<p>“Well I had heard that in NY (my actual home state) I can get a diploma after 24 college credits and I’d rather do that if possible.”</p>
<p>Then get 24 credits at a community college and apply as a transfer student to a more academically challenging school. Colleges won’t take your word for it that you could pass their entrance requirements, or that you’d be able to thrive academically at their institution; they are going to want some objective evidence. A high school diploma, a GED, or 24 credits at a community college seem to be your options. </p>
<p>“…I don’t think a GED is going to prove anything other than I dropped out and can pass an easy test. And I don’t think I can get into a college that will be challenging enough for me with just a GED either. I’m mainly looking at community colleges and state schools with a GED.”</p>
<p>Any public institution is going to require that applicants have a high school diploma, a GED, or 24 credits at a community college. You may think the requirements for admission are beneath you, but if you really want to attend college, then you need to take the steps necessary to be admitted.</p>