The General Educational Development (GED) test is a battery of five subject tests that, when passed, certify that the test-taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. The GED test is commonly used as an alternative to a high school diploma for those who did not graduate from high school. It is intended to demonstrate that the test-taker has acquired the knowledge and skills that are comparable to those of a high school graduate.
A high school diploma, on the other hand, is a certificate that is awarded to students who have completed the required coursework and have met the state’s graduation requirements. It is considered the standard for measuring educational attainment in the United States and Canada. A high school diploma is awarded by the school district or school system and is generally considered to be the standard for measuring educational attainment in the United States.
While the GED test is intended to demonstrate that the test-taker has acquired the knowledge and skills that are comparable to those of a high school graduate, it is not considered to be as good as a high school diploma in some areas, such as college admission and financial aid.
Employer Perception of GED and High School Diploma
One of the main reasons why a GED is not considered to be as good as a high school diploma is the perception of employers. Employers often view a high school diploma as evidence of a person’s ability to complete a program of study and to follow through on a commitment. A high school diploma is also seen as a basic requirement for many jobs and is often listed as a requirement in job advertisements.
On the other hand, a GED may be viewed by some employers as a second-best option or as a sign that the individual did not complete high school. This perception may lead to a GED holder being passed over for job opportunities or being offered lower pay or fewer benefits. This perception of GED holders may vary depending on the employer and the specific field of work. Some employers may not have any preference between the two, and may only look at the skills, experience, and qualifications of the candidate.
It is important to note that in today’s economy, employers are more focused on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the candidate, regardless of whether they have a high school diploma or a GED, and that there are many successful people who have completed their education through the GED program.
College Admission and Financial Aid
Another reason why a GED is not considered to be as good as a high school diploma is that it may not be accepted for college admission and financial aid. While some colleges and universities may accept GED holders for admission, others may not. Similarly, some financial aid programs may be available to GED holders, while others may not.
Colleges and universities often have specific admission requirements, which may include a high school diploma or its equivalent. If a GED is not accepted as an equivalent, it may limit the options of GED holders when it comes to pursuing higher education. Additionally, some colleges and universities may not accept GED holders for certain programs, such as those that require a specific level of academic preparation.
Furthermore, some financial aid programs, such as scholarships and grants, may be limited to high school graduates. GED holders may have to rely on student loans and work-study programs to finance their education, which can be more challenging.
It is important for GED holders to check with the college or university they are interested in attending to determine if the GED is accepted for admission and if financial aid is available.
Lack of Formal Education
Another reason why a GED is not considered as good as a high school diploma is that it lacks the formal education component that is provided in traditional high school. A high school education provides students with a broad-based education that includes subjects such as history, science, literature, and math. Additionally, students are exposed to a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and drama, that can help them develop skills and interests that will serve them well in later life.
The GED test, on the other hand, is focused solely on testing the test-taker’s knowledge in a specific subject area. GED holders may not have had the opportunity to develop the same breadth of knowledge and skills as high school graduates, which can make them less competitive in the workforce and in higher education.
It is important to note that although GED holders may have a lack of formal education, the GED test is rigorous and requires a good understanding of the material. GED holders can also pursue additional education and training after obtaining their GED to make up for the lack of formal education.
Conclusion
The GED test is a battery of five subject tests that certify that the test-taker has American or Canadian high school-level academic skills. It is commonly used as an alternative to a high school diploma for those who did not graduate from high school. Although it is intended to demonstrate that the test-taker has acquired the knowledge and skills that are comparable to those of a high school graduate, it is not considered to be as good as a high school diploma in some areas, such as employer perception, college admission and financial aid, and lack of formal education.
It is important to prepare well before taking the GED test, as the test is rigorous and requires a good understanding of the material. It is also important for GED holders to be aware of the limitations that may come with holding a GED, and to take steps to address them, such as pursuing additional education and training. However, it is also important to keep in mind that many successful people have completed their education through the GED program and that in today’s economy, employers are more focused on the skills, experience, and qualifications of the candidate, regardless of whether they have a high school diploma or a GED.