While many times they’re passed off as the same, in reality, there are many differences between how employers look at a Ged vs a high school diploma. Take a second to put yourself in the shoes of a prospective employer.
Who would you rather hire:
Somebody with the dedication to finish all the requirements of a high school diploma?
or
Somebody who did the bare minimum in the form of a GED?
In this article, we’ll look at what these differences are and why they matter to employers and colleges. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll have a better understanding of what route is best for you.
What are the differences between a GED and a high school diploma?
Getting high school checked off your list of life accomplishments is a big deal. While overall high school dropout rates have been in decline, there are still a significant number of people each year who never get their diploma. If you missed your high school graduation then it might seem like you missed out on a big part of your life. Even if you want to get you high school diploma, you don’t have all the time in the world. You have a life to live, maybe even a family to feed. You’re looking for a solution that is fast but also doesn’t cut corners or look bad on a resume.
So what is a GED?
Great question. A GED or a High School Equivalency Certificate is simply a test that you can take to prove that you know the same information that a person who graduated with a high school diploma does. All you need to do is study for the test, pay a fee, and pass it. For all intensive purposes, it’s a high school degree, but what makes it different?
The truth is not a lot. If you’re weighing your options between an online high school degree program and a GED, then they’re both going to be challenging. With the online options available today, getting your GED will be about as tricky as getting you full high school diploma online.
High school in the USA is a rigorously intensive four-year study program that prepares young people for high levels of education. Going through all of the coursework and earning a full diploma can be a significant signal to employers and colleges that a person is dedicated to academia. While most colleges will accept a GED, you may still have to go to community college for a few semesters before you can transfer to the school that you want.
What employers look for
Employers are a different story. It all depends on the job, but most employers will look at a GED and a high school diploma as the same thing. This sentiment becomes even stronger if you eventually go on to complete a higher level of education like an associates degree.
The only kind of employer that will look differently at a GED vs a high school diploma are organizations like the military. Completing a high school diploma is usually more highly regarded in institutions like the military because it can be seen, for right or wrong, as an indication of someone’s character.
On the other hand, some employers might look at a GED as a sign of independent thinking. The fact of the matter is that getting your full high school degree online can’t hurt and it’s the same difficulty as getting a GED. If you’re interested in learning more about what exactly getting your degree online would be like feel free to contact us for more information, we would be more than happy to help you reach your goals.