Having a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) will provide great opportunities that are otherwise not available to people who have not completed high school. Oftentimes, continuing to finish high school will cost you more dedication than finishing it the first time. Unlike most high school kids anymore, you probably have kids to look after, bills to pay and work to get done. But there are lots of other options to get a diploma easily. See Step 1 and beyond to learn more about earning a diploma online, enrolling in a GED program or choosing the type of school where classes meet in person.
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Method 1 of 3: Getting a diploma online
Many people who leave high school sooner will find it more comfortable to pursue a degree online, which allows them to keep working and by managing their own time. There are many different types of online schools to choose from versus schools that have to be met in person, and accredited online based colleges that can offer the exact same type of diploma. It is a great choice for highly motivated and independent students.
Step 1. Obtain a copy of your high school's grade notes
Start by finding out how many semester credits (credits) you have and how many more you need to earn in order to graduate.
Step 2. Find out what type of online school is right for you
Online learning has gained a lot of traction in recent years, making it a great choice for anyone looking to take high school courses. Whether you're a teenager still in high school looking to have an alternative experience, or you're an adult who's been out of the classroom for years, there are a variety of online-based programs that will suit your individual needs.
- Many states also offer public online high school programs that are completely free. In some cases, computer equipment and internet access are also offset.
- Online-based private colleges often cater to a specific group of students, such as older students or people from a particular religious group. These schools usually charge tuition, but financial aid is often available.
- Some colleges and universities offer online-based high school diploma programs. It is often directed at students who wish to continue to enroll in college after completing a high school program.
Step 3. Find an accredited college
It is very important to make sure the online program you choose is accredited as a high school. Programs that advertise quick and easy graduation may not cover the required subjects and provide proper instruction. If you are interested in a particular program, call and ask if it is an accredited college. If not, then your diploma is unlikely to be accepted by universities and companies.
Step 4. Register the program
Take the steps defined by the program for registration. You will need to prepare copies of your previous high school grades, as well as standard personal information. Then you must enroll in the course and make a plan to meet the program requirements.
Step 5. Complete the program
Online high school diploma programs are similar to traditional high schools. Your courses will be taught by teachers with the same certification as those who teach in traditional schools. You will be given assignments, projects, and other homework to complete in order to receive credit for the classes you take.
- Many online programs use video conferencing technology to share lecture materials and facilitate discussion. You will interact with other classmates as well as with the teacher.
- Some online programs also offer (or require) participation in science experiments, field trips, and other in-person visits.
- Many programs have physical education requirements, which can usually be met on your own time.
Step 6. Receive your diploma
Once you have completed the required courses, passed your classes, and met all the requirements to complete high school, you will receive a high school diploma. Diplomas will be distributed differently depending on what program you take.
Method 2 of 3: Getting GED
GED stands for General Educational Development, and it is a test developed by the American Council on Education (ACE) that measures whether a person has the same knowledge as someone who graduated from high school. The GED is accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma by 95% by universities and most employers.
Step 1. Find out about the requirements in your country
In most states, you are eligible for a GED if you are 16 years of age or older and not enrolled in high school. Some countries have different requirements, however, so it's more important to find out about this before starting. Do an online search for your country's needs + GED to find out more.
Step 2. Know what to test
The GED covers the five basic subjects offered by high schools: writing, mathematics, social sciences and history, science, and reading. This test is divided as follows:
- The written test section tests skills in grammar, vocabulary, spelling and capitalization, with a separate written essay section
- The math test section tests skills in arithmetic, measurement, basic algebra, geometry, number relationships, trigonometry and data analysis of charts and graphs.
- The Social Science test section tests knowledge of geography, citizenship and government and economics.
- The science test section examines life sciences, physics and earth sciences.
- The reading test section tests proficiency in sentence structure, reading comprehension and language use.
Step 3. Study for the exam
This test will take 7 hours and 45 minutes, with a portion of time allocated for each subject. To do well on this exam, it is very important to study the respective subjects first. Plan to start studying at least 2 months in advance - longer if it's been years since you attended classes in high school. It may seem overwhelming, but there are plenty of resources available to help you before exam day arrives.
- You can purchase a GED preparation book or use online resources to help you prepare.
- Be sure to take lots of practice exams so that you become more familiar with the exam format.
- Study twice as much in subjects you think you're lacking, and consider seeking guidance in those subjects.
- You can take GED prep classes, many of which are free, or hire a GED tutor to help you prepare.
Step 4. Sign up to pick it up at the testing center
Find a test center in a location that is easy for you to reach. Call the center or register online for a test date. The test itself is not available online - must be taken in person at the test site.
Step 5. Take the test on the specified date
On test day, arrive early so you have time to get the right space and get comfortable first. Bring all the items requested by the testing center. If you are taking exams that are all day, then make sure your schedule is cleared for the day. In some cases, you may take an exam that is divided into 2 parts.
- Make sure you get a good night's sleep the night before the test. This makes a big difference when it comes to concentrating.
- You may be taking a lunch break, but make sure to have breakfast so you don't get distracted by hunger during the test.
- Follow the test supervisor's instructions properly. Breaking any rules, even unintentionally, could result in you being disqualified from the test that day.
Step 6. Receive your score and GED certificate
After you have taken the test, you may need to contact your testing center after a while or you may receive your scores by mail.
Method 3 of 3: Back to High School
In some cases, attending an adult or evening-based high school can be the best way to get the semester credits you need to earn your high school diploma. If you want to take traditional high school classes, and you do well in regular classes, this option might be best for you.
Step 1. Get a record of your high school grades
It's important to know exactly how many semester credits you need, so you can be sure you're enrolled in the right type of program. Contact your previous high school and ask for a copy of the grades.
Step 2. Look for programs for adults in your area
Each state offers a variety of programs for completing high school that are suitable for adults. Do an online search and check with local colleges to find a program that meets your needs.
Step 3. Enroll in a program
Most adult high school diploma programs are free of charge. You may need to fill out the form before the stated deadline in order to ensure you can attend the class you want.
When you apply, you may be found with an academic advisor who can look at your scoring record and help ensure you get the semester credits you need
Step 4. Complete the program requirements
Each program has slightly different requirements according to state law. Work with your academic advisor to come up with a plan to complete all the credits you still need. Depending on how many years of high school you previously completed, this could take as little as a few months or a few years.
Step 5. Receive your diploma
After completing your program, passing all classes and meeting all requirements, you can graduate with a high school diploma.
