<p>Wasn't sure where to put this,but anyway...</p>
<p>I am probably skipping my senior year and going to college after my jr. year. For the sake of getting federal FA, I basically have to get my GED instead of a diploma (ability to benefit and all that crap). Other than if I decided to transfer, what are some negatives or disadvantages to getting a GED instead of a diploma?</p>
<p>Leaving early and getting a GED raises questions in the minds of admissions counselors. By doing so, you cut off many college choices for which you might otherwise qualify. There are other options ... (1) graduating early, by incorporating senior English (and any other remaining graduation requirements) into your junior year, or (2) dual enrollment. Is it possible that you could get approval from your high school to finish your last year via dual enrollment at an area college, going to college full-time and using your college courses to fulfill high school graduation requirements? This could actually enhance your application rather than detract from it. If you are not happy with your high school experience, then there are ways you can walk away from it without placing yourself at such a disadvantage.</p>
<p>Without going into details, the reason I'm going to college a year early is because of family circumstances that would make my senior year very difficult to complete. I was accepted at a place that takes people straight out of eleventh grade w/out a HS diploma. I could do my senior year concurrently enrolled, but I would receive virtually no federal aid which would make it impossible to do...basically, it's already a done deal that I'll just get my GED and go the university a year ahead (it probably would have been my first choice anyway), I'm just wondering what problems or disadvantages could come up down the road because of this...</p>
<p>I am not familiar with how the top privates would handle this kind of situation, so cannot really advise about that. However, I have worked at several very good schools for whom this would not be a problem, especially if your college grades are strong.</p>
<p>since you're already accepted at a place, in the future, your performance at that college will count, not how you did in high school.</p>