Pros & Cons of Getting a High School Diploma
High school diplomas are obtained traditionally or through online learning. GEDs, or General Educational Developments, are certificates that are somewhat equivalent to a high school diploma. A high school diploma and GED certification each have pros and cons to students.
Other People Are Reading
-
Traditional Diplomas
-
Students who receive a traditional diploma through attending high school typically have more opportunities than students who don't. Acceptance into college requires a high school diploma, as does getting many jobs. At the same time, high school attendance has disadvantages, primarily with peer pressure and bullies. Students are exposed to many types of students and teachers, and not everything learned at high school is advantageous to the student.
Online Diploma Advantages
-
Earning a high school diploma online offers has its own advantages. People who cannot attend class every day earn their diploma at their own pace. The work is completed online from any location at any time. This works well for working adults. Online learning also eliminates peer pressure and costs associated with traveling to and from school.
-
Online Diploma Disadvantages
-
Online learning eliminates face-to-face interaction and offers a learning style that may not be as effective. For example, many subjects are hard to comprehend without seeing someone offer examples and steps. When studying math, reading how to solve a problem and looking at examples may not be enough for all students. Another disadvantage is that attending a traditional high school setting teaches students how to apply skills to real life situations, while online studying teaches only theories. To complete an online study, a student must possess self-discipline.
GEDs
-
The majority of employers hiring entry-level workers view a GED certificate as equivalent to a high school diploma, according to Diploma Guide, but people who earn a GED often carry a negative stigma when compared to those with the diploma. The GED process varies in each state but typically requires taking several classes and passing a exam. Every college has its own policies regarding GEDs. Many colleges view them equally to a diploma, especially community colleges, but there are colleges that may view them as inferior.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
