Basically thats the question I am posing you all.

I dropped out of HS in 11th grade (I am 20 now), due to some severe depression (brag: a lot better now!) and family issues. I have been told by several educators I've talked to and have worked with me in school previously (uncle works at a school) that I am wasting a gift and not going to school. I don't want to toot my own horn, but I have been told I am pretty smart. I am sure most of the people reading this are above normal intelligence as well, except for the NVG crowd.

I want to get back to my education, but I do not know what the first step is.

Is a GED/High School Diploma necessary?

What can I do to go to College/Uni. w/o these things?

How much harder will it be?

What kind of colleges can I expect to go to if I am able to do this with or without GED?

Thanks all.

yes you do

you'll have to get a GED I'd guess... I'd guess any colllege you talk to would recommend you to a GED program.

Good news: these programs are super easy

I took the practice test in GA (I live in CA for the time being). Instructor said "WTF are you doing? Go take this ASAP!" Apparently I pwned it, except for math word problems, which I still did alright in.

1. get a GED
2. do two years at a community college (saves a ton of money on gen ed. credits and makes getting into real boy school easier)
3. transfer into real boy school.

my roomate got his GED instead of graduating H.S. (didn't want to deal with the bs of his senior year) and said it was super easy, as he finished every section about 35 minutes before the rest of the group, which was full of old deadbeats and crackheads.... and he's an engineer now fwiw... just google to find some practice GED's and you'll see how easy it really is

You need a GED. I taught GED courses for a number of years, but I haven't taught them for a few years so take this info FWIW.


Go register for the GED test now. When you factor in registration time, test scheduling, and waiting for grades, the entire process can take months. After you register, get a GED book and review the math section, as it poses the most problems for people.

When you take the practice tests, you should be crushing them. If you are passing the practice tests by the skin of your teeth, you are going to have a tough time in college because they are pretty easy tests.

Don't go and pay for or take a GED program unless you are having issues passing the practice tests.

best plan you can get a GED pretty quick

OK, guys, thanks a lot for the advice.

I would recommend getting your actual high school diploma instead of getting a GED. While the two used to be seen as equal, more and more colleges and employers are seeing a high school diploma as more valuable. The reason being is that to earn an actual diploma, you have to complete all of the required work, where as with a GED, you simply have to take a test. Studies have shown that high school graduates are more likely to pursue higher education, and more likely to finish their degrees than GED holders. Also, when it comes to salary, a high school graduate makes about $10,000 more per year than either a high school dropout or a GED holder.

If you are looking for a place to go back to school and earn your high school diploma, there are several online schools. Just make sure that they are accredited, and the accrediting agency is approved by the US Board of Education. I would recommend The American Academy. Here is their website-

http://www.theamericanacademy.com

I hope this helps! Best of luck, and congrats on your decision to go back to school!

Would this have any effect if he's planning to go to uni after though? Esp. if he goes the CC route?

Spam?


At any rate, terrible, terrible advice. The GED will take 1/10 the time. And colleges wont make the slightest difference. You will either get in because it is community college, or on the strength of sat scores.

If you want more info. on a GED vs. a diploma, this is a great article-
http://www.nationalreview.com/commen...eene042402.asp

Yes, the GED is a valid option for many people. But before making your decision, consider these facts.
1. Only 62% of GED test takers passed in 2007 (729,000 took the test and 451,000 passed)

2. 75% of GED holders who enroll in career college do not finish compared with only 44% of high school graduates (2002)

3. 95% of GED holders who enroll in 4 year college do not finish, compared with only 25% of high school graduates (2002)

-2007 GED Testing Program Statistical Report by The American Council on Education