Utilize search engines and other resources to find your ideal program. Whether you want to study for a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) or enroll in high school courses, there are a number of accredited online programs that will help you meet your goal. However, some online schools are outright scams that will take your money, give you a phony test and mail you a fake diploma. Fortunately, finding out whether a program is legitimate or not is often a matter of typing its name along with the word "scam" into a search engine. If you're still not sure, check with an adult education specialist in your area or with the Department of Education.
Acquire tuition for your program. If you can afford the fee out-of-pocket or have family who want to help you continue your education, that's great. If not, don't worry -- you still have a number of options. If you are a high school student who cannot attend your local school due to disability or other extenuating circumstances, talk to your former counselor about the possibility of your district paying for you to take courses online. If you are an adult, check for governmental grants. Depending on your background, there may also be foundations willing to contribute to your education.
Set aside a portion of every day for your studies. Before you enroll in an online school or start studying for the GED, be sure to speak to your employer regarding any scheduling conflicts that might arise. If you are a parent, arrange for child care during this time. Finally, try to limit your nights out to make more time for your coursework and to ensure you feel lucid when it's time to hit the books.
Find an in-person tutor to help you understand any subjects you find difficult. Place an ad at a college in your area or on a free online classifieds website. Most college students are thrilled at the chance to make some money while demonstrating their expertise in a field of study, but be sure to check up on credentials and job performance history before hiring anyone. Also consider forming a study group with others who, like you, are taking the initiative to continue their education on their own terms.
Take the SAT or ACT during your course or after you're done, especially if you want to continue your education after you finish your degree. Doing so will both give you an idea of what skills you'll need to enroll in college and help to prepare you for the GED. Either enroll in test preparation courses or buy a book to help you with the subject matter, but don't go into these tests unprepared.