Question About High School Diploma/GED

Hi everyone!

I'm relatively new to the discussion board. My situation is kind of weird. I was homeschooled and graduated with a non-accredited high school diploma. Some of the colleges and jobs that I'm looking at require a person to have either an accredited high school diploma or a GED. Well, I have a high school diploma, but like I said, it's non-accredited. What can I do to get either an accredited high school diploma or GED? It seems so funny to go and take the GED test because I already have an associate's degree through a local community college.

Also, if I do have to take the GED test, does anyone know how difficult it is? Has anyone here taken it before?

Thanks so much for your help and replies!

Sara

 

Taking the GED seems pointless.

Since you have an associates degree you should be admitted to any college based upon that. Avoid clerks at the colleges like the plague. Speak with an admissions officer, not a clerk.

My friends daughter was accepted to a State University in Florida as a home schooled student, but it took a bit of persuasion and a placement test.

Clerks ( the people not the movie) will simply stall your application if they cannot check the 'HS Diploma" box. Admissions officers have wide discretion and will attempt to admit all qualified students ( of course qualifications differ from StateU to HarvardU but you get the idea).

 

Your situation is not as unusual as you may think. I was home-schooled (Actually 'boat-schooled' but that's another story) Anytime I was ever asked about HS diploma I just said "yes" Entering college, I took the Placement Exam. I scored very high. Later I found out that typically, home-schooled will score higher than grads of traditional high schools.



Off topic: When I was young, my parents sold their restaurant, bought a big old boat, and sailed around the Pacific Islands for a couple of years.

 

if you have to take the ged test don't sweat it, it's pretty easy.

 

Hi Sara,

This is a common problem for homeschoolers, although much easier solved than in previous years. The easiest way often is to tell them you were homeschooled. Find someone other than the clerk that accepts the application. When I was researching Bears' Guide to Earning High School Diplomas Nontraditionally, I found that many schools now have guidelines in place for how to deal with homeschooled/alternatively educated students.

It's unusual that they would not accept your associate's degree as proof of your education. You've already shown that you can succeed at the collegiate level. Again, try talking to someone.

And if you have to take the GED, that shouldn't be any problem. Certainly no more information on that test than you would have learned in a community college associate's degree.

Btw, if you need any more advice, feel free to contact me through one of my websites below.



Tom Nixon

 

Thanks for all the replies -- they are greatly appreciated!

Well, I received a letter the other day from the university that I was seeking admission to -- I have been formally admitted! I'm so happy about that!

I have been seeking a job at the county or state level, possibly a government job, and that's where I'm finding a problem. A lot of the job descriptions say that the applicant must have an accredited high school diploma or GED. What should I do? Should I take the GED test? It seems so silly to have to take it -- I mean I have an associate's degree, why would I have to take it?

Thanks so much,

Sara

 

I would ignore the job description and talk to a real, live non-clerk-type person. I would not be surprised at all if it is a problem.

Or

I would submit my application with the information about my high school and college education. Let them figure out whether the diploma is accredited. I would think because of the associate's degree, they will use that instead.



Tom Nixon

 

Sara,

And not to disagree with Tom, but;

it is far simpler to take a GED than to continue to have to explain your circumstances. Especially if you plan to seek employment in the Federal sector. For example; if you were asked if you had a High School diploma and you checked "yes" you could (not that you would) be found guilty of criminal charges since you swear under oath when brought on as an employee to the veracity of your application. No different than what happened to Laura Callahan. Conversely if you checked "no" you would be considered unqualified. Fortunately steps are being taken to modernize the Federal application process and to accept Resumes instead of just the OF-612 or SF 171. In those instances you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your educational accomplishmensts. However, these positions also include a series of grade out questions that will confirm the KSAs and educational requirements of the position. Most of these systems are automated so the human factor is almost gone.

Feel free to PM me if you have a specific question.

Kevin

 

Well, I have decided to go ahead and take the GED test since I can take it close to home. I must say that I do dislike having to take it.

I will be studying public safety management through Franklin University. Has anyone heard of this university?

Thanks again for all of your replies!

Sara

 

Sara,

not that you will need it; but good luck on your test and best wishes in your future endeavors.


And let me share a comedy situation of my own. Having been discharged from the Marines (about a miilion years ago) I applied to college and proceeded to schedule classes. I was required to take a Physical Education Class. Like you I wasn't happy. After appealing all the way up the food chain I ended up taking...touch football. Sometimes the bureaucratic wheels just seem to be in a rut.

Kevin