Pharmacist on a GED? How probable is this?

Question

I'm nearing the end of my high school career. I am 17 and a junior starting my senior year on August 11th. But with the current amount of credits I have now and the amount of time I have left, there is an enormous chance that I will not have enough credits to graduate on time.

So, I was thinking about taking my GED - now I know what most of you are going to say, "Don't take your GED, finish high school and get your diploma." I understand that would be the better route. Honestly it isn't the more likely route. So, thinking realistically, if I were to take 2 years of community college, and then transfer to a regular college where I could major in Biology or Chemistry, would there be a good chance that I get accepted? I know 1/3rd of students get accepted to pharmacy school, but will I be looked down upon if I have a GED? Even if I pass my test with flying colors?

Learning has never been a problem for me, I was tested when I was young for where to place me in school, and in the 2nd grade I was placed in the 6th grade. I have a 157 IQ, I'm not here to brag or make myself look good, I am here for advice on the subject from every day people. Not people who will just blow smoke up my ***. Due to the fact that I have been to 17 different schools because of my mom moving so much, It messed up most chances I had for early graduating and therefore I lacked respect for education and how important it is for my future. It wasn't until a few months ago that I realized if I were to continue my path of "laziness", I would end up living pay check to pay check like my mother had to for most of her life. I have no regrets about my mom, I love her dearly and I would never blame her for anything wrong in my life because she did her best. However, I would like to reward her for all she has given me by making something of my life so she never has to worry.I feel like if I don't do something with my life, I would have wasted the gift I was given.

Now you might ask why I choose pharmacy as a profession? I'll be honest, I would rather explore the abyss that is outer-space because I love learning and discovering the unexplained, I never liked learning what is already there, but to discover something new sparks my interests. But I need a decent income, even though pharmacy isn't my dream profession, supporting my family means even more to me. Supporting my family would bring me happiness so it's not joy I'm after. I can make an extremely generous salary and work close to home at the same time as a pharmacist. Eventually I can save my money and invest it in something so my family and I never have to worry financially.

If anyone here with any sort of knowledge on my question, which is : Can I obtain a degree in pharmacy? Or maybe even another career choice, of similar pay but expands more into technological advancement. Can I achieve this on a GED by starting community college? I don't care about how long it takes, I just want to eventually get there. What are my chances? Taking into consideration high test scores.

If someone actually took time to read this giant post, I deeply appreciate it and I would appreciate it even more if I was given helpful information. Thank you :)

Answer 1

As you know the best answer is to stay in school, however once you attend a junior college your high school transcripts become less important.  You didn't say if you had spoke to your school counselor to see if there was anything creative you could do to graduate normally.  If you are motivated you could take some community college classes now.  In our city you can apply those to your high school credits if they are scheduled through the school.

Answer 2

: )

Sure you can. Here's my deal...

I dropped out of the eighth grade, took my GED., my ACT, and started community college a year ahead of my graduating class. I finished senior college with a 3.49 GPA, obtained a 4.0 graduate GPA, and (get this) currently teach eighth grade.

You can do whatever it is you set your mind to - you just have to want it badly enough.

I did miss out on scholarship opportunities that would have been made available to me had I completed my senior year of high school, and that is something that I would advise you take under consideration before making your decision.

Once you complete your first year of college, it really will not matter where you went or what your high school track record is (or isn't). What will matter then is what you managed to do during that first year: what your course load was, what GPA you achieved, etc.

*Ramble alert!* I can completely respect what you said about being afraid of ending up living paycheck to paycheck, etc. It was a fear of ending up in poverty like my mother that pushed me harder than any person ever could have, and I tell my students (especially the girls) that the KEY to a happy life first and foremost is the ability to support yourself, and that education is path to a good job and a secure life. If you are able to support yourself and your future children, then you will never, ever have to take garbage from a man because you need his money to take care of your children. (I really am sorry if this sounds sexist - I actually do have a similar "guy's version" of the same speech.)

Whatever you choose, make sure that it is something that will make you happy as you may find yourself doing whatever it is for the rest of your life. Take a career interest inventory or two and investigate scholarship opportunities that may be available based on your major. You may find that one path calls to you more clearly than another after you do a little more homework.

You are obviously bright and articulate - you'll be fine no matter what path you take. Just make sure that you are not going to regret missing out on a high school graduation.

Good luck!  

Answer 3

GED is all you need.  My husband and his sister went to a awful high school where they were teases and abused on different levels.  They both got their GED and went to Community College until they were 18.  Their younger sister went t private school before she got to high school.  It is better to have the community college credits to get into a college and already be done a year or two.  A diploma is no more than a GED.  It is easier to get into college with good grades from a community college.  Enter as a sophmore or junior and it is less competative.

Answer 4

Talk to your school counselor.  You should be able to finish on time next school year, you are only 17.  It is always better to have a high school diplopma, when you apply for college.  Colleges are getting more competitive all the time.  And financial aid will look at your high school records.