Is a GED really just as good as a high school diploma??

Question

I have heard opinions both ways but would really like to hear from people that have had experiences good or bad with having a GED. I am in my early 30's with a 9th grade education. Yes I know I have put it off for way to long. I have always had a problem with low self esteem due to the way I was raised verbal being just one of the abuses I had to deal with but with the support of many friends & family I have finally decided to suck it up and get on with my life for my kids sake & so I can support myself if the need ever arises

Please this is a serious question so leave the insults for the ones on this site who deserve them but I do take constructive criticism

Also is the essay part really hard? I was always bad at written essays(writers block) but would do great with on the spot verbals

Answer 1

I quit school after 10th grade to join the service, when the dinosaurs roamed the earth. I went back and got my college degree so GED was moot. But if you read the GED certificate it states right on it that it is NOT equivalent to a diploma. Besides it has been shown that someone with a GED will earn about 10 to 20K per year less than someone with a diploma. So if you want a DECENT job with GOOD pay get the diploma. All a GED does is say that you passed a test and just know the basics. I know most places say they will accept a GED but you won't get the pay as someone with a diploma.
If you say you want to do it so you can support yourself and kids, I think if you have kids the TIME HAS ARISEN. You should have done it long before you had kids. Look at it this way, go back and get the diploma so that you will be able to help your kids. If you don't know how to do something how do you expect to help and teach them.
Plus think how proud you will be that you went the harder way than a shortcut for just a certificate.


I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT.

Oh! By the way my wife had to quit school also because we got married and she was pregnant, but she went back and got her diploma instead of the GED.

Answer 2

There's a lot of argument about a GED not being as good as a tradition high school diploma. True to a certain degree. A GED possibly won't get you into the best schools, but 99% of todays employers look at GEDs as an equivelant to a regular one. On every job application they ask you, "Do you have a high school diploma or its equivelant?" Meaning they are equal in a way.

A lot of people I know have said the GED is so easy, a 6th grader can take it. Everyone's different, and in my opinion, you should get a GED prep book and study all the way through and take a pre-GED test at a testing center.

I haven't taken the GED, nor do I have a regular high school diploma, but I still managed to become a undergrad student at a private school -- long story. But I plan on getting my high school diploma through an online regionally accredited high school called James Madison High School. They're program is very easy to understand, challenging, and worth the money. If you do consider this school, make sure you choose the "college prep" program, since that one has 22 credits, while their regular one has 16 (I think), which won't qualify you into some colleges afterwards since you need to have earned a certain amount of high school credits.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Good for you for wanting to finish up !! Having a GED is equivalent but not equal. There is a negative connotation regarding a GED as being the easier route. However, depending on what your plans/desires are, it can be your stepping stone to get to where you want to be. Having the GED will allow you options (other education opportunities) that you may not have otherwise. Adult education resources in your community can help you get beyond your fears of writing. Essays are, for the most part, graded on structure, not substance....so its just a matter of learning the "recipe". Good Luck!

Answer 4

Of course not! It is way less diverse and you will be totally unprepared for college unless you are extremely smart and are willing to bust your ***. I actually took my GED instead of going through HS when I turned 16 so that I could graduate early from college. I graduated when I was 20 with a liberal arts degree and graduated with a masters in special education at age 22. So if you are 16 and wanting to graduate early, grow up early, so that you can take care of your 3 younger siblings, go for it! But if you are just lazy and not wanting to, I would just say enjoy your youth and enjoy high school.

Answer 5

You are on the right track for sure!!!I graduated HS & college and I wouldn't want to take that test! BUTT!! There are alot of ways to get threw it. 1.Essays :read read read the more u read the more u can articulate. 2.Math. To many people say I'm no good at it.Think of math as a mystery to solve it takes time..so take your time..as soon as u feel fustrated walk away& come bk when u can.3.Start at your library think about what 9th graders are reading politically &socially. 4.What will u be able to tell ur kids if they wanted to drop out HS?? At least a GED gets u into college.

Answer 6

I was dumb, quit school after the 11th grade.My mind was getting out of the house.I am 55years old now,i tried 3x to pass it,I always failed math.Math hated me,and I hated it.Last Saturday,I tried again,I studied but I tried harder.The math looked like chinese,but I couldn't give up.The next week,I have my diploma,I finally passed.Who cares if it is not as good,because,I cried,prayed,and its mine.I proud of myself,and I don't care if anyone else is.So if it means as much as did me,DON'T GIVE UP

Answer 7

yeah , v wl not b able to take ged online ,but we can do practice tests from online ... you can take high diploma online but check whether the online school is accredited or not..

Answer 8

Nope. Some colleges don't like them. It looks like you were a slacker who tried to recoup.