GED preparation typically takes 3-6 months for students who study consistently, though timelines vary based on your starting level and how much time you can dedicate each week. Most students benefit from 10-15 hours of focused study per subject.

Yes, GED testing centers are available throughout Chicago, including at public libraries, community colleges, and approved testing sites. You can register for the test through the official GED website and choose your testing location and date. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can create a personalized study plan tailored to your schedule and learning style.

Self-study relies heavily on your own motivation and ability to identify gaps in knowledge, while personalized 1-on-1 instruction provides expert guidance, targeted practice, and immediate feedback. Tutors can pinpoint exactly where you're struggling—whether it's algebraic reasoning, understanding scientific processes, or analyzing complex texts—and adjust teaching methods to match how you learn best.

Research in education shows that personalized instruction significantly accelerates learning compared to self-study alone. Tutors also help you manage test anxiety, develop time-management strategies for the timed exam, and practice with realistic GED-style questions.

To pass the GED, you need a minimum score of 145 on each of the four subject tests. This is a passing standard across the United States, including Illinois. Many students aim for scores of 165 or higher to strengthen college and job applications.

Illinois has no state-specific score requirements beyond the national minimum, but community colleges and employers may prefer higher scores. Working with a tutor helps you understand the scoring system, set realistic goals, and build skills to earn scores that open doors for your next steps.

Absolutely. Many students preparing for the GED haven't been in a classroom for years, and foundational skills in math, reading, and writing need refreshing. Tutors understand this challenge and can start exactly where you are—reviewing basic concepts like fractions and percentages, building reading comprehension, or improving grammar—before moving into GED-specific material.

The advantage of personalized instruction is that you move at your own pace without the pressure of a group classroom. Tutors can spend extra time on topics you find difficult and move quickly through areas where you're strong, making your preparation efficient and confidence-building.

The RLA section tests your ability to read passages and answer questions about main ideas, details, and word meanings, plus write a short essay analyzing an argument. The test is computer-based and takes about 150 minutes total. You'll encounter fiction, nonfiction, and informational texts, and the essay requires you to explain how an author supports their position—not share your personal opinion.

Many students find the essay component intimidating because it combines reading comprehension with writing skills. Tutors help you develop strategies for analyzing arguments quickly, organizing your thoughts, and writing under timed conditions.

A GED credential is equivalent to a high school diploma and opens doors to college, vocational training, and career advancement. Illinois has several community colleges in and around Chicago—like Harold Washington College, Truman College, and Daley College—that accept GED holders. You can also pursue associate degrees, certifications, or apprenticeships.

Many employers recognize the GED as a valuable qualification for jobs that previously required a high school diploma. Some students use GED preparation as a stepping stone and later ask tutors for help with college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT, or subject-specific placement tests.