Wondering why does my GED say high school diploma? A GED (General Educational Development) certificate and a high school diploma are both credentials that indicate a person has completed a secondary education. However, there are several differences between the two.
A high school diploma is typically earned by completing a four-year high school program. The program includes a range of courses in subjects such as math, English, science, social studies, and electives. In addition to coursework, high school students also participate in extracurricular activities and may have to meet other requirements such as passing standardized tests.
On the other hand, a GED certificate is earned by passing a test that measures knowledge and skills in the same areas covered by high school coursework. The GED test is a series of four subject tests that can be taken individually or together. The four subjects are Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. The GED test is designed to be a rigorous assessment that is equivalent to high school standards.
While a high school diploma indicates that a student has completed a specific high school program, a GED certificate indicates that a student has demonstrated proficiency in high school-level subject areas through a standardized test. In some cases, employers or postsecondary institutions may require a high school diploma rather than a GED certificate.
It’s important to note that a GED certificate is not equivalent to a college degree. While it may meet the basic educational requirements for certain jobs or college programs, it is not a substitute for a bachelor’s or associate’s degree.
How GED Scores are Equated to High School Diploma
The process of equating GED scores to a high school diploma is a complex one that involves statistical analysis and comparison of performance data. The purpose of equating is to ensure that GED test-takers are held to the same standards as high school graduates in terms of their knowledge and skills.
The equating process involves comparing the performance of GED test-takers with the performance of high school students who have taken the same subject area tests. This is done by administering the GED test to a sample of high school students and comparing their scores with those of GED test-takers. The scores are then statistically adjusted to account for any differences in difficulty level between the two tests.
Once the equating process is complete, GED scores are converted to a standard score scale that is equivalent to high school graduation standards. The standard score scale ranges from 100 to 200, with a passing score of 145 in each subject area. This means that a GED score of 145 or higher is equivalent to a passing score on a high school subject test.
It’s important to note that while GED scores are equated to high school standards, they are not equivalent to a high school diploma. A GED certificate indicates that an individual has demonstrated proficiency in high school-level subject areas through a standardized test, but it is not a substitute for a high school diploma.
Benefits of Having a GED that Equates to a High School Diploma
Having a GED certificate that equates to a high school diploma can provide many benefits for individuals who did not complete a traditional high school program. Here are some of the benefits:
- Career Advancement: Many employers require a high school diploma or its equivalent for certain job positions. Having a GED certificate that equates to a high school diploma can help individuals qualify for these job opportunities and potentially advance their careers.
- Postsecondary Education: A GED certificate that equates to a high school diploma meets the basic educational requirement for many college programs. This means that individuals with a GED certificate may be eligible for admission to college and can pursue higher education opportunities to further their career goals.
- Personal Achievement: Earning a GED certificate that equates to a high school diploma can be a significant personal achievement for individuals who did not complete a traditional high school program. It can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost self-confidence.
- Increased Earning Potential: Studies have shown that individuals with a high school diploma or its equivalent tend to earn more than those without. Having a GED certificate that equates to a high school diploma can help individuals increase their earning potential and improve their financial stability.
- Access to Military Service: A GED certificate that equates to a high school diploma meets the educational requirement for military service. This means that individuals with a GED certificate may be eligible to join the military and serve their country.
Misconceptions and Controversies Surrounding GED Equivalency
While obtaining a GED certificate that equates to a high school diploma can provide many benefits, there are also some misconceptions and controversies surrounding GED equivalency. Here are some of the common misconceptions and controversies:
- GED Is Not Equivalent to a High School Diploma: While a GED certificate is often referred to as equivalent to a high school diploma, some people argue that it is not truly equivalent. They argue that a high school diploma represents four years of academic achievement, while a GED certificate represents passing a test that covers four subject areas.
- Lower Value of GED: Some employers and colleges may view a GED certificate as having lower value than a traditional high school diploma. This may be due to the perception that individuals who obtain a GED certificate did not complete a traditional high school program and may have lower academic achievement.
- GED Prep Programs: Some critics argue that GED prep programs may be too focused on test-taking strategies rather than on actual academic content. This may result in individuals having gaps in their knowledge and not being fully prepared for postsecondary education or job opportunities.
- GED Tests Are Too Easy: Some critics argue that the GED tests are too easy and do not adequately measure the academic skills and knowledge required for success in postsecondary education and the workforce.
So, Why does my GED say high school diploma?
It’s important to note that while there may be some misconceptions and controversies surrounding GED equivalency, obtaining a GED certificate that equates to a high school diploma can still provide many benefits for individuals who did not complete a traditional high school program. It can help individuals qualify for job opportunities, pursue higher education, boost self-confidence, increase earning potential, and access military service. However, it’s important for individuals to be aware of the potential challenges and criticisms they may face when presenting their GED certificate to employers or colleges.