GED instead of High School Diploma for Competitive Schools?

Applying to College
1

<p>I have to leave the country during my senior year because I'm applying for U.S. residency. I don't know yet when I'll have to leave but I'll probably end up missing about 4-6 months of my senior year. This jacks up my senior transcript for a couple reasons-
1. I'll lose my ranking (2/222) in my class because if I'm missing nearly 1/2 the year, then I wont be able to take classes which lowers my ranking.
2. Don't colleges require you to be in high school when you apply to them? And I'm pretty sure they request a 1st semester senior year transcript, which, if I have to leave in early Sept, I wont have. </p>

<p>So, I was thinking I could take the GED test before I leave the states, as a back-up, and then if I come back faster than I thought I would, go back to high school and get a high school diploma.
The thing is, do all competitive colleges accept the GED? I have pretty good stats for my first 3 years of high school- </p>

<p>GPA: 4.402 Weighted, 3.954 Standard
Class Rank: 2/222
About 300 hr of community service
ACT: 30 (It was my first time taking, I'll probably end up retaking in fall)
And a lot of extra-curriculars/activities, etc. </p>

<p>I really want to get into the U. of Chicago, but would they accept me if I took this route instead of completing the 4 years of high school like a regular person?</p>

2

<p>Neither a GED or HS diploma is required by most competitive schools. A GED would be frankly a waste of time – its contents you probably would have gotten 100% when you were a HS freshman. Just explain your circumstances. Readers at top schools are broad enough to see talent/potential beyond diplomas and certificates.</p>

<p>I’d spend the time brushing up on a better ACT score.</p>

3

<p>Are you certain about having to leave, and for that length of time? Talk to a good immigration lawyer, and find out if you can remain on the US while the change of status is processed. Ask if you can switch to an F1 so you can finish up the school year without interruption. That might be possible.</p>