I’ve dealt with a lot of issue through my high school career. Depression, loss of a loved one, etc. I’ve habitually missed a lot of school through out the years, but always scored high on all tests and finals. My grades have sucked though. Going into my senior year I knew I was in trouble, missing a litany of credits. To graduate, I would need to do so much and do it flawlessly (Would need to get straight A’s and also do night school till 7pm everyday) and knowing me, I really will not enjoy that and will probably just end up screwing it up.
I’ve been seriously considering just dropping out, getting my GED, then working until the school year is over then moving upstate to go to a community college with my friends (I want to transfer to a university nearby, we were planning on doing this before I even considered dropping out). Is this a good move? I’ve thought it about it so much over the last couple weeks and feel like the stigma of a GED is the only thing holding me back. I know I’ve made mistakes when it comes to school, but i deeply regret them and want to just move past them and have a fresh start.
TL;dr : I want to drop out, get my GED, go to community college and then transfer to a university. Does it seem plausible and the most reasonable path?
It definitely is plausible. Many community colleges are a part of bridge programs, so if you do well in community college you can easily transfer to a partner college. Getting a GED is probably your best choice. As long as you do well in community college, I don’t see why a nearby university wouldn’t take you
@Reese2323 I’m not sure, but in my opinion, if you have some form of college degree you should be fine. From what one of my teachers said, who has done a lot of career and resume help for people, once you get into college high school stuff should disappear from your resume and employers focus more on what you did in college.
I would talk to your Guidance Counselor…Ask them if there are alternatives.
There may be Home study programs, alternative programs, etc. etc.
Talk to them about what makes sense for you.
Would it be better for you to work very hard and graduate with the structure of school?
If you have to study on your own, will you have the motivation to do it?
I am an engineer and did well in college but was terrible when I had to do work like that with no structure/deadlines at all.
I would find a way to graduate HS, and then go to CC. Then you can use your CC GPA to help you get into a 4 year college.
No stigma, once you get on a path. A number of great colleges accept the GED. As your future develops, you will be the sum total of your experiences and successes.
Some states have restrictions on when you can get the GED (eg, after your class graduates.) You’d want to be informed of the options, make the wisest decision for you, as bopper suggests.
I have a GED and in my second year of community college:
YES, it is possible BUT it is NOT easy. You effectively have to do everything three times.
Study for and take 5 exams in different subjects (GED). Get two years worth of credit/graduate with your associates (CC). Transfer to university and finish your bachelors (university).
But, if you’re having mental health problems, all of this is for not. I speak from experience. Are you being treated for depression? If not, getting out of high school will not eliminate your problems.
You will very rarely have to disclose you have a GED. Most job applications I’ve filled out ask “high school diploma/GED” and don’t get any more specific. You may find it occasionally beneficial to disclose that you have one.
Whatever you choose, you need to be prepared for the long road. It is doable but not easy.