Taking the GED test and earning a GED certificate is a smart choice for adults who have dropped out of high school. The GED test, if taken together, can be completed in 7.5 hours. If you get good grades, you can take advantage of various opportunities in your academic and professional life, such as getting a better paying job, getting a promotion or going to college. It might sound appealing, but there are pros and cons to consider when choosing between earning a GED diploma versus a high school diploma.
A GED diploma is considered equivalent to a high school diploma. Passing the GED test and earning a GED certificate means you have the same skills as high school students. However, earning a GED diploma and a high school diploma have different requirements and different outcomes.
Know the pros and cons
Earning a GED diploma is significantly faster. You do so after passing tests covering 4 subject areas: Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Language Arts Reasoning. On the other hand, working towards a Diploma of Secondary Education allows you to live valuable life experiences. The GED test is for adults 17 and older who have dropped out of college, and is ideal for those who are over the age of high school study. Attending high school prepares students for a college education, and a high school diploma is accepted both in the United States and abroad.
The disadvantage of taking the GED is that it is often a difficult exam and its corresponding certificate may not be accepted by schools and companies abroad. Secondary school studies take a long time to complete – 4 years to be exact.
Who is a better candidate for the GED test?
The average age of GED test-takers is 26—most have been out of school for about 10 years. They may be too embarrassed to go to school to complete their secondary education, or they may already have work and family obligations. For high school students age 16 and older, taking the GED test may be another route to passing the test and leading to graduation.
Even better, though, is to finish high school. Unless extreme circumstances force a student to leave high school, getting a high school diploma makes more sense. If you’re stuck between finishing high school or taking the GED, it’s a smart decision to talk to your school counselor first.
think wisely before making a decision
Therefore, if one has the ability and means to complete high school, it is wise to do so. Attending and completing high school provides students with rewarding life and practical experiences that also contribute to their healthier social development. Likewise, while a GED certificate is considered equivalent to a high school diploma, employers still prefer to hire applicants who hold the latter.
These are the pros and cons of a GED certificate vs a high school diploma. Think wisely and seek sage advice before deciding which option to pursue.
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