The Difference Between a GED & an HS Diploma
The General Educational Development high school equivalency test or GED certificate is the equivalent of a high school diploma. The test measures an adult's high school-level knowledge and skills in math, reading, science and social studies. The differences between a high school diploma and a GED vary depending on the employer or postsecondary education that is reviewing your credentials. According to a GED testing site, 95 percent of colleges and universities accept the GED as an equivalent of the high school diploma and they accept students on that merit.
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High School Diploma
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A high school diploma is accepted by businesses, universities and the U.S. military as an entry-level credential. A high school diploma illustrates that a student has completed all of the courses that are considered applicable for graduation by her school district.
GED
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The GED was designed as a high school equivalency test for nongraduates. The GED was developed after World War II to allow veterans to complete high school and subsequently attend college or university.
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GED Certificate Versus High School Diploma
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There is a perception among people that the GED is not as highly regarded as a high school diploma among employers and universities. Conflicting information exists about the differences between a GED and a regular diploma. There are some universities and colleges that do not accept the GED, and there still exists a stigma against a holder of the GED that seems to stem from the stigma against high school dropouts. On the flip side, a person with a GED has illustrated growth as a young adult and is aware of the pitfalls of not doing well in high school and this will better prepare him for the realities of college life.
Why Would You Have a GED?
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A GED is acquired because of a failure to complete high school. To be eligible for a GED, you must be 16 or older, you must not have graduated from high school and you must not be enrolled in a high school. Not completing high school can bar you from any postsecondary education or employment with many companies.
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References
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