Use Professional Tools

• Just because you choose to study for your GED at home, does not mean that you have to study without professional tools. There are many online resources, such as web seminars, informational websites and practice exams available. You can also purchase GED preparation books or study manuals from a local bookstore, online bookseller or borrow these books for free from your public library. Check the copyright date of the books you borrow for the most current volume of the study guide.
  
  

Make a Task List

• Create a task list that covers each part of the five sections GED exam. Make sure your list incorporates tasks that will help improve your reading, writing, social studies, science and mathematics skills, as these subjects make up the sections you will be tested on. Make your tasks specific and goal-oriented. For example, a task of "learn language arts" is too broad, whereas "study nouns, pronouns and verbs" is more specific. Self-test periodically and reset your goals emphasizing the topics you need improvement on.
  
  

Plan Your Study Time

• Make the commitment and set up a specific schedule by marking your calendar with daily/weekly times to devote to specific topics and tasks. If you have a family, a job and a social life, finding the time to study for the GED may be difficult. You will be less likely to procrastinate if you commit to studying for one to two hours every day. Keep your goal in mind and stick to those time commitments.
  
  

Establish Memorization Devices

• The GED requires you to show competency in five subject areas on a timed test. Establishing a good set of memorization tools will definitely be an asset. Rote memorization can be used with the aid of note or flash cards; mnemonic tools or other patterns can help you with memorizing a string of words or arithmetic operations (for example, "Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally" can be used for remembering parentheses, exponents, multiply, divide, add, subtract).