Are GEDs not as good as a High School Diploma? ?

Question

Will it be harder to get a job or go to college if i have a GED?

Answer 1

Your Answer: No.  It should not be harder.  It is given the same weight by any accredited institution.  As for the previous answerer, she would be slightly biased, for whatever reason.  The fact that you didn't receive a diploma does not mean you didn't attend.  There are lots of reasons for not receiving a diploma.  I should know.

I was "messed over" by the system and upon review of my transcript, was found to be one credit short.  I was 19 years old, as my birthday fell late and it always made me one of the oldest in my class and did not want to have to take a full load (which they required) for another year just for one credit.  I was a B student and did alright but wasn't in line for any scholarships, etc.

I took the GED and scored top in the state, was awarded a full scholarship which allowed me to continue to the state university (which took my GED and scholarship with no problem) and a BS in Psychology.  I also scored 28 on my ACT and was eligible for other local awards, allowing me to afford to attend classes without having to work full-time (none of which I could've done with my diploma).

I'm currently finishing classes for my nursing degree and will be taking the NCLEX-RN next fall.  I would say that though my case may be an exception and not the rule, it does speak volumes about the GED program and that not all things that happen are foolish or mistakes but what I think of as divine intervention.

Good luck to you, whatever life brings your way.

Answer 2

Colleges and potential employers may see a GED as a negative. It's evidence that you were unable to complete high school, for whatever reason. This might suggest to them that your work ethic is not solid and that you're not likely to be as hard-working or studious as would be ideal. Many might also consider it an inferior education, and in my own limited experience, they'd be right.

However, they may also view it as an indicator that you've grown up, accepted the consequences of a foolish decision, and have done what you can to get back on the right track.

Still, if you are in school now, it's better to stay enrolled.