Table of Contents
Is an Online High School Diploma Better than a GED?
Education credentials play a critical role in career growth. High school diplomas are mandatory today. Your career suffers greatly when you don’t have a high school diploma, irrespective of how talented you are. If you didn’t attain your high school diploma during your high-school age, you could still attempt one! Luckily, you can obtain a legitimate virtual high school diploma through accredited online high schools. The best thing is pursuing an online high school course while working part-time or full-time. In the end, this is why flexibility is in high demand! Also, you can take a General Educational Development (GED) test. A GED is, to some extent, similar to a virtual high school diploma. However, the GED and high school diploma differ greatly.
What is the General Educational Development (GED)?
General Educational Development consists of the GED credential and the GED test. The General Educational Development comprises an examination of four subjects: social studies, science, language arts, and math. If you are familiar with these subjects, it is because high school learners encounter them daily in their classrooms. If you have attended high school, you ought to feel confident regarding your capability to learn and pass the General Educational Development (GED) examination. You must know the differences between the two so that you can make an informed about pursuing high school courses.
Is GED as Good as High School Diploma: Differences
Credentials
Although taking the GED examination or obtaining an online high school diploma can be beneficial to students in their future life, it is important to know the process that one goes through so as to earn each. Taking and passing the General Educational Development exam requires rigorous preparation. It may take three to eight months to prepare for the GED examination depending on the education of an individual. According to the U.S. News, the GED examination is itself a set of tests that proves knowledge in five subjects: writing, science, reading, social studies, and mathematics. In order to pass this exam, you have to score over 60% of the scores of present graduating seniors.
On the other hand, attaining a virtual high school diploma needs finishing a specific number of credited units. Various online programs provide various kinds of courses and have different requirements for educational accomplishment. Online programs necessitate you to pursue certain courses so as to graduate. However, the number of online courses is upon you. Deciding to pursue one or two online courses can be more manageable, particularly for learners who have been out of school long. You have to dedicate your effort and time to an online high school diploma because you have to submit your homework in addition to taking tests. Also, you will have to participate in specific online activities like discussion forums and collaborative projects.
Future Employment
In the current competitive world, employers are searching for persons who are able to work hard and overcome challenges – a skill demonstrated by attaining an online high school diploma or taking the General Educational Development (GED) exam. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statics, most job opportunities have specific learning requirements. If offered an opportunity, employers opt for people who have more educational credentials. Due to the applicants’ preferences with formal academic degrees, people with an online GED diploma might be at a disadvantage in the process of a job application. Nevertheless, this can offset by proceeding to college, where high school courses are less of an issue.
Eligibility Criteria
When undertaking a GED, you are supposed to attain state requirements. You require to be more than 16 years so as to undertake GED. Also, you ought not to be presently enrolled in high school, and you shouldn’t have already completed high school.
On the other hand, there is an age requirement in a virtual high school diploma. Your personal situations aren’t essentially an issue. An online high school diploma is offered to all working adults as well as high-school-age learners.
Continuing with Higher Studies
People who earn a virtual high school diploma or take the General Educational Development exam can continue with their studies by attending a university or college. Almost all four-year institutions and community colleges will accept either a high school diploma or a GED. Eventually, numerous influence a learner’s acceptance to a university to a four-year college, as well as standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and educational accomplishments. Nevertheless, a high school diploma consists of a Grade Point Average (GPA), which can provide you with a competitive edge during the process of application.
Learners who attain an online high school diploma might also be well prepared for university or college academic rigor. Because a virtual high school needs more participation and academic work compared to taking the General Educational Development examination, learners are more familiar with finishing coursework.
GED vs. High School Diploma Pros and Cons
Here are the top pros of a GED vs. a high school diploma:
- A General Educational Development has similar academic equivalency to a high school diploma
- You can earn a higher salary when you have a GED compared to when you do not have one
- It is less costly to take a GED
- GED scores demonstrate that you are ready to join college
- You can obtain a GED faster than a high school diploma
- Undertaking a General Educational Development can assist you in resolving challenges that arise in high schools
- A GED is more flexible
The cons of a GED vs. diploma are as follows:
- You may require to wait for some time before taking the GED.
- A GED makes it challenging to join college.
- It is difficult to join the U.S. military with a General Educational Development (GED).
- Possessing a GED makes it difficult to get employment in the U.S.
- A GED is regarded as inferior to an online high school diploma.
Why a High School Diploma is Better than a GED?
An Online High School Diploma is Widely Accepted
The value and weight of a genuine high school diploma are unmatched. A virtual high school diploma is similar to a traditional high school diploma, so long as the online school is regionally accredited. So, an online high school does not have a shortcut, and it is much better than a GED.
Some community colleges can accept a General Educational Development as an equivalent to a high school diploma. However, the best higher learning institutions would not do the same. They believe that accredited high school diplomas are better, whether obtained conventionally or online. An accredited online high school like High School of America necessitates learners to study in a challenging educational environment. Hence, a high school diploma from High School of America proves the credibility and potential of a student. Colleges that are concerned about their status will take learners who are meticulous and deserving. Many colleges believe that learners who attain diplomas from accredited virtual high schools are well-groomed and well-prepared for learning challenges. Additionally, some colleges may necessitate students to take Scholastic Aptitude Test (SATs) though.
Chances of Landing a Good Job
Online high school students have a better opportunity of landing a decent-paying job. Many virtual high school learners have undertaken many programs or specific special courses online and add weight to their resumes. This boosts learners in a competitive employment sector. An online high school diploma proves that students have a great interest in finishing their learning well.
Many high school diploma students have a solid academic foundation. This isn’t the case for learners who have done General Educational Development. Online high school diplomas obviously prove that learners are self-independent, determined, and ambitious when it comes to studying. Additionally, there is stigma regarding GEDs more especially when it comes to employment.
Sense of Achievement
An online high school diploma proves your credibility. With a high school diploma from a legitimate high school, you can brag with it throughout your life. Also, it offers you a sense of achievement and totality. A high school diploma can instill confidence in you. Hence, an online high school diploma can shape your personality.
Through an online high school, you can learn many life skills such as family values, consistency, determination, self-motivation, self-discipline, and a sense of ownership. Therefore, it affects your personality, providing you with a wholesome learning experience. This isn’t the case for students who take GED test-takers.
Getting Promotion and Incentives
Online high school diplomas do not assist students in getting jobs but also assists them in getting promotions and incentives. Students who secure high school diplomas by taking online classes are likely to be promoted after working for a specific number of years.
Avails Many Career Opportunities
Undeniably, with an online high school diploma, you have a wide range of career opportunities. Each job or field necessitates applicants to have an education, and a high school diploma is simply that! Additionally, if you have obtained advanced programs while pursuing virtual classes, it can take you to greater places!