• All three test options are geared to measure college-and-career readi -ness, focusing on Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and SocialStudies• The test takes an average of 7 hours and 20 minutes to complete• Each assessment has its own pricing. Please refer to each respectivewebsite for further information: www.GEDtestingservice.com;www.TASCTest.com; www.HiSET.ets.org

Why the HSE Matters• A high school graduate earns $11,000 a year more than someone whodidn’t complete high school. Source: U.S. Census Bureau. (U.S. CensusBureau, 2010).• More than 17 million people have earned a high school equivelancycredential since 1943, including many luminaries such as JessicaSimpson, Michael J. Fox and Bill Cosby (entertainers), Jim Florio(former New Jersey governor), and Dave Thomas (founder of Wendy’s).

Top Five Reasons to Study for the HSE at Bergen Community College in Hackensack1. No cost evaluation of your academic skills and placement by TestingCenter experts

2. Reputation for excellent classes3. Experienced teachers with advanced training4. Supportive and caring environment; small classes averaging 15-20students

5. Tutoring and academic support at our state-of-the-art Tutoring andLanguage Center included with tuition

To search for a testing center please visit www.state.nj.us/education/students/adulted/cp/centers.htm

Visit us on the Web at www.bergen.edu/Ciarco for more detailed informationabout classes, schedules, and tuition.

Call (201) 489-1551 or stop by our Registration Desk at the Philip J. Ciarco Jr. Learning Center, 355 Main Street in Hackensack.

They Did It! And So Can You!Stephen Chung, 22, HSE graduate, 2012Dropping out of high school after tenthgrade, Steven Chung returned toschool to obtain his high schoolequivalency from Bergen in 2011. Bythe end of 2012, he graduated fromBCC with an Associate’s degree inSocial Work with honors. Steven iscurrently working as an outpatientadvocate for Goodwill Industries.

“Getting my HSE been the greatest thing that’s happened in my life.It’s opened so many doors.”

Myles C. Williams, 57, HSE graduate,2009After losing his eyesight at an earlyage, Myles C. Williams struggled inschool and never earned his high-school diploma. Many years later, heenrolled in an HSE (then GED) programat the Ciarco Center. With the help ofcaring teachers and state-of-the-arteducational technology for the blind, Williams raced ahead to highschool equivalency in just under a year—becoming his GED ClassValedictorian. He is now enrolled in the BroadcastingCommunications program at Bergen Community College,pursuing his dream of becoming a radio personality.

“The teachers at the Ciarco Center are so patient—they want tolearn from you. Through hard work and determination, you canaccomplish your dream.”

Step One: Assessment of High School Knowledge and AbilitiesBegin with a complete assessment of your academic skills and contentknowledge. You’ll get a full report of your pre-test results so that youcan better understand how your current knowledge compares to highschool graduates and how to develop your study habits further. Thisservice is available by appointment no cost to you, weekdays andevenings.

“For me, having left school 40 years ago, the program is excellent. Theteachers are informative, patient and they really care about you as astudent.” – Joyce O., age 66

Our classes are small and interactive, so you’ll receive personalattention. Our teachers are experienced and passionate about workingwith motivated students of all ages and backgrounds. Our instructorswill help you discover your strengths and gain more confidence inyourself as a student.

Step Two: Choose the Class that’s Right for YouOur intensive HSE classes meet daily for three hours, Mondays throughThursdays, weekdays or evenings. Choose the class that fits yourschedule and meets your needs.

Academic Skills RefresherA 36-day course to review reading, writing, math and practice test-takingtechniques. Students are introduced to the writing process through suchtechniques as brainstorming, using graphic organizers, and self- and peer-editing. Math lessons build number sense and problem-solving skills,focusing on the uses of math in everyday life.

HSE Preparation CourseA 36-day course multi-skills course geared toward the new High SchoolEquivalency test. Emphasis on the new Literacy portion of the HSE stressesacademic reading and writing strategies, critical thinking and strategies forsuccess on the new Essay portion.

Math for HSE and BeyondAn 18-day refresher course that builds knowledge of math basics andproblem-solving strategies. Emphasis on mathematical thinking and themany uses for math in everyday and professional careers.

We don’t just teach you how to answer difficult test questions. We give youstrategies to reduce test anxiety. I tell students: Relax. Go step by step. And don’t overthink! – Harry Reyes, HSE Instructor, The Ciarco LearningCenter

Academic and Tutoring HelpBergen Community College offers many resources to meet youracademic needs. You can receive one-on-one or group help at ourTutoring and Language Center. Our tutors are here to help youimprove your study skills, complete homework, or join a studygroup—at no extra cost to you.

Step Three: The HSE and BeyondWhen you’re ready to take the HSE, we’ll refer you to the mostconvenient testing location. And we’ll guide you onto the next stepsthrough career counseling, transition-to-college programs, andconnections to on-the-job training programs.

What You Should Know about the HSEThe High School Equivalency (HSE) program provides adults whodid not complete a formal high-school program the opportunity tocertify their attainment of high school-level academic knowledgeand skills. As of January 2014, New Jersey offers three differentassessments leading to a State-issued high-school diploma. Thethree test options are: the GED, the TASC, and the HiSET Exam.• Each consists of tests in four subject areas (Literacy, Math,Science, and Social Studies) given over two days.