For 17-year-old high school students, the crossroads of choosing between continuing with traditional high school education and opting for the GED test, while also considering high school dropout and community college possibilities, can be a daunting one. This decision significantly impacts their future educational and career trajectories.
The GED Option
The GED test offers an alternative route to earning a high school equivalency diploma. It’s designed for individuals who haven’t completed high school but wish to demonstrate high school-level academic skills. According to GED.com, the test covers four main subject areas: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science. Taking the GED can be a faster way to obtain a credential, allowing students to move on to higher education or the workforce more quickly. However, some colleges and employers may view a GED less favorably than a traditional high school diploma.
The Traditional High School Route
Sticking with traditional high school provides a more comprehensive educational experience. Students are exposed to a wide range of courses, extracurricular activities, and social interactions. High school offers the opportunity to build relationships with teachers and peers, participate in sports teams, and join clubs. This holistic experience can contribute to personal growth and development. As stated by Education Corner, it also gives students more time to explore their interests and prepare for college admissions. Nevertheless, for some students, the traditional high school environment may not be the best fit, leading to the consideration of other options like the GED or even dropping out.
When making this decision, students should consider their educational goals. If they plan to attend a four-year university immediately after completion, a traditional high school diploma may be more beneficial, as many universities have specific admission requirements related to high school coursework. On the other hand, if the goal is to enter a community college or start working in a field where a high school equivalency is sufficient, the GED could be a viable option. Additionally, personal circumstances such as family situation, learning style, and motivation play a crucial role. Some students may find the flexibility of the GED study schedule more suitable for their needs, while others thrive in the structured environment of a high school.
Readability guidance: As seen above, we use short paragraphs to make the content easier to read. We also list out different aspects of the decision-making process. The passive voice is used minimally, and transition words like “however” and “nevertheless” are employed to connect ideas smoothly.
