In January, the General Educational Development test taken each year by hundreds of thousands of high school dropouts will have a new look.

        Since its inception more than 50 years ago, millions have taken the GED, an equivalency exam designed to meet the standards required of high school graduates.

        The test has five sections: writing, social studies, science, reading and math.

        Content changes include:

        • Math: More data analysis, as well as required calculator use.

        • Social studies: More emphasis on government, history and civics.

        • Writing: More emphasis on organization (transitions and coherence.)

        The exam also will be scored differently.

        Today, if a test-taker scores well on one of the five sections but poorly on others, he is able to keep the high section score and work on passing the other sections on subsequent tests. On Jan. 1 the applicant will have to start with a clean slate each time a test is taken.

        The test was designed in 1942 for veterans who had gone to war before completing high school requirements. In 1947, civilians also were allowed to take the test.

        For information on taking the GED, visit the American Council on Education's Web site at www.gedtest.org

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