GED study plan: how to prepare one subject at a time
Last checked October 15, 2026 · Sources: GED Testing Service on test subjects, GED Ready zones and studying and scoring; Davis Technical College
The best GED study plan takes one subject at a time: check where you stand with GED Ready, study the skills it flags, retake it until you score Green, then book that subject and move to the next. Davis Technical College says most people who pass spend 30 to 60 days studying for and completing all four tests, though your pace depends on your starting point.
Which GED subject to study first
Many people start with the subject they feel strongest in, to build confidence and momentum with an early pass. Others start with the one they find hardest, so it gets the most time; BestColleges says Math is typically the most challenging. Either works; the key is to focus on one subject until you’re Green on GED Ready, then test it. Science and Social Studies share reading-and-data skills, so taking them close together can save study time.
A sample GED study plan
| Weeks | Focus | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Baseline | Take GED Ready in your first subject; list the skills the score report flags |
| Weeks 2-3 | First subject | Study the flagged skills an hour a day, retake GED Ready, book the test once Green |
| Weeks 4-5 | Second subject | Repeat: GED Ready, targeted study, retake, test |
| Weeks 6-7 | Third subject | Same cycle; Science and Social Studies pair well |
| Weeks 8-9 | Fourth subject | Same cycle; save extra time if this is Math or Language Arts |
Our suggested schedule for someone starting from a Yellow or Red GED Ready score in each subject. Adjust to your own results.
If GED Ready already shows Green in a subject, you can book it right away and skip ahead. GED.com suggests a Green score means you’re ready to test within about two weeks.
What a study session looks like
Spend 10 minutes on yesterday's mistakes.
Work on one skill from your GED Ready report for 30 to 40 minutes.
Finish with a short timed set to practice pacing.
Note what you missed so tomorrow's review has a focus.
Subject-by-subject tips
- Math: practice the first questions without a calculator, and learn the on-screen TI-30XS.
- Language Arts: write at least a few timed 45-minute essays judging which of two passages has stronger evidence.
- Science: practice reading graphs and identifying variables in experiments.
- Social Studies: read short founding-document excerpts and practice telling fact from opinion; it has the shortest time limit, at 70 minutes.
Resources to use with this plan
Free state adult education classes and GED.com’s study tools can carry most of this plan. Add GED Ready ($7.99 per subject) for the checkpoints. If you want one book for all four subjects, see our best GED prep comparison. Our free GED resources page lists where to start.
Common questions about GED study plans
How long does it take to study for the GED?
Davis Technical College says most people who pass spend 30 to 60 days studying and completing all four tests. It depends on your starting point.
Should I study all four subjects at once?
One at a time, testing each once you score Green on GED Ready. It keeps your focus narrow and spreads out the cost.
Which GED subject is the hardest?
It varies by person. BestColleges says the math exam is typically the most challenging, so many people give Math the most study time. Your GED Ready results are the best guide to your own weakest subject.
Can I study for the GED for free?
Yes, with free adult education classes, GED.com tools and library books. Most people add GED Ready to check readiness.
See also our GED Ready guide and the GED test guide. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with GED Testing Service.