
| Private GED tutor | Skoolskill | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $30–$60/hr | Free or ~$6.99/month |
| Practice per week | 1 hour | 7 × 10–20 min sessions |
| Subjects covered | 1 per booking | All four, one plan |
| Material | Generic workbooks | Your own notes & practice sets |
| Annual cost | $1,000+ over a few months | $0 or ~$84 |
Skoolskill is an AI tutor that turns your own notes and practice materials into daily practice, with mark-scheme-style grading and a plan that counts back from each test date.
When a human tutor still matters
- You’ve been out of school for years and need someone to rebuild math foundations from scratch.
- A learning difference calls for tailored, in-person strategies.
- You want accountability from a person to keep showing up.
- You need help navigating state-specific enrollment and testing logistics.
Many adults pair occasional human help with daily AI practice — see our free online tutor page for what costs nothing.
Get started — free
- Create a free account — no credit card.
- Tell us which GED subjects you’re sitting and your target test dates.
- Snap a photo of your notes or a practice question.
- Your first daily session starts in under three minutes.
Start free — free tier always available.