Is It Possible to Skip High School and Go Straight to College?
Is it possible for students who feel they are ready for college-level coursework to skip high school and go straight to college? It is possible to go to college without a high school diploma or GED. While the idea of skipping high school may sound appealing, there are a few things to consider before making this decision.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of skipping high school and going straight to college. We’ll also explore some of the options available to students who choose this route.
So, is it possible to skip high school and go straight to college? Let’s find out!
Options for Students Without a GED or High School Diploma
There are a few options available to students who want to go to college without a high school diploma. Here are a few options:
1. Taking the GED Test
The GED is a test that covers the same content areas as the high school level tests, including math, science, social studies, and reading. It is offered by most community colleges and some four-year universities.
If you pass the GED test, you will receive a certificate that is equivalent to a high school diploma. To be eligible to take the GED test, you must be at least 16 years old and not enrolled in high school.
2. Applying to Colleges as a Transfer Student
If you have completed some college coursework but don’t have a high school diploma or GED, you can apply to colleges as a transfer student. When you apply as a transfer student, you will need to submit your college transcripts along with your application.
Transfer students are typically evaluated based on their college GPA, so it’s important to have good grades if you’re planning to transfer.
3. Applying to Colleges That Don’t Require a Diploma or GED
Some colleges don’t require a high school diploma or GED for admission. These schools typically have an open admissions policy, which means that anyone can apply.
However, keep in mind that even if a school has open admissions, you may still need to meet other requirements, such as taking placement tests or having a certain GPA.
4. Taking the High School Equivalency Test (HSET)
The HSET is another option for students who want to go to college without a high school diploma or GED. The HSET covers the same content areas as the GED but is offered by the Department of Education in each state.
To be eligible to take the HSET, you must be at least 18 years old and not enrolled in high school.
5. Applying to Colleges as an Adult Learner
If you’re over the age of 21, you can apply to colleges as an adult learner. Adult learners are typically evaluated based on their work and life experience, so it’s important to have relevant experience if you plan to apply as an adult learner.
6. Applying to Colleges That Offer Adult Degree Completion Programs
Some colleges offer adult degree completion programs designed for adults who want to finish their bachelor’s degree. These programs typically don’t require a high school diploma or GED, but you may need to meet other requirements, such as having a certain GPA.
7. Applying to Colleges Through a Dual Enrollment Program
You can apply to college through a dual enrollment program if you’re still in high school. Dual enrollment programs allow high school students to take college courses for credit. These courses are typically offered at the local community college, but some four-year colleges also offer dual enrollment programs.
8. Enroll in a Community College
Community colleges that don’t require a GED or high school diploma often enroll students who did not graduate from high school. These schools offer specialized programs, such as remedial and GED-preparation classes, to help these students earn their degrees.
Once they pass the GED test, they can transfer to a bachelor’s-completion program at a four-year school.
The Pros of Skipping High School and Going Straight to College
There are a few potential benefits of skipping high school and going straight to college. Here are the top 8 benefits:
- You’ll save time: If you’re able to complete your high school coursework quickly, you may be able to save a year (or more) of your life by skipping high school and going straight to college. This can be a great way to get a head start on your career or further your education.
- You’ll save money: Going to college costs money. By skipping high school and going straight to college, you can avoid the cost of tuition, room and board, and other associated expenses. This can be a great way to reduce your overall educational costs.
- You can get a jump-start on your career: Skipping high school and going straight to college can give you a head start on your chosen career. This can be especially beneficial if you’re planning on pursuing a career that requires a lot of training or experience.
- You can get a leg up on your competition: In some cases, skipping high school and going straight to college can give you an advantage over your peers. This is especially true if you’re planning on entering a highly competitive field.
- You can tailor your education to your needs: When you skip high school and go straight to college, you can often design your own educational path. This allows you to focus on the subjects and courses that are most relevant to your needs and interests.
- You’ll have more time to mature: For some students, skipping high school and going straight to college can provide more time to mature. This extra time can be beneficial if you’re not ready for the social aspects of high school or if you want to focus on your academics.
- You can take advantage of advanced placement courses: If you skip high school and go straight to college, you may be able to take advantage of advanced placement (AP) courses. These courses allow you to get college credit for high school coursework. This can save you time and money in college.
- You can explore different fields of study: Skipping high school and going straight to college gives you the opportunity to explore different fields of study. This can be beneficial if you’re not sure what you want to major in or if you want to try something new.
The Cons of Skipping High School and Going Straight to College
There are a few potential drawbacks to skipping high school and going straight to college. Here are the top 5 cons:
1. You May Not Be Ready for College-Level Coursework
One of the most significant drawbacks of skipping high school and going straight to college is that you may not be ready for the rigors of college-level coursework. If you’re not prepared, you may struggle to keep up with your classmates. This can lead to frustration, low grades, and eventually dropping out.
2. You May Not Be Ready for the Social Aspects of College
Another potential drawback of skipping high school and going straight to college is that you may not be ready for the social aspects of college life. College can be overwhelming, and if you’re not prepared, you may struggle to make friends or fit in.
3. You May Miss Out on Meaningful Life Experiences
High school isn’t just about academics—it’s also a time to explore different interests, make lifelong friends, and learn more about yourself. If you skip high school and go straight to college, you may miss out on these critical life experiences.
4. You May Have a Hard Time Adjusting to College Life
If you’re not prepared for college’s academic and social aspects, you may have a hard time adjusting to college life. This can lead to homesickness, anxiety, and depression.
5. You May Not Be Able to Transfer Your Credits
If you decide to skip high school and go straight to college, you may not be able to transfer your credits if you decide to change schools. This can make it difficult to continue your education or pursue a different degree.
Final Thought!
So, is it possible to skip high school and go straight to college? The answer is yes. There are a number of different paths students can take in order to get their education after dropping out or not graduating from high school.
Each option has its own set of pros and cons that should be carefully weighed before making a decision.
If you’re considering skipping high school and going straight to college, contact High School of America today for more information about our programs.
We can help you find the path that’s right for you so that you can reach your academic goals.
