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HiSET Practice Questions

HiSET College Admissions Guide Practice Questions

Can You Go to College with a HiSET Diploma? Everything You Need to KnowSo you've got your HiSET credential - or you're working toward it - and the big question on your mind is probably this: can you go to college with a HiSET diploma? Short answer? Yes. The HiSET is accepted by the vast majority of colleges and universities across the country, from community colleges to 4-year state schools. But there's more to it than just getting in the door. You'll want to know which schools accept HiSET, how financial aid works, and what scores actually look competitive for admissions. We break it all down here, along with sample questions so you know what to expect on the assessment itself.

230
Total Questions
7+ hours total (across 5 subtests)
Time Limit
8 out of 20 per subtest (minimum)
Passing Score
$50-$125 total (varies by state)
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 320+ HiSET College Admissions Guide practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

Read the following passage: 'The industrial revolution transformed not only how goods were produced, but also how workers lived. Factories drew people from rural areas into crowded cities, where housing was scarce and sanitation poor. Despite these hardships, urban populations continued to grow throughout the 19th century.' Based on the passage, what was a major consequence of the industrial revolution?

AA) Rural populations increased dramatically
BB) People migrated to cities despite difficult living conditions
CC) Factory workers enjoyed improved sanitation systems
DD) Housing became more affordable in urban centers
2

A store is offering a 15% discount on all items. If a jacket originally costs $80, what is the sale price of the jacket?

AA) $65.00
BB) $68.00
CC) $70.00
DD) $12.00
3

Which of the following sentences is written correctly?

AA) Neither the students nor the teacher were prepared for the fire drill.
BB) Neither the students nor the teacher was prepared for the fire drill.
CC) Neither the students or the teacher were prepared for the fire drill.
DD) Neither the students nor the teacher have been prepared for the fire drill.
4

A scientist observes that plants in a greenhouse grow taller when exposed to 16 hours of light per day compared to plants receiving only 8 hours. She wants to determine whether the difference is caused by the additional light. What should she do next to strengthen her conclusion?

AA) Increase the temperature in the greenhouse
BB) Repeat the experiment with the same conditions but more plant samples
CC) Only measure the plants that grew the tallest
DD) Change the type of soil used for all plants
5

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects which of the following rights?

AA) The right to bear arms
BB) Protection against unreasonable searches and seizures
CC) Freedom of speech, religion, and the press
DD) The right to a speedy and public trial

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About the HiSET College Admissions Guide

Format & Structure

Total Questions
230
Time Limit
7+ hours total (across 5 subtests)
Format
Multiple choice + essay (Writing subtest)

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
8 out of 20 per subtest (minimum)
Registration Fee
$50-$125 total (varies by state)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you go to college with a HiSET diploma?

Yes, you can absolutely go to college with a HiSET diploma. The HiSET credential is recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most colleges and universities across the United States. Community colleges, state universities, and many private institutions accept HiSET holders through their standard admissions process.

Do all colleges accept the HiSET?

Most colleges accept the HiSET, but not literally every single one. Community colleges and public universities are almost universally accepting of HiSET credentials. Some highly selective private institutions may have additional requirements or preferences, so it's always worth checking directly with the admissions office of the school you're interested in.

Is a HiSET diploma the same as a GED?

The HiSET and GED are both high school equivalency credentials, but they're different assessments. The HiSET is developed by ETS (the same company behind the SAT and AP assessments), while the GED is its own program. Both are widely accepted by colleges and employers, though the HiSET is often considered more affordable and is available in paper-based format in many states.

Can I get financial aid with a HiSET diploma?

Yes. Students with a HiSET diploma are eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work-study programs. You'll need to complete the FAFSA just like any other student. State-level grants and institutional scholarships are also typically available to HiSET holders.

What colleges accept the HiSET credential?

The vast majority of accredited colleges and universities accept the HiSET. This includes community colleges, state universities, online colleges, and many private institutions. Schools like Arizona State University, the University of Phoenix, community college systems nationwide, and most state university systems recognize the HiSET as a valid high school equivalency.

Is a HiSET diploma equivalent to a high school diploma?

For most practical purposes, yes. The HiSET credential is legally recognized as a high school equivalency in the states where it's offered. Employers, colleges, and the military generally treat it the same as a traditional diploma. That said, a few very selective programs might distinguish between the two, though this is increasingly rare.

Can I get into a 4-year university with a HiSET?

Definitely. Many 4-year universities accept HiSET credentials for admission. You'll typically need to meet the same requirements as other applicants - satisfactory scores, possibly placement assessments, and a completed application. Some universities may also consider your HiSET subtest scores as part of their review, so aiming for scores well above the minimum is a smart move.

What score do I need on the HiSET for college?

To earn the HiSET credential, you need at least an 8 out of 20 on each of the five subtests, plus a minimum of 2 out of 6 on the essay portion. However, some colleges may look for higher scores during admissions review. Scoring 15 or above on each subtest puts you in a strong position for most college applications and may even qualify you for placement into credit-bearing courses without remedial work.

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