The GED, High School Diploma, and Further Education...?

[Nameless9798]

I am planning to get my GED. I also have the opportunity to obtain my high school diploma. I would like to go to college to study Aviation Technology (in order to obtain a pilot's license, and possible career paths), as well as journalism, creative writing, etc. Is getting my high school diploma essential in regards to my academic aspirations? I've heard conflicting information about the actual difference between the GED and high school diploma, and the roles they play in furthering education. I've heard they are technically the same thing and provide the same opportunities, and I've also heard that the GED provides inferior opportunities to the high school diploma. Would I be able to study and obtain degrees in all the areas I wish to go to school for, with my GED? Or is it prudent that I obtain a high school diploma for my particular goals?I know it seems obvious that if I can get my HSD that I should definitely do that, but here's the catcher, it's going to cost me between $6,000-$7,500 to do so. Which, is money I could put towards college classes. If there’s no difference, or if the difference is minimalistic, and I could successfully move on to college and aspire to get degrees in fields of my desire, with just my GED, than that’s definitely preferable, considering the money situation.Thanks for all the encouragement and advice, all of you. Truly, thank you.P W- Due to the unfortunate decisions of my past, I have the equivalent of an eighth or ninth grade education. Ironically, I have actually learned more, academically, outside of an educational facility, just based on my own intellectual curiosity and penchant for academia. I know more about aspects of history, literature, English, politics, etc, than my peers/friends who continued their high school education. However, it all comes down to documentation and state requirements, so technically, I’m on the level of a high school freshman. Any way, my local community college offers a High School Completion course, that I could take to receive my high school diploma. The successful completion of this program requires the student to earn 96 college credits (considered the same as 19 high school credits).Any person under the age of 19 has to pay the full tuition rates, and seeing as I am under 19, this pertains to me. It’s quite expensive. Anywhere from $60-something to $70-something PER credit, and I would have to earn 96 credits. Of course, this amount of money would be worth it if the HS diploma aided me in my future.

[JustGus]

Initially certain colleges will ask you to be a non matriculating student. In other words the first few courses may or may not count as far as credits go. If you continue with your college education and get a diploma, I do not see any difference whatsoever in the opportunity's that will be available to you. Good luck.

[loved16994]

You can get your GED the difference will be the testing you have to take to get into college. My suggestion would be to go to the community college for at least the first year, you have to take certain pre requisites no matter where you go and the credits are transferable. That way you have proven yourself capable of college level work. Some universities will not allow you access to courses with a GED , no idea why, but I suppose they have their reasons.If you are going to go to a tech school, then you will just take a placement test, no biggie.Good luck and do it now, education is something that no one will be able to take from you.

[PW5311]

I would like to know why your HS diploma would possibly cost you that much? There are certainly realms that still require a highschool diploma but I am not certain if it may be considered discrimination. When my son received his GED we were told that it was exactly like a HS diploma and that there should not be any type of determent. Yet, the City Employees in my town must provide their actual diploma to be considered for a job. I would check into both the fields of your interest and perhaps your State Board of Education. Good Luck---Finish School!

[BeenThereDoneThat3961]

If you're over 18 and don't have time to waste, the GED would be the way to go. Aviation Technology is offered at the community college level and the last time I checked, a GED was acceptable. If you are going directly to a traditional 4 year college a high school diploma is preferable and in many cases required. You didn't mention your state of residence but you may want to check public alternative/adult high schools. In California, if you take the GED and register in in an alternative/adult high school, you'll receive course credit for the GED. The GED course credit and self-paced courses will get you a high school diploma in California. It's my guess that the situation may be similar in your state.