Post Sponsored by Essential Ed
This question is increasingly on the minds of many parents who have guided their children through a personalized education at home. The General Educational Development (GED) credential is often mentioned as a reliable measure of academic achievement that can help open doors to higher education and employment. But as a homeschool parent, you might be wondering: Is the GED the right choice for my child?
In this article, we’ll take a look at the considerations involved in deciding whether your homeschooled student should pursue a GED. We’ll explore what the GED entails, how it differs from a traditional high school diploma, how colleges and employers view it, and some potential benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, the goal is to support you in making a well-informed decision that best aligns with your family’s educational values and your child’s unique path.
What Is the GED?
The GED is a widely recognized high school equivalency credential. Instead of attending a traditional public or private high school or relying solely on a parent-issued diploma, a student can demonstrate their academic skills by passing the GED test. The exam covers four subject areas: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Science, and Social Studies. Passing all four parts shows that a student’s academic abilities are on par with those of typical high school graduates.
For many parents of homeschooled children, the GED can serve as a way to certify that their child has reached an educational milestone, especially if they have not maintained a traditional transcript or diploma through a homeschooling umbrella program. It can simplify questions about academic achievements and provide a recognized credential for colleges and employers.
GED vs. Homeschool Diploma
Homeschool diplomas can differ significantly depending on the state. In many cases, parents can issue a diploma upon their child’s completion of a specified course of study. This provides a high degree of flexibility and allows the diploma to reflect the student’s unique educational experience. However, since no standardized authority governs homeschool diplomas, some colleges and employers may seek clarification regarding the rigor or credibility of the coursework.
The GED, on the other hand, provides a standardized measure. It is widely accepted across all 50 states, and many higher education institutions and employers view it as an equivalent to a traditional high school diploma. That said, it’s not inherently superior or inferior—just different. The choice comes down to what’s best for your student’s circumstances, goals, and comfort level.
How Colleges and Employers Perceive the GED
Universities, community colleges, technical and trade schools have varying views on the GED, but in general, it’s well-recognized and accepted. About 98% of colleges welcome GED recipients, provided they meet other admissions requirements. In fact, some institutions even have scholarship opportunities specifically for GED graduates.
From an employment standpoint, most employers accept the GED as proof of high school-level education. While some older misconceptions linger about the GED’s rigor, today’s test has been modernized and often demands strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Employers in fields ranging from healthcare and technology to the trades understand that a GED holder has demonstrated capabilities equivalent to a high school graduate.
Potential Advantages of the GED for Homeschooled Students
- Standardized Credential: The GED offers a widely recognized and standardized credential, which can simplify the college application process. It’s a helpful option if there are concerns about how admissions officers might view a homeschool transcript.
- Confidence and Validation: Some students feel more confident having completed a test that confirms their knowledge. A GED can provide a sense of accomplishment and validation for a homeschooled student who wants a clear benchmark of their academic level.
- Flexible Timing: Homeschoolers often work at their own pace. If your child is academically advanced, they could complete their secondary education early and obtain a GED at a younger age, potentially starting college or a career path sooner.
- Accessibility: The GED is available online in many states, and testing centers are widely accessible. This flexibility often appeals to families who value convenience and straightforward credentialing.
Points to Consider Before Pursuing the GED
- Cost and Preparation: There are fees associated with taking the GED test. Preparing may require study guides, online courses, or tutoring. Understanding these costs and efforts upfront can help you plan effectively.
- Testing Anxiety: Some students thrive in test settings, while others don’t. If your child is uncomfortable with testing environments, the GED’s standardized testing format might not be their ideal path. In such cases, continued homeschooling and a parent-issued diploma might serve them better.
- State Requirements: GED eligibility and requirements can vary by state. Some states have specific minimum age limits or other criteria. Make sure to check your state’s Department of Education website or GED Testing Service guidelines for details.
Preparing Your Child for the GED
If you’ve decided that the GED could be a good option for your child, consider how best to prepare them. In addition to flexible, self-paced learning and free online resources, structured preparation programs can help build confidence and ensure your child is fully ready for test day.
Online prep programs, such as Essential Education’s GED Academy, are designed to align with GED test content, providing targeted practice, personalized learning plans, and immediate feedback based on your child’s strengths and weaknesses. These resources make study time more effective by identifying specific areas for improvement. Additionally, practice tests and structured guidance help reduce test anxiety by familiarizing students with the testing format and question styles, ensuring they feel prepared. The online program allows your student to study from any device with internet access, and go at their own pace, making it easy to fit lessons into their regular learning routine. With plans starting at $19.99 per month, GED Academy offers an affordable and accessible option for many families.
Making the Decision
Deciding whether your homeschooled child should pursue a GED is a personal choice. It depends on their career goals, their comfort level with testing, the resources you have available, and how colleges or future employers might view their credentials. A GED can provide a strong, recognizable foundation for future steps—be it a college education, technical training, or direct entry into the workforce. On the other hand, if your homeschooling records are thorough and you’re confident in your ability to provide a solid transcript, a parent-issued diploma may suffice.
Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. By carefully weighing the options and considering what’s best for your child, you may find that pursuing a GED is not only a viable option—but a valuable one. It can serve as a stepping stone that validates your child’s hard work and sets them on a clear path toward their goals.
The post Should Your Homeschooled Child Get a GED? first appeared on Homeschool .com.
Read More [[{“value”:”Considering a GED for your homeschooled child? Explore the pros, requirements, and other factors to help you make an informed decision.
The post Should Your Homeschooled Child Get a GED? first appeared on Homeschool .com.”}]]
Homeschool High School, homeschool help, homeschool high school Homeschool .com