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Forging a Path to a High School Credential
the Non-Conventional Way
Not everyone has the privilege to complete their high school education. Some get sidetracked due to personal circumstances, whereas others might have felt that a high school diploma was not something that they needed, only to regret that decision later.
Regardless of why someone did not complete high school and achieve a high school credential, there are still ways that you can forge your path ahead.
In certain countries such as Australia, TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and vocational education is offered in relevant fields. If someone left school to pursue a career in the construction industry, they may later find themselves at a disadvantage, especially when they show the aptitude to further their career. It is possible for such individuals to convert their experience working in industry into credits for further education and this may help them gain some kind of certification that allows them to foray into the world of tertiary education.
For Americans, there is another path that they can take if they find themselves lacking academic qualifications. By sitting for a GED (General Educational Development) test, they can use their results to apply for jobs or even to apply to colleges. With 98% of colleges accepting applicants with a GED, it is a promising opportunity for all school leavers to consider.
2021 GED statistics show that 11% of the working population doesn’t have a high school credential
According to BestGEDClasses.org, there’s a huge disparity between people who have a high school diploma and the jobs that they are able to hold and those with a higher education and the positions that they are able to apply for. While 11% might look like a tiny amount, it translates to over 23,307,010 individuals who are unable to find employment or progress at their workplace.
While there is more than one way to achieve a high school credential in the United States, GED surpasses the search list in many states, namely Florida, Texas, and Ohio. In the article penned with the help of Steve Gory, BestGEDClasses’ EdTech Strategist, you can see that the popularity of GED comes from its flexibility and the accessibility of the test. With alternatives such as HiSET® (High School Equivalency Test) and the TASC™ (Test Assessing Secondary Completion) exams, GED comes out on top, despite the fact that some other tests may be more affordable.
“GED has become unanimous as an option for high school leavers when they are looking for some kind of equivalent due to its popularity and the ease of taking the test. There are so many resources available to the average student, especially in the digital age,” says Gory. He goes on to elaborate that while these tests are rigorous, you can easily find mock-tests and even tutors to help you achieve your GED.
“Being able to take the test in a computerized format is definitely something that appeals to the current generation. With the ease of studying and taking the test online, you can virtually study anytime and anywhere. However, it should be noted that it isn’t an easy way out and sitting for your GED should be taken seriously. Interested individuals need to understand the amount of determination that goes into preparing for GED. At BestGEDClasses, we understand that not everyone has the resources or time to conduct self-study, which is why we offer online GED classes as well as practice tests.”
Studying for GED requires fortitude
As mentioned above, planning to further your education should not be taken lightly. It isn’t going to be like starting a new hobby. Rather, you will have to gain new skills and comprehension which takes a lot of self-motivation. When you’re out of high school, you lack one thing that all high school students have: routine and the capability to learn uninterrupted.
“Most individuals without a GED may find it difficult to find the time to study, many of them lack the luxury of only having to focus on their studies. Some might be working to ease their financial burdens, or there are even students who have dropped out of school to take care of their disabled parents or younger siblings. This in itself causes them to have to split their priorities. Truly, earning your GED with other responsibilities on your shoulders may prove to be a feat in itself. When researching relevant information for GED statistics, Gory has come across numerous instances of why so many people do not have their high school diploma and perhaps it is disheartening to note that it is simply due to limited resources and that vulnerable students are very easily left behind. However, not all is lost, as Gory notes that the GED does take into consideration the fact that students are unable to focus entirely on their studies, which is why examinations can be taken separately and over the course of two years.
What it takes to pass your GED
As you are able to take each test individually, there is ample opportunity for students to brush up on the relevant information needed. There are four facets to the exam: Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language. When preparing for math, you can focus entirely on the subject and make sure that you do not have any weaknesses prior to taking the test. When you pass the test, you can move on to the next subject, and so on and so forth.
If you do fail a subject, do not fret, as you can retake the test by itself and will not have to retake any of the other tests that you have already passed. There is a limit to how many times you can take the same test in a year, so don’t rush yourself. If needed, you can seek help from your peers or through the internet.
“One good thing about the digital world is that education is accessible to everyone. The world has never been more open for the taking. Almost everyone has access to the internet, and even those in vulnerable communities can take advantage of public wifi or public libraries in order to facilitate their learning. The only hurdle you have to overcome is yourself because as the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Gory is a huge advocate of self-learning and he stresses that learning doesn’t stop when you get your GED but one should always strive to go above and beyond as learning is a continuous process for everyone. From the lowest laborers to the highest CEOs of the world, nobody is above learning.
About the Author
Craig Lebrau is the CMO of Media Insider, a Wyoming-based PR company that aims to disrupt the way companies communicate their brand in the digital era.