Taking the GED test and earning a GED card is a prudent option for adults who have dropped out of high school. The GED tests, when taken in total, can be completed in 7.5 hours. If you achieve good scores, you can take advantage of various opportunities when it comes to your academic and professional endeavors, such as getting hired in a higher-paying job, getting a promotion, or going to college. It may sound appealing, but there are pros and cons to consider when choosing to earn a GED vs. a high school diploma.

A GED diploma is considered equivalent to a high school diploma. Passing the GED test and acquiring a GED credential means you have the same skill set as a high school student. However, there are different requirements and different outcomes for a GED diploma and a high school diploma.

Know the pros and cons

Apparently, it’s faster to get a GED. He does so after passing a test that covers the 4 subject areas of Science, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Reasoning through Language Arts. On the other hand, working towards your high school diploma allows you to have valuable life experiences. The GED test can be taken by adults 17 and older who have dropped out of college, and is ideal for those past high school learning age. Going to high school prepares students for a college education, and a high school diploma is accepted both in the US and abroad.

The disadvantages of taking the GED are that it tends to be a difficult test and its corresponding credential may not be accepted by schools and companies abroad. The thing about a high school study is that it takes a long time to complete, 4 years to be exact.

Who is a better candidate for the GED test?

The average age of people who take the GED test is 26, mostly people who have not been to school for about 10 years. They may feel embarrassed to go to school to finish their secondary education or they may already have work and family obligations. For high school students who are at least 16 years old, taking the GED test can be an alternative route to get through it until graduation.

The best resource, however, is to finish high school. Unless extreme situations force a student to drop out of high school, it makes more sense to get a high school diploma. If you find yourself finishing high school or taking the GED, it’s a smart move to talk to a school counselor first.

Think wisely before making a decision

Therefore, if one has the ability and means to finish high school, it is prudent to do so. Attending and completing high school provides the student with useful life and practical experiences that also aid in their healthier social development. Likewise, although a GED credential is considered equivalent to a high school diploma, employers would prefer to hire an applicant who possesses the latter.

Here are the benefits and drawbacks of a GED certificate versus a high school diploma. Think wisely and seek sound advice before deciding which option to take.