It is easier to attend high school because it has minimum requirements. For example, a public school requires that a high school student live in the district where she attends school. However, to obtain a GED an individual must meet certain requirements. Before taking a GED test, an individual must be over the age of 16 years, not have a high school diploma or currently enrolled in school.
If an individual gets anything less than a regular high school diploma, he is limiting some of his options for the future, cities Community College Review. High school provides invaluable experience such as preparing a person for postsecondary study. For example, someone who leaves school early doesn't receive the breadth of education that high school provides. Granted, a GED test requires strong foundational academic skills to pass. However, the test doesn't provide the knowledge gained when taking high school classes. Besides academic development, high school offers a student a chance to experience extracurricular activities such as participating in sports or clubs and making friends.
An individual deciding between a GED and HSD should choose to complete high school. High school encompasses 12 years of education. Obtaining a GED requires passing a four-part multiple-choice test which includes social studies, mathematics, science and reading, plus a writing test. A person must pass all sections of the test to earn a GED. However, if someone doesn't pass an exit examination required at the end of 12th grade, he has two options. He can repeat the 12th grade to successfully obtain a HSD or receive a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion isn't a diploma or GED, but allows an individual to return to school to complete high school.
Another problem occurs with when taking a test to enter the U.S. military. For instance, a GED is categorized as Tier 2 education while an HSD is categorized of Tier 1. Thus, the U.S. armed forces limits the number of enlistees with GEDs and require an individual (with a GED) to score higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), according to Community College Review.
To obtain a GED, an individual must pass an examination which only 60 percent of graduating seniors successfully pass, reports GED Academy. However, a stigma exists with a person who obtains a GED. For instance, stereotypes include someone leaving high school early because of academic or behavior problems or lacking of perseverance. Difference circumstances, nevertheless, can keep someone from graduating from school. Also, some exclusive colleges and most employers do prefer a high school diploma, cites DiplomaGide.com. Thus, to avoid the stigma associated with getting a GED, a person should choose to graduate with a HSD.