Are you an adult who did not earn a high school diploma, or a current high school student who may not be able to achieve traditional high school completion?
Either way, you probably have questions about high school diplomas and GED equivalencies. What is the difference, and what can you do with a GED?
Keep reading, and we’ll explain exactly that. With the right knowledge, you can have any career you set your mind to.
Table of Contents
What Is a High School Diploma?
First thing’s first: what is a high school diploma? A high school diploma is a certification that you completed all the graduation requirements of your high school.
Most people earn their high school diploma in four years, between the ages of 14 and 18. However, it is not too uncommon to skip or repeat a grade.
Most colleges and jobs require a high school diploma or an equivalent, which we’ll get into in a moment. A high school diploma is the safest way to make sure that you are qualified for any job or college program.
What Is a GED?
GED stands for General Educational Development. The GED test is a test on all of the standard high school subjects; history, English, math, science, etc.
Most people who take the GED test are adults who, for some reason, could not complete traditional high school education. Sometimes, however, teenagers opt to take the GED in order to leave high school earlier than usual.
When you pass the GED test, you have a certification that you know pretty much everything that someone with a high school diploma knows.
GED: What Are Your Options?
Despite the fact that passing the GED test takes a significant amount of knowledge and study, it does limit your employment options. Some employers and colleges are only interested in candidates with high school diplomas.
However, many U.S. colleges will accept applicants with GEDs. Most people with GEDs do not go to college, but the option is there if you want it.
With a GED, your best career option is usually public service, manual labor, or freelance self-employment. These jobs may not always be glamorous, but they can pay well.
Career Building With a GED
You can still reach lofty career goals when you have a GED. You may, however, need to work harder to make yourself stand out among other applicants with high school diplomas.
Some people attempt to get around this issue by buying a fake secondary school diploma.
A surprising number of colleges will accept applicants with GEDs. You’ll never know if you don’t ask!
Advance Your Career With a Diploma or GED
If you did not complete your high school diploma, there is still time to get your GED or go back to school. Don’t let anything hold you back from your career growth.
Before applying to any job or college, check to see if they accept GEDs.
For more career and education advice, check out the rest of our blog!
