Should I Just Get My GED? Navigating a Big Decision
That question – “Should I just get my GED?” – pops up in the minds of countless individuals at different crossroads. Maybe traditional high school feels overwhelming or irrelevant right now. Perhaps life circumstances – work, family responsibilities, health issues – are making attending classes daily seem impossible. Or you might be eager to jump into college or a career faster. Whatever the reason, it’s a significant decision, and it deserves careful thought, not a rushed “just.”
Let’s unpack what this choice really means, looking beyond the simple idea of “just” getting it, to understand the realities, benefits, and considerations of pursuing a GED.
Understanding What the GED Actually Is
First, it’s crucial to know that the GED (General Educational Development) isn’t a shortcut or a lesser credential. It’s a rigorous, nationally recognized high school equivalency test. Passing the four separate subject tests (Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies) demonstrates you possess the core knowledge and skills equivalent to a high school graduate. Earning it grants you a high school equivalency certificate or diploma (terminology varies by state), opening doors typically reserved for high school graduates.
Why People Ask “Should I Just Get My GED?”
The motivations are diverse:
1. Leaving Traditional High School: For some students, the traditional high school environment feels stifling, irrelevant, or overwhelming. Bullying, learning differences not adequately supported, or simply a mismatch in learning styles can make staying seem unbearable. The GED offers an alternative pathway out.
2. Life Interruptions: Life rarely follows a perfect script. Unexpected events like needing to work full-time to support a family, becoming a parent, dealing with a serious illness, or family instability can force someone to leave high school. The GED becomes a lifeline back to educational completion later on.
3. Accelerating Plans: Some individuals are highly motivated to start college, enter a specific trade school, or launch a career now. They see the years remaining in high school as a delay. The GED, achievable potentially much faster than finishing traditional school, seems like the quickest route forward.
4. Adult Learners: Many adults who didn’t finish high school years ago realize the limitations of not having that credential. They seek the GED to improve job prospects, qualify for promotions, or pursue further education they couldn’t access before.
Weighing the GED: Key Considerations
So, is getting your GED the right move? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Here’s what to think about:
Your Age & Current Situation:
If you’re under 18: Laws vary significantly by state. Often, you need parental consent, withdrawal approval from your school district, and sometimes proof of hardship. Exiting the traditional system is a major decision with potential social and developmental impacts. Explore all options within your school first (counseling, alternative programs, credit recovery).
If you’re 18+: The path is generally clearer. You can typically enroll in adult education programs or study independently and schedule the tests.
Time Commitment vs. Effort:
Perception: Getting a GED is often seen as faster than finishing high school. This can be true, especially for motivated individuals who study intensively. You might be done in months rather than years.
Reality: “Faster” doesn’t mean “easier.” The GED tests require mastering a broad range of high-school level material. Self-discipline and consistent study are non-negotiable. If academic subjects are a major struggle, the independent study required for the GED might be just as challenging, or more so, than structured classes. Don’t underestimate the preparation needed.
The Social & Developmental Aspect: Traditional high school offers more than academics. It’s a social environment, a place to participate in extracurriculars, develop interpersonal skills, and experience a structured transition into adulthood. Pursuing a GED, especially if done entirely independently, can be isolating. Consider if you’re ready to forgo those experiences.
Long-Term Goals:
College: Most community colleges and many four-year universities accept the GED equivalency diploma. Crucially, you will almost always still need to take the SAT or ACT. Admission isn’t guaranteed solely by the GED; colleges look at those standardized test scores and any other applicable materials. Research the specific requirements of schools you’re interested in before making your decision.
Military: All branches of the US military accept the GED equivalency diploma for enlistment. However, there are often additional requirements or limitations (like needing a higher score on the ASVAB entrance exam or needing college credits) compared to traditional diploma holders, and the number of GED holders accepted can be capped. Policies change, so verify current requirements with a recruiter.
Employment: Most employers accept a GED equivalency diploma in lieu of a high school diploma. It checks the “high school credential” box. However, some employers, particularly in competitive fields or for entry-level positions seeking traditional candidates, might (consciously or unconsciously) view a traditional diploma more favorably. This perception is changing, but it’s a factor to be aware of. The further you progress in your career or education, the less your high school credential matters compared to higher degrees and experience.
Preparation & Cost: Passing requires significant preparation. Options include:
Free/Subsidized Adult Education Classes: Often offered through community colleges, libraries, or non-profits. Highly recommended for structured learning and support.
Online Courses/Practice Tests: Many reputable (and some less reputable) paid services exist. The official GED Testing Service website (ged.com) is the authoritative source for practice materials and test scheduling.
Self-Study: Using textbooks, online resources, and library materials. Requires immense self-motivation.
Cost: Testing fees vary by state but typically total over $100. Preparation classes may have additional costs, though many free resources exist. Factor this in.
So, Should You “Just” Get It?
The answer depends entirely on your unique circumstances, motivations, and goals.
The GED might be a strong choice if:
You are 18+ and traditional high school is genuinely not a viable option due to work, family, or personal reasons.
You are highly self-motivated and disciplined, capable of dedicated independent study or thriving in an adult education setting.
Your primary goal is to quickly obtain a credential to qualify for a specific job, trade school, or community college program right now, and you understand the potential limitations or additional steps (like taking the SAT/ACT).
You are an adult learner seeking to finally complete this foundational step for career advancement or personal fulfillment.
Sticking with a traditional diploma might be better if:
You are under 18 and haven’t exhausted all support options within your current school (counseling, alternative programs).
The social structure and extracurricular activities of high school are important to your development.
You struggle significantly with academic self-discipline and need the structure of a classroom environment.
You have concerns about potential (even if diminishing) stigma or specific limitations for your desired military path or dream college.
Making Your Decision: Next Steps
1. Honest Self-Assessment: Why do you want this? What are your specific goals (job, college, military)? How disciplined are you? What support systems do you have?
2. Research Thoroughly:
Visit ged.com – the official site for test info, practice materials, and scheduling.
Check your state’s specific GED requirements (age limits, fees, testing locations).
Research adult education programs in your community (community colleges are a great start).
If aiming for college, investigate the specific admission requirements (SAT/ACT, GPA expectations) of your target schools.
If considering the military, talk to recruiters from different branches about current GED acceptance policies.
3. Talk to People: Speak with school counselors (if applicable), adult education advisors, military recruiters, college admissions officers, or even people who have earned their GED. Get diverse perspectives.
4. Consider Preparation: Be realistic about the work involved. Enrolling in a preparation class significantly boosts success rates.
Beyond “Just” Getting It
Earning your GED is a significant accomplishment. It represents perseverance, dedication, and the commitment to invest in your future. It’s not an “easy way out,” but a valid and respected alternative pathway.
The question isn’t really “Should I just get my GED?” but rather, “Is pursuing my GED the most effective and suitable path to achieve my specific goals at this point in my life?”
Take the time to answer that question thoughtfully. Gather the facts, understand the commitment, and weigh the pros and cons against your personal situation and aspirations. Whether you choose the traditional diploma or the GED equivalency, what matters most is taking that step forward towards your education and your future. Your journey is unique, and either path, chosen wisely, can lead to success.
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