Should i Return to High School?

Question

I'm 17 and a 9th grade dropout. I've received a ged but didn't learn anything in the process.

If i went back to school i would be 21 by the time i graduated.

Are there any other options such as an alternative school?

I've been told to enroll in community college and just take remeadial classes but i don't feel they can help me with an 8th grade education.

Any suggestions. Please understand i've had an awful home situation leading to the decision to dropout. Now that i'm getting older and reality is setting in i'm worried to death.

I can't face working at mcdonalds the rest of my life.

I'm a smart guy, just had an unfortunate set of road blocks in my life.

@Shiloh - Theres no possible way of going back to H.S. since i received a GED.

The local H.S. or school system can't make an exception?

Answer 1

Yes you should go back to high school..I mean it

Answer 2

Since you have a GED, the state/government now considers you an adult learner. You cannot go back to high school and start over or finish your high school years. Your local high school may offer Adult education classes, so if you need to learn how to read, do basic math, etc., then you can enroll in the evenings and take these kinds of classes. However, my guess is that you don't need that sort of remedial help, and instead you need some career guidance. In that case, your best bet is to enroll in the local community college and start working towards an Associate's Degree (technical training or another 2 year program) or to transfer to a 4-year college or University.

Your local junior college is prepared to help you "catch" up with your peers and will have a program that will get you on your way to a new life. Stop by and visit with the counseling center and make sure to ask for an advisor. An advisor will help you figure out what you really want to do with your life and can then show you school programs that will help you get there.

Remember that the past is behind you -- there is never any advantage to going backwards or trying to recapture past opportunities. Those doors are closed to you now, but the good news is that your future is brimming with hope and unlimited possibilities. If you start looking forward and thinking about what your life can become, you will soon find you are on your way to making it happen.

Please take the time to visit with your community college -- I think you will see just how many opportunities exist once you get there and are actually shown how to get enrolled in their system.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I suggest that you do enrol in community college but explain to them that you've been out of school since you were about fourteen and you need extra support. You'll probably not be the only one in this situation and I'm sure the college will have provisions there for people who need quite a bit of help before they tackle any exams or more advanced work. Bear in mind that these colleges often assist with adults who can't even read at a primary school level so you won't be the 'worse'.

Going back to actual high school might put you off because you'll find it hard being in a class where everyone is much younger than you. Plus, you'll also not be able to mix as well. In an adult college, you'll be able to talk with people in the same situation as yourself and this could be invaluable when discussing study tactics, etc.

Answer 4

From Personal experience I've been there and also a dropout so don't feel so bad. I'm sorry for the unfortunate circumstances that you had to endure.
Don't let the rivers of life toss you where it will. Make your own decisions and steer your own courses. With determination I assure you that you won't end up in Mcdonalds. Although the food is the BEST!! lol

YES YOU SHOULD GO BACK AND GET YOUR DEGREE!!
If you prefer to go at your own pace, you can check out

http://pennfoster.com/

It's expensive but you wouldn't have to deal with actually attending classes since it's online. But if you want the real experience and one on one attention then go to your nearby college and sign up for night classes or whatever options they have. And I'm pretty sure COLLEGE is capable of helping you with an 8th grade education.

I wish you success in all your endeavors.

Answer 5

I would think the best solution would be for you to teach yourself. We are all self learners. We do not learn anything that we do not want to learn. The best teachers and the best programs in the world cannot help a person who does not want to be helped. Pick up a book and read. Go to the library and get books that are on your level of reading comprehension. Read.
Watch educational videos online and from the library. Watch educational TV. Read.
There is no excuse for not having an education with all the resources that are free and easily accessible.
After you get your confidence and basic education, take classes at community college to show your perspective employers that you have what it takes to make a good employee: that you are not a victim and you are not a quitter.

Answer 6

Check with your local school system to see if they will accept you as a student.

Going back is never too late... When I was in HS we had a student who was 31 years old came back to school. I really admired her for have the gumption to complete her HS education. It might be possible to take a placement test to see if you could skip a grade.

Let me ask you if you feel you missed out on the experience of going to school more than you didn't learn anything by passing the GED test?

Answer 7

You sound like you have a good head on your shoulders - I do think that you'll be okay with starting off on remedial level college classes. You'll be surprised at how quickly you pick up on things now that you're older. And if you struggle too much there are always tutors. You'll probably qualify for a lot of financial assistance so go for it. It's the kind of thing that you'll be sorry about later if you don't.

Since you're already thinking of this at the age of 17 I think you'll end up just fine.

Good luck.

Answer 8

It doesn't make sense to go back to High School (and you can't anyway). Just take your tests at the JC and start where they tell you to start. A lot of the courses you can do online or via cable TV these days which is also great. Just keep them up until you have reached 12 grade level and then keep going! You can do it, I know it! Just believe in yourself, don't give up and you can accomplish whatever you want! You will enjoy the benefits of it your entire life! Not just now.

Answer 9

Check online for Adult Education centers in your area. Going to your local community college is a good idea as well, and yes they can help you with an 8th grade education if you take remedial classes, just get yourself a tutor and you'll be okay.

Answer 10

I say you should go back to school. Many people do. When you get into college you'll find that there are many people your age and older taking the classes. If your worried of being teased then either get home school or go to a private school. (I could see why you wouldn't want to McDolanlds.)

Answer 11

Having achieved a G.E.D. I recommend testing into a community college. You will only be able to take classes you are ready for by doing it that way. And don't be afraid to use a mentor/tutor for areas of concern.