College admissions require a diploma or your GED. Even if you are not planning on going to college directly after getting your GED, having it as a backup will give you the option should you change your mind.
Your GED will help you become an independent, self-sufficient individual. You will be more likely to earn more money and maintain a satisfying job. This will allow you to support yourself and your family. You will be self-reliant, rather than having to depend on others to support you, financially and emotionally.
Having a GED will open up many more job opportunities; many employers will want you to have a diploma or GED. Showing that you have the basic knowledge and skills taught in high school will make you a much more valuable employee and allow you to pursue jobs that are more enriching.
Studies have shown that those who get a high school education will make more than $200,000 more than their peers who did not earn a diploma or GED (Reference 1). Having a GED will put you in a better position to earn more money over the course of your life.
Having your GED can help improve your self-confidence and self-esteem. The more positive your outlook is on your own life, the more motivated you will be to succeed. When you accomplish getting your GED, you can take more pride in your perseverance.
When you have your GED, you will be less likely to worry about your job prospects and options. Having a GED gives you the option to pursue a career or continue your education; having options about your future will make your life easier in the long run.
If your peers and family members see that you have attained your GED, it may inspire them to study for and take the test to obtain the GED as well. If your children see that you have gotten a high school education, they may be inspired to do the same.
In economically troubled times, having your GED can help you find employment and keep it. The more education and experience you have, the more valuable you are to employers.
A high school education takes four years to complete, but you can earn your GED with about two hours of study a day, five days a week. This is the minimum amount of time you should put into preparing for the GED; you can study in your free time at home, on breaks at work, and on the bus, subway or means of public transportation. GED prep courses are taken twice a week for three hours; the prep course you sign up for will last about four months.
Statistics show that people who have a high school education are less likely to end up in jail. When you are seen as a person and not a statistic, you have more freedom to do what you like, go where you please and decide what is best for your future.