High School Diploma or GED?

Question

Okay. I recently came across a question asked by a college student who never got a highschool diploma or GED. It was asked in the homeschool section, of course, and I just couldn't believe how many people answered with comments like "you can't possibly be in college if you don't have a diploma or GED" or "How on earth are you in college?" and the like.

I've just got to know who ignorant people have to be to not realize that countless homeschoolers enter college (and not junior or community colleges either. I'm talking about everything from CC to the most selective universities) WITHOUT an accredited diploma or GED??? And that even without these bits of paper, universities still actively recruit homeschoolers and value them as prospective students? Don't people realize that a diploma isn't really worth the paper it's written on, and that colleges care more about transcripts, test scores, and the rest of your application? And that most don't even REQUIRE these from HSers???

Answer 1

You are right. Kids are going to college before they have even graduated. You don't need a diploma or GED to go to college. For a two year community college anyone can basically go and for other colleges they only want to see your transcripts, test scores and even if you don't have those they have you do placement testing to see what classes you need to start out in.

Most people are ill informed when it comes to how colleges and Universities work. There are really no set rules. They bend the rules quite often and tend to side with homeschoolers.

Answer 2

I know people who have gotten an excellent education home schooling, and my eight year old niece, who just began home schooling last year, says that she's learning a lot more home schooling than at the public school she attended previously.  Also, the robotics team that won second place in a major competition was a home school group.

Answer 3

I saw the question as well.  It just shows the ignorance of the general populace when it comes to matters such as this.

The school system depends at least partly, on people believing that it is absolutely necessary for success in life.  Therefore, the public school system is not going to make a point of telling people that they can bypass that system and move on Higher Education when they are ready.

Answer 4

It's not common knowledge since most people who go to college go through public or private schools and then assume that they need their diploma to get in (because that's somewhat what is said). It's never really explained that it's the courses or test scores that count, not once do they explain that there are different ways to get in. People are so surprised to find out my BIL, who went to public school, didn't get a diploma before going to university. It's not needed. They don't ask for it. They want the required prerequisite courses. And since he knew he was getting a degree, why bend over backwards doing a few courses he really didn't want to take just for the diploma?

Answer 5

My impression is no, people don't have any idea how little highschool diplomas are worth.  I'm amazed how often I see responses that homeschoolers can't get into college, when in reality they are more likely to be accepted.  

What is really sad, is that it seems like these people really believe they "know" the "facts" when they make such ridiculous statements.  

:D

Answer 6

Not exactly a question, but I take your point.  I got into college easily enough without an accredited high school diploma.  I do have the one my parents gave me, but no one ever questioned me about it.