Having a high school diploma or a GED opens up a world of opportunities that are otherwise hardly available to people who haven't finished this degree. Often, going back to school can take more effort than completing the walk the first time. Unlike traditional students, you may have children to look after, bills to pay, and a job to juggle. But there are many more options than before to make the graduation process as smooth as possible. Read on to learn more about how to graduate online, how to enroll in a GED program, or how to attend a proper school.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Obtain an Online Diploma
Many people who have dropped out of high school before graduating from high school find it convenient to obtain this degree on the internet, which allows them to work at their own pace and on their own time. There are as many different types of online schools to choose from as actual schools, and those accredited on the web offer the exact same degree. It is a great choice for highly motivated and independent students.
Step 1. Get a copy of your high school papers
Start by asking yourself how many credits you have and how many you still need to graduate.
Step 2. Find out what kind of online school is best for you
Internet learning has gained a lot of traction in recent years, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to take high school courses. Whether you are a teenager who should still go to school and want to have an alternative experience or you are an adult who has not opened a school book in years, there is an online study program that will adapt to your individual needs.
- Many states offer online public school programs that are completely free. In some cases, necessary equipment, such as computers and internet access, are also compensated.
- Online private high schools often cater to particular groups of students, such as older ones or those from a particular religious group. These institutions usually charge a fee, but financial help is often available.
- Some colleges and universities offer online high school diploma programs. They are often meant for students who wish to enroll in college after completing their high school program.
Step 3. Find an accredited one
It is very important to make sure that the online program of your choice is accredited by your high school. Programs that are advertised for their shortness or ease will hardly cover the necessary subjects and provide the right kind of education. If you are interested in a particular program, call and ask if it is a recognized high school. Otherwise, your diploma will not be accepted by universities and employers.
Step 4. Sign up for the program
Follow the steps indicated to participate. You should provide a copy of the documents describing your high school experience as well as standard personal information. Then, you will need to enroll in the courses and make a plan to meet the program requirements.
Step 5. Complete the program
The high school diploma obtained online is similar to that of traditional schools. Your courses will be conducted by teachers with the same certifications as those who work in regular schools. You will be marked with essays, projects, and other assignments to complete in order to receive credit for the courses you take.
- Many online programs use video conferencing technology to share lessons and facilitate discussions. You will interact with your classmates and with the teacher.
- Some online programs also offer (if required) participation in science experiments, field trips, and other events to attend in person.
- Many programs also include physical education, which you can usually complete at your own pace.
Step 6. Receive the diploma
After completing the necessary courses, passing the exams and meeting the requirements to finish high school, you will receive the diploma, which will be distributed differently depending on the program you have attended.
Method 2 of 3: Get a GED
The acronym GED stands for General Educational Development; is a test developed by the American Council on Education (ACE) that measures whether a person has knowledge equivalent to that of someone who graduated from a high school. The GED is accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma by 95% of universities and most employers.
Step 1. Research your state's requirements
In most states, you are eligible for the GED if you are at least 16 and not in high school. However, some states have different requirements, so it's important to inform yourself about this before you begin. Search online for “your state name + GED” to find out more about the requirements.
Step 2. Find out what the test requires
The GED covers the same five basic skills offered by high school: writing, math, social studies and history, science and reading. It is divided as follows:
- The writing section tests knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, spelling and capitalization, with a separate writing part of an essay.
- The math section tests arithmetic knowledge, measurement skills, basic algebra, geometry, number relationships, trigonometry and the analysis of data contained in tables and graphs.
- The social studies section tests knowledge of geography, civics, politics and economics.
- The science section tests knowledge of biology, physics and earth sciences.
- The reading section tests the knowledge of sentence structure, the understanding of a text and the use of the language.
Step 3. Study for the test
The exam takes place over the course of seven hours and 45 minutes, with an interval of time dedicated to each subject. In order to pass such an important test, it is essential to constantly study the individual disciplines. Plan to start doing this at least two months earlier, more time if it's been years since you attended high school. It might sound exhausting, but there are plenty of resources available that will help you prepare before exam day.
- You can buy a GED preparation book or use online resources to help you prepare.
- Make sure you take plenty of practice tests to get used to the exam format.
- Particularly focus on the areas where your knowledge is weakest and consider the help of a tutor for the subjects you are having trouble with.
- You can take GED preparation classes, many of which are free, or hire a tutor for this test to help you study.
Step 4. Sign up to take the exam at an exam center
Find one in a place that is convenient for you. Call the center or register online for the test. The exam itself is not available online, it must be taken in person at the right site.
Step 5. Take the test on the designated date
On exam day, arrive a little early so that you have time to find the right classroom and settle inside. Bring the materials requested by the center with you. If you signed up for an all-day test, make sure you have no other commitments. In some cases, you can support it in two parts.
- Make sure you get adequate rest the night before the test. This makes a big difference in concentration.
- You will likely take a lunch break, but have a big breakfast so you don't get distracted by hunger during the test.
- Follow the test administrator's instructions carefully. If you break the rules, even if unintentionally, you may be disqualified and not take the exam that day.
Step 6. Receive your score and GED certificate
After taking the test, you may need to call the center after a certain amount of time or you will receive your score in the mail.
Method 3 of 3: Return to High School
In some cases, attending a high school for adults or a night may be the best way to get the credits you need to graduate. If you'd like to take courses from a traditional high school and learn best in a regular classroom, this might be great for you.
Step 1. Get a copy of the records from the last high school you attended
You need to know exactly how many credits you need, so make sure you sign up for the right type of program. Get in touch with your old school and request a copy.
Step 2. Look for adult education programs in your area
Each state offers a variety of adult-friendly high school completion programs. Search online and consult local community colleges to find a program that meets your needs.
Step 3. Sign up for a program
In most cases, diploma programs for adults are free. You may need to fill out an application before the due date to make sure you can attend the classes you want to attend.
When you sign up, you will likely be assigned an advisor, who can review your documents and help you make sure you get the credits you need
Step 4. Complete the program requirements
Each program has requirements that differ slightly according to state laws. Work with your counselor to come up with a plan for obtaining the necessary credits. Depending on the amount of high school years previously completed, it could take just a few months or several years.
Step 5. Receive the diploma
After completing the program, passing the exams and meeting all the requirements, you will be able to graduate from high school.
