For those looking to finish high school, there are two options.
You can get your high school diploma or you can get a GED.
You’ve probably been told this before. But many people don’t know what the difference is. Some might think there’s not any difference and the two terms are interchangable.
While they are very similar and legally carry about the same amount of weight, a GED and a diploma aren’t exactly the same.
So What is the Difference Between a Diploma and a GED?
Most understand what a diploma is. It’s the piece of paper you get declaring that you have finished high school. All required classes are done and passed.
A GED is a bit different from that.
GED stand for a few different things depending on who you talk to. The technical definition is General Educational Development though many say its Graduate Equivalency Degree.
Basically, a GED is a series of tests used to show if you have a high school level education or not. There are five areas you’re tested in including Language Arts Writing, Language Arts Reading, Social Studies, Science, and Math.
In order to take the GED test, you must be at least 16 years old and cannot be enrolled in high school. You must take the actual GED test at a physical, certified location. It cannot be taken online and anyone who tells you it can is part of an online GED scam.
Once you’ve earned your GED, it’s practically as good as an actual diploma. Studies say 96% of employers accept a GED as being equal to a diploma. Community colleges will accept GEDs with no hassle.
Most universities will take a GED if you have good SAT/ACT scores. Otherwise you may have to attend a community college for a year and earn some good grades.
At the end of the day, both are great certifications and if you don’t have a GED or a diploma, you should consider changing that. Excel offers great online high school options as well as GED prep courses and practice tests.
Contact us today for more information!
