Passing GED=HS Diploma?

Pre-College Issues Home Schooling and College
1

<p>So I'm beginning 9th grade next year, and I've been homeschooled for my junior high years. I am generally advanced in all subjects as you smart home schoolers may have guessed ;), and I was wondering about the GED.</p>

<p>Is passing this test going to give me a high school diploma? After passing this test I want to spend my academic years taking credit courses at colleges. Is this okay, or will it hurt me when I apply for colleges later on? </p>

<p>What do I need to do in order to take the GED? Do I need to take some classes? Is it true that I need to study science and history as well?</p>

<p>Please help me with this. Thanks!</p>

<p><3 Briana</p>

2

<p>I was admitted to a top university without having taken the GED. It's just a formality and means nothing; the college diploma is what counts.</p>

3

<p>but dont most universities require that you have a high school diploma?
more importantly:
does GED mean high school diploma?</p>

4

<p>Heck, no! I applied to three schools (University of Chicago, Lawrence University, and St. Olaf College), and none of them questioned the fact that I was homeschooled or asked to see proof that I had graduated high school. You needn't worry about it, unless you know certain colleges will make you go through red tape. I had no problem, though, and neither should you.</p>

<p>The GED is considered a high school equivalency exam, though you don't need to take it. I know that some colleges will print out high school diplomas for students who for one reason or another don't have one (homeschoolers, students who attend college before they graduate high school because they are brilliant); I plan on getting one myself. I do have a homeschool diploma, though, as my parents found a company online that prints them for homeschoolers. This diploma is just as legitimate as "regular school" diplomas, as homeschools are considered to be private schools.</p>

5

<p>You don't normally need a GED to be considered a high school graduate as a homeschooler. A home school diploma could be enough.</p>

<p>GED=equivalent of what you would learn in high school, varries by state. You have to be in the 60th percentile of regular high school students.</p>

<p>HOWEVER-If you go into the military by some chance, the GED will be a HARM instead of a HELP. Just lettin ya know.
Goodluck</p>

6

<p>Taking the GED does not give you a diploma. It only gives you a certification accepted by many employers in lieu of a high school diploma. </p>

<p>The GED is rather controversial among homeschoolers. Some believe there is a stigma attached to it, because they see it as a test for dropouts. They don't think homeschoolers should be required to take on that stigma.</p>

<p>From what I've seen, it's an easy test for most college bound students, and it's not surprising most colleges aren't concerned about it. Colleges will be far more concerned about your SAT I and SAT II scores (and any AP tests you might get under your belt), your essays, recommendations, and your homeschool transcript. A few grades issued by an outside course, either from some high school classes or community college classes will also help.</p>

<p>My homeschooled daughter applied ED to a competitive school, and was accepted with no diploma and no GED. She had no college classes (none are offered in our area), but did take a few classes at our local high school.</p>

<p>I know a homeschooler, who started community college early in her "high school" career with no high school diploma involved. She then moved on to a local college, and when it came time for everyone else her age to apply to college, she was applying to grad schools.</p>

<p>If you already have a college in mind (or a few colleges), it's a good idea to make contact with their admissions office as early as possible to find out what they require from non-traditionally schooled students. You can always change your mind and attend elsewhere, but early contact can help in a number of ways.</p>

<p>You should be aware that schools typically have a cut-off for the number of college credits you can earn and still apply as a freshman. If you go over that number, you must apply as a transfer student. That can be more difficult at some institutions, especially more competitive schools.</p>

7

<p>The GED is not a high school diploma, it is an alternative to a high school diploma.</p>

<p>If you want to take and pass the test (which I believe is fairly easy), you will be able to demonstrate that you have had the equivalent of a high school diploma without having to show every class. Our public library has many study materials: Pass the GED books and videos.</p>

<p>Some homeschoolers do take the GED. I have searched for info online about it, but I can't remember where I found it. Try google searching GED in your state to find out the requirements. In NJ, there is a minimum age requirement of 16. (State departments of education do not want to mess with their compulsory attendance laws by allowing younger students to test out of school.)</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

8

<p>so would it be a good idea to take the GED, pass it (hopefully), and just take classes from local colleges?
so what if i took the test now and just spent my fourr years not worrying about graduating but about getting my credits?</p>

9

<p>I strongly advise against getting a GED. Colleges don't require it. Some don't accept it.
Most CCs let you take a placement test or use ACT/SAT scores without a diploma or GED. Already mentioned, but you may be too young for the GED -16, I believe, is common minimum age.</p>

<p>It depends what you want to do--if you are a brilliant student who is aiming for admission to a top university when you are 17 or 18, then don't get a GED. I looked into it for my son and decided against it because of the negative stigma attached to the GED. Some people may unfairly assume that if you have a GED, you are--for example-- a dropout, you got into trouble,drugs, pregnant--whatever, CC is your goal, you're not top college material, etc. </p>

<p>Many colleges won't accept your credits from a CC, or will not want to admit you as a transfer student (you'll lose out on freshman scholarships, too). So you may be paying for college credits just to put them on your homeschool highschool transcript. </p>

<p>Are you thinking of just getting your BA/BS at your local u. in the next 4 years? I don't know if this is possible--call the admissions office at the college you want to attend and see if they'll admit you on ACT/SAT scores (if you've taken these tests, if your scores are high enough) without a high school transcript. Probably a long shot--they may have age limits, too. Also, imagine being in a class with all older people--maybe not what you're looking for. The material is going to be on a certain level and more adult in content--I don't know if this would be good for a 14/15 year old. You'll probably still feel alone/socially isolated because other students will think of you as a little kid. </p>

<p>You might reconsider taking a few classes at your local high school--even "bad" schools may have a few good classes, APs/Honors where you'd be with smarter, more serious students. (My S did this at a "weak" school). If they'll let you enroll part-time, this might help you meet people around your age, and (I assume you are bored, lonely at home?) satisfy some social needs. Less expensive, less commuting than going to college.</p>

10

<p>quote: "Many colleges won't accept your credits from a CC, or will not want to admit you as a transfer student (you'll lose out on freshman scholarships, too). So you may be paying for college credits just to put them on your homeschool highschool transcript."</p>

<p>And many, many will, but the better way to do the CC courses is to enroll in the joint enrollment program (classes taken at CC or other college while you are still in high school) - these classes are generally accepted by whatever university that you end up attending and you are still not considered a "transfer student" (so you will still be eligable for those freshman scholarships). </p>

<p>Also, usually you have to be 16 to even take the GED. </p>

<p>Also, there may be some programs or schools that require the GED before they will admit you (usually technical schools and tech programs) - so if you want to do something like that, the GED may be necessary. </p>

<p>Like others have said, it is not a diploma. </p>

<p>Also, you need to keep track of all the courses you are doing in homeschool - make outlines for them and list all books/materials used for them. and make yourself a transcript as you complete courses.</p>

11

<p>I have to preface this by saying that my situation is a bit different from most of the homeschoolers here. I finished my work at 16, but didn't start college until I was 22 because I spent a few years taking care of my grandmother before starting college.</p>

<p>Before I started at my old CC I spoke with an admissions officer who told me in no uncertain terms that I had no choice but to take the GED, despite the fact that I had homeschooling transcripts and everything else I thought I would need.</p>

<p>The CC referred me to a technical school that offered GED prep classes, which were so laughably easy that I stopped attending after a couple of weeks and signed up for the next available test, which the instructor warned me against. I didn't really prepare for it and wound up getting perfect scores on the writing and social studies sections, near perfect scores on the English section, and pretty darn good scores on the math and science, despite the fact that I despise both subjects.</p>

<p>I graduated from my CC this spring after only attending for three semesters. As I went through the transfer process I found that every school that I applied to (Drew, Fairleigh Dickinson, NYU, Fordham, Columbia) wanted either a photocopy of my GED or an official copy from the state. A couple of the schools weren't even interested in the homeschool transcripts that I had. However, Fordham demanded both the transcripts and the GED. </p>

<p>I have to say that despite how much I hated the idea of taking the GED (I really dislike the stigma attached to it and the fact that I have to explain that, no, I did not drop out of school), it served me well in the end. I'm going to Columbia and feel that getting that acceptance packet was well worth all the anger I felt about having to take that test. </p>

<p>Regarding it not being a diploma, mine says: "To all persons to whom these letters may come greeting let it be known that dot_parker, having satisfied in full the statutory and regulatory requirements of the state for the high school diploma has been awarded this diploma with all the rights and honors thereto appertaining..."</p>

12

<p>so let me get this straight -- a GED will actually harm my image, or give way to negative inferrences about my background? What is a homeschool diploma? can i design one in Photoshop?</p>

<p>I was homeschooled (or equivalent of - i am self-educated actually) - would the SAT II be the key to my success?</p>

<p>Also, i am a bit above the age of average homeschoolers - i'm eighteen. Would the GED be a requirement for a fairly decent CC, for instance, brooklyn college of CUNY?</p>

13

<p>Amb: Some people believe that there is a stigma attached to having a GED because many people who had them in the past had dropped out of school or had somehow gotten into trouble/gotten off track. So, IMO, it is possible that having a GED could hurt your image in a small way. If it is required to get in where you want, so be it. </p>

<p>Homeschool diploma--It can be just like a school diploma--or as different/creative as you like. Nothing stopping you from designing your own. We did a search for pictures of HS diplomas, found one that said what we wanted to say, saw how they were laid out--then S made his own. His says: NAME OF OUR HOMESCHOOL/ (school seal)/
This certifies that/ NAME OF STUDENT/ has satisfactorily completed the course of study prescribed for high school graduation and is therefore awarded this/ DIPLOMA/ Given at City, State this XXth day of Month, 2006/ Line for principal's signature at bottom. BTW, no one ever asked to see the diploma or a copy of it--we made one for fun. (If you transfer from a CC--see above--colleges might ask for a copy of your HS Diploma/GED. Most freshman applying to four year colleges apply before they graduate/get a diploma, and the college just asks for a "final transcript" showing that they graduated).</p>

<p>Most schools don't require SAT IIs, but some, especially top schools, do. Check with the college. Most want at least SAT or ACT from all students. Call the admissions office at your CC of interest and ask them what they require.</p>

14

<p>Find<em>a</em>Way, if you're aiming for a school with competitive admissions, you might want to hold off on the GED, and focus on getting some grades from outside sources under your belt, either through a respected distance program, your local high school (AP classes are good), or community college. Be sure you also get the best SAT I and SAT II's you possibly can. Schools often require three or more SAT II's from homeschoolers. Go ahead and study history, science, math and other subjects, and document what you do. You might want to also look into taking AP tests.</p>

<p>If you're planning to take community college classes, and they require a GED, by all means, go take the GED. But if nobody absolutely requires it, don't take it. Many local colleges accept students based on SAT scores too.</p>

<p>Be sure to check out all the schools in your area if you're thinking of including college courses in your homeschool curriculum. Know all your options, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself. At this point, you probably don't know how far you will want to go by the time you're finished homeschooling, so don't sell yourself short at the start.</p>

<p>I recommend visiting all the college campuses you can in your area, and when you're traveling. If you happen to find a college you love, even if you ultimately end up elsewhere, it can provide the fuel you need to aim high and get organized to reach your goals.</p>

<p>AmbiguouslyClear, if you're already eighteen and want to apply to colleges this fall, you have a lot of work to do quickly. </p>

<p>First, you need to call the admissions office at the CUNY school(s), and any others you're applying to, and find out if they require a GED, or if they'll be happy with SAT or ACT scores, and how many SAT II's they require, if any. Find out what kind of transcript they like to see, and if there's anything else you should know. Then you need to get signed up for your tests. Then you need to get some books to brush up before you take any tests, whether the GED, the ACT, or any SAT's.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, don't focus on a homeschool diploma document unless somebody requires one. It's much more important to work on your homeschool transcript. If somebody requires a diploma, or if you want to make one for fun, you can do that any time.</p>

<p>Compiling a homeschool transcript is a lot of work, so you'll want to get started on that. There's a lot of information in this forum about how to do it, so you might want to do a search and get started on that.</p>

15

<p>I think was stated briefly before, but just to reiterate - the GED is an alternative to the high school diploma. That means, once you have one, you're considered a "graduate." Here's the thing to keep in mind - once you're a high school graduate, any credit-bearing courses you take at a college will be counted as such. Schools have a threshold on the number of credits earned beyond high school (usually 12) that students can earn before entering their program and still be considered a first year student. So, if you're hoping to begin your college career as a first year student at a four year school, I would strongly urge you to reconsider earning the GED prior to taking courses at a CC.</p>

16

<p>GED has the taint of trailer trash.</p>

17

<p>I really wouldn't go that far. A GED is not the best thing to have, that I admit. But, with the way most people on this board talk, it's as though anyone who takes this test is branded with a scarlet "L" (for loser, of course) for the rest of their life. That's just not the case. I realize most people here are trying to help these kids, but some of the opinions here are harsh and might lead a kid who actually needs to take the test to not take it. That’s more damaging than any trailer trash comment. </p>

<p>And let me again say: I took the GED (after being homeschooled) and I go to Columbia. I might be the exception to the rule, but trust me, if I hadn’t taken the test I would not be going to the school of my dreams.</p>