* GED or HiSET: Earning a GED (General Educational Development) or HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) diploma is a common route. Colleges generally accept these as equivalent to a high school diploma.
* Alternative High School Programs: Some programs offer a chance to complete your high school degree while also taking college courses, or even earning college credit while finishing high school.
* College Admissions Tests: Some colleges might consider your scores on the SAT or ACT, even without a high school diploma, particularly if your scores are high.
* Open Admissions Policies: Some community colleges have open admissions policies, meaning they accept almost anyone who applies. This can be a good starting point to earn an associate's degree and then transfer to a four-year college.
* Portfolio-Based Admission: For certain programs, like art or music, you might be admitted based on your portfolio of work rather than solely on your high school transcript.
It's important to research individual colleges and their admissions requirements. Contact the admissions offices of the colleges you're interested in to discuss your specific situation and learn about their options for students without a high school diploma.