Charting His Own Course: A 16-Year-Old’s Journey from IGCSE to GED at The Planner
Interview with ‘Bank’, a 16-year-old student from Charter International School. Bank has his sights set on the business world, and is taking steps toward his future by enrolling in a GED course at The Planner Education.
Originally, Bank started taking an IGCSE Chemistry course with The Planner in 2022. During this time, he discovered his desired career path. He then decided to enroll in a GED course to graduate early and explore his future opportunities sooner.
Bank shared that his father initially discovered The Planner after receiving positive recommendations from friends who enrolled their sons and relatives. This positive feedback prompted Bank’s father to enroll him at The Planner.
Having studied with The Planner for about a year, Bank is currently enrolled in a private GED session. We spoke with Bank about the differences he’s noticed between IGCSE and GED, as well as his plans for the future.
Since you studied IGCSE course with The Planner before switching to GED course, how do you think the two exams differ??
The IGCSE, for example, Chemistry, is very focused and in-depth. You really have to know the entire syllabus thoroughly. In contrast, the GED covers the surface of chemistry and science, so you don’t need as deep an understanding of the content.
In terms of the exams, the IGCSE has two parts: multiple-choice questions and written questions. The GED, on the other hand, is solely multiple-choice. For IGCSE, you need to elaborate and expand on your answers, with many high-mark questions, while the GED is about eliminating incorrect options quickly to save time for reviewing your answers.
For the IGCSE, it’s crucial to clearly understand terms like explain, rearrange, elaborate, or calculate. With the GED, you typically have four options—A, B, C, D—with two definitely wrong and two potentially correct answers. This gives you a 50/50 chance of getting the answer right.
How has The Planner helped you prepare for the exam?
My GED Math teacher, who also taught my Chemistry IGCSE class, is excellent at explaining concepts. He uses good examples and comparisons, which help me learn new skills and topics faster. He taught me tips and tricks for answering questions, identifying correct answers, and dealing with tricky wording.
One key aspect was practicing past paper questions and sticking to a routine. He made learning strategies flexible, which helped me remember important phrases and concepts more easily. If I were studying alone, I’d have to spend much more time reading. He’s an outstanding teacher—I’d rate him 12 out of 10!
Moreover, all the teachers at The Planner are highly qualified and have strong academic skills. They taught me new ways to answer and read questions, which helped me score higher.
Beside the teaching technique, what impressed you most about The Planner?
The admin staff are very kind and welcoming. Every time I leave, they say “Bye” and “Have a safe trip home.” They make the environment feel less stressful and more relaxed, like I’m not just there for tutoring. It’s a nice, chill atmosphere.
The Planner also takes care of everything related to the GED test. They registered me for the test, and took care of everything for me. All I had to do was study. The admin team was very efficient, managing my GED Ready account, purchasing the test, and organizing where I had to take it. So, thank you to them.
Balancing schoolwork and tutoring at The Planner can be tough. How do you manage your time effectively?
Academics aren’t always easy, but I don’t spend hours on exam questions every day. I study for 30 minutes to an hour daily, from Monday to Sunday. By doing this consistently, I don’t have to cram at the last minute and can enjoy my hobbies.
I like playing basketball, piano, and painting. I also exercise regularly and take walks with my mom. Engaging in these activities helps me relieve stress and focus on something other than academics. It’s a great way to relax.
What are your plans for the future?
I might study abroad, but currently, I’m considering the BBA program at Chulalongkorn University. I’m interested in the business field and want to experience the real world because business isn’t just theoretical. I want to learn from real-world experiences and mistakes.
I believe a business career offers flexibility. When looking for a job, a BBA degree can open many doors. Unlike engineering, which is more specialized, a business degree allows for a variety of career options and a flexible schedule.
Can you give advice to people who are still figuring out their future career?
I didn’t really discover my path early. I only realized last year that I wanted to pursue a BBA. So, it’s never too late. Even if you have just a year or a few months left, if you find something you really enjoy, spend time on it, and if you truly like it, go for it.
You should explore different options without overthinking. Go out and see what interests you. When you find something you like, think about how it relates to various majors and universities. This might help you find a major you would enjoy.
I also recommend a good tutoring center called The Planner. As the name suggests, “The Planner” helps you plan for your future. They assist with GED preparation and guide you towards your goals. It’s a great place to learn, with flexible teachers and kind staff.
Bank’s story is an inspiring example of how The Planner empowers students to chart their own educational paths. Whether you’re aiming for an IGCSE qualification or a faster track to higher education with a GED, The Planner offers the guidance and support you need to succeed.
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- Focus on how to get the passing score from the first time.
- Course contents followed by the most up-to-date GED exam.
- Live lecture, small group session, and fun surroundings.
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