HS Diploma For An Adult
Everyone deserves a decent education. For some, classes, social anxieties, or life conditions may have led them to fall behind or fall apart. But that shouldn’t mean you can’t get a high school diploma.
Can adults get an HS diploma? Yes, adults can still get their HS diploma. Choices include passing the High School Equivalency Exam or completing the General Educational Development (GED) test. You can choose between the two depending on convenience.
This article will focus on how to get your credentials in high school even when you are an adult. If you are determined, then you will get it.
How to Get a Diploma
Many communities provide adult education programs through local school districts. This allows them to make up the credits you need to graduate.
Education classes for adults are available to students 18 years of age or older. Usually, they are free for area residents.
If you are younger than 18 years of age, you will still be eligible. These classes have a signed arrangement with your school system. This encourages you to take adult ed classes instead of high school classes.
That, or you are an “emancipated minor” who needs a court order to allow you to be free from parental supervision.
Check with your mentor, coach, or school system office to find out about adult ed services near you.
Ask your principal what the school district provides to students who are unable to graduate on time. Ask if the system requires seniors to stay in high school over the summer or an extra year to finish their work.
If you are in special education, you can stay in school until you are 22 years old.
Earning a Diploma Without Extra Courses
You can take one of two national exams – the High School Equivalency Exam or the GED. If you pass one of these exams, you’ll get a comparable diploma.
All assessments evaluate the student’s ability to perform high school tasks. However, they have different entry criteria and different strengths and disadvantages.
High School Equivalency Test
The Educational Assessment Program conducts the High School Equivalency Test. It applies only to those who are 17 or 18 years of age and meet certain eligibility criteria.
Five subtests are used in the review. Four of the subtests are science, literacy, algebra, and social sciences. The test consists of multiple-choice questions.
The fifth subtest on writing contains both an essay and multiple-choice questions. Each subject costs $10.
The test is available on paper or online, in both English and Spanish. Students with disabilities can request an accommodation to let them take the exam.
Students must review the subject areas before taking the exam. To figure out how much you may need to prepare, look at some of the sample test questions.
If you have failed academically, it would be best to take a preparatory course in advance. You can also work on your own. Try ordering exam planning materials such as the HSET Official Guide.
General Educational Development
Some adult ed programs and community colleges offer courses that help students prepare for the GED. The GED is recognized worldwide as an appropriate replacement for a high school diploma.
It is a valued asset for professional growth and educational opportunities.
The GED has exams in algebra, reading, writing, social sciences, and science. You will take the exam in either English or Spanish.
The exam will take about 7 1⁄2 hours to complete, including multiple-choice and essay questions. Test review centers usually cost around $150.
You will be required to retake the test or parts that you have not completed, often at an extra fee. Check with the school board to see if the district offers the GED exam at a lower price.
Students who are older than 18, or are within 60 days of their 18th birthday, may take the GED. Special education students may need accommodation.
Several local GED testing centers have free services. These may direct you to a planning program. Many bookshops and public libraries have GED test preparation materials as well.
If you’re uncomfortable going back to school, you can study for the GED on your own.
Understanding the GED
Most people understand that a diploma is a slip of paper that indicates that you have graduated from high school. All the required classes are finished and passed. The GED is a little different.
- The GED stands for a few different things, depending on what you’re referring to. The technical meaning is General Educational Development, but many claims that it is a College Equivalency Degree.
- When you’ve gotten your GED, it’s basically as valuable as a real diploma. Ninety-six percent of employers consider a GED as being equal to a diploma.
- Many colleges accept a GED if you have a strong SAT/ACT ranking. Otherwise, you would have to attend a community college for a year to get decent grades.
- The GED is a set of assessments used to show whether you achieved skills equal to those of a high school diploma. Areas include Language Arts Composition, Language Arts Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics.
- You must be at least 16 years old to take the GED exam and not be enrolled in high school. You need to take the GED exam at a physical, accredited venue. It can’t be taken online.
Tips to Succeed in High School
Having specific career ambitions will help to inspire accomplishment. Because a diploma is often required for post-secondary education and jobs, setting an educational or job target can keep you focused.
You can set shorter or more urgent targets to make the program more achievable and keep track.
As an adult student, you are mindful of the value of a high school diploma or its counterpart.
Stick with your schedule and give yourself a little incentive after you have completed lesser targets. Among these targets can be a challenging course or a class assignment.
Conclusion
Both certifications are fantastic at the end of the day. Consider changing your views if you don’t have a diploma or a GED. You can also get your HS diploma through online studies.
However, online courses have age limits and are a bit more expensive.
