Thoughts on GED?

Yo, anyone here who pursued GED instead of high school diploma? People say it's bad and you're kind of looked down upon. Is it true? Would it negatively affect my college apps or future job prospects?

First of all, it's important to understand what a GED (General Educational Development) is. It's a series of tests that, if passed, results in a certification that's recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma in the United States. It's typically pursued by students who, for whatever reason, were unable to complete their high school education.

As for whether it's looked down upon, that's really a broad generalization and can vary depending on who you're talking to. What's important is why you're pursuing it. For instance, if you left high school due to personal or family circumstances and then earned your GED, that has a different context than leaving because of academic difficulties. In any case, successfully earning your GED demonstrates to potential employers or college admissions boards that you have the same breadth of knowledge as someone who has completed high school.

Now, in terms of its impact on college applications, every institution may perceive it differently. Many community colleges and some four-year institutions accept GED holders without any additional considerations. But for more selective institutions, they might want additional proof of your readiness for rigorous coursework. This might be good GPA in community college courses, AP exam scores, CLEP scores, and possibly SAT or ACT scores if the college is not test-optional. Anecdotal evidence suggests that students with a strong academic track record post-GED may even be seen as more motivated or resilient.

As for job prospects, it's more critical to have some form of high school completion (either a diploma or a GED) than none at all. In many fields, what you do after earning your GED—such as earning a college degree or gaining relevant work experience—can be much more significant.

Just keep in mind that it's important to frame your situation effectively. Whether it's in your college essays or future job interviews, being able to talk about your experiences in a positive light can help counteract any potential negatives associated with a GED. For example, if you left school and later earned your GED, you might discuss your determination, self-discipline, and motivation to continue your education despite the obstacles.