Is it worth getting a GED or should I just finish high school?
I'm 19 and I dropped out of high school in 11th grade. I've been working at a warehouse for 2 years and I want to go to college but I need a diploma first. I'm debating between going back to finish high school (would take about 1.5 years) or just getting my GED (takes a few months). My mom says GED looks bad on applications. What should I do?
1 Answer(s)
Your mom is partially right but mostly wrong in 2024. Here's the honest truth:
The GED is perfectly accepted by 98% of colleges and employers. The old stigma is basically dead. Every community college will accept it. Most 4-year universities will too.
However, here's where finishing high school wins: If you can realistically go back and finish in 1.5 years, do it. Why? Because you'll graduate with a class, have a transcript with grades (GED is just pass/fail), and you'll qualify for more scholarships. Some scholarships specifically require a high school diploma, not a GED.
My recommendation: If you're motivated and can handle school while working, go back and finish. It's only 1.5 years and it opens more doors. But if you're barely surviving at work and school feels impossible, get the GED now and start college. A GED + college degree looks amazing on a resume — it shows you overcame obstacles.
Either way, don't let this stop you from going to college. Start looking at community colleges NOW — many have open enrollment and you can start this fall.