High School Diploma vs. GED: Navigating Educational Pathways
Understanding the differences between a High School Diploma and the General Educational Development (GED) Test is crucial for individuals seeking to continue their education or pursue career opportunities. The GED test is a supplementary option for those who have been officially withdrawn from the formal education system. In this article, we explore the distinctions and provide valuable insights into educational pathways.
Who Can Take the GED Test?
The GED test is designed for students who have been officially withdrawn from the public or private school system. This means that high school students cannot take the GED exam prior to official withdrawal. The requirement to be withdrawn from school varies, but in most states, 16 and 17-year-olds must have parental consent.
What is the GED Test?
The GED test is a challenging series of exams that assesses knowledge and skills equivalent to a traditional high school education in the United States. To achieve a passing score, thorough preparation is essential. The GED test is more rigorous than simply completing high school.
For high school students who are interested in preparing for college while still in their senior years, dual credit programs are available. These programs allow students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, potentially resulting in over 30 free college semester hours.
Preparation and Post-Passage
In addition to dual credit programs, students can enroll in local community colleges for readiness testing. They may be placed in credit or remedial classes, specifically in math and English. With focused effort, students can progress to college-level coursework within a year.
Note that if you have a high school diploma, you have already graduated from high school. The GED was initially created to demonstrate equivalency for military personnel who did not graduate from high school, and the ABE Adult Basic Education test serves as a 8th grade equivalency. Owning a high school diploma typically negates the need to take the GED test.
Real-world Examples
My daughter is a prime example of someone who navigated an alternative educational path. After dropping out of a publicly-funded boarding school at 15, she took the GED only because her summer employer required it and compensated her for the experience.
Following her withdrawal from formal education, she continued to study independently, travel abroad, attend college classes as a homeschooled dual-enrolled student, and work full-time. Technically, she graduated early, but instead of immediately enrolling full-time in college, she directed her own work and learning trajectory. She pursued scholarships to achieve full funding for her education, highlighting the flexibility of alternative educational paths.
My daughter could have potentially pursued her college education at age 16, but she preferred to gain more experience, travel, and work to prepare for higher education. Each individual's educational journey should be tailored to their needs, goals, and circumstances.
For those considering the GED test, it is important to weigh the benefits against the requirements and challenges of the process. Whether through formal education or alternative pathways, the ultimate goal is to open up opportunities and reach personal and professional goals.