Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Donnelly tailors every tutoring package to the student's needs, starting level, and timeline. Packages range from $2,850 to $8,100 depending on the number of lessons, and during your free 30-minute consultation he will recommend the right package for your personalised study plan. There are no hidden fees or long-term contracts.

Preparation time varies depending on your starting level. Students with strong foundational skills may be ready in 4 to 8 weeks of focused study. Those who need to build skills from the ground up typically work with Dr. Donnelly for 3 to 6 months. Your free consultation will include a realistic timeline estimate.

Both. Dr. Donnelly offers in-person sessions at his San Diego office (5425 Oberlin Drive, Suite 202N, 92121) and online sessions via Zoom for students anywhere in the United States. Online lessons follow the same personalized study plan as in-person sessions.

Both are high school equivalency exams accepted by employers and colleges. The GED (four computer-based tests) is offered in almost every state; the HiSET (five subtests, on paper, on computer, or online at home where allowed) is offered in about two dozen states, and in Iowa and Maine it is the only option. California accepts both. The TASC was discontinued at the end of 2021. Dr. Donnelly can help you determine which exam is right for your state and goals.

Your first session begins with a diagnostic assessment to identify your strengths and areas that need the most work. Dr. Donnelly will then walk you through your personalised study plan, set clear goals, and begin teaching the material you need most. You will leave with homework and a clear roadmap.

Yes. You can retake any GED subject you did not pass. There is no waiting period for your first two retakes of a subject; after that, you must wait 60 days before testing in that subject again. Retake fees vary by state, and some states (including California) offer a discounted retake at a test center. Dr. Donnelly will analyse your score report and adjust your study plan to target the areas where you fell short.

You need a minimum score of 145 on each of the four GED subjects to pass. Scores of 145 to 164 earn a GED diploma. Scores of 165 to 174 earn a GED College Ready designation, and scores of 175 or above earn GED College Ready + Credit, which may qualify you for up to 10 college credit hours.

Dr. Donnelly provides all study materials, practice tests, and resources as part of your tutoring programme. You do not need to purchase any textbooks or prep books separately. He uses a combination of official GED practice materials, custom worksheets, and targeted exercises.

The full GED test takes approximately 7 hours across all four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes), Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 minutes), Science (90 minutes), and Social Studies (70 minutes). You can take the subjects one at a time on different dates.

You schedule your GED test through the official GED.com website. You will create an account, choose a test center near you (or the online-proctored test, if your state offers it and you have scored “green” on the GED Ready practice test), select your date and time, and pay the fee. Dr. Donnelly can walk you through this process during your sessions.

Yes. According to GED Testing Service, nearly all U.S. colleges and employers accept the GED credential as equivalent to a high school diploma. It is also accepted for military enlistment, although the armed services may set additional requirements for GED holders.

The GED has four subject tests: Mathematical Reasoning (algebra, geometry, data analysis), Reasoning Through Language Arts (reading comprehension, writing, grammar), Science (life science, physical science, earth and space science), and Social Studies (U.S. history, civics, economics, geography). Dr. Donnelly tutors all four subjects.