Going Back to High School Online
It can be hard to find the right time in your life to go back and earn your high school degree. Especially if you need to continue working or taking care of your family, it might never seem like there is a good time. There are a couple ways that adults can earn their high school diploma or GED online, both of which are very flexible and designed for people with already busy schedules. They each have their advantages and disadvantages; read on to learn which might be best for you.
GED Online Prep
Earning your GED (General Equivalency Diploma) is one way to prove to employers that you have the skills that come from a high school education. To get a GED, students must pass a five part test with sections on math, social studies, science, reading, and writing. While the test itself cannot be taken online, students can take GED online preparatory classes, which are usually offered by local community colleges or vocational schools.
The advantage of this approach: it’s very cost-effective, and it can be completed in a much shorter time frame than completing an online K12 high school diploma. It’s inexpensive because many states’ Department of Education sponsors programs in GED prep; you may be able to get it at low or no cost to you. When signing up for a program, students take a placement test, to determine which skills they already know and which they still need to work on. In this way, you can prep for the GED test in the fastest way possible; no need to study or take classes on things you’ve already mastered. After students have completed their online prep, they sign up to take the test at a physical testing center near them. Depending on your state, the GED test can cost anywhere from $7 to $100 to take. (mo.gov)
Online High School
This is the other route, for adults who want to earn their diploma or its equivalent online. Private online high schools offer programs for adults, which are set up much like traditional high school. Students must complete a set number of classes covering a particular set of skills, in order to receive their diploma.
There are a few differences from traditional high school, however. The programs can be expensive, ranging anywhere from $100-200 a class and up (you’ll need 20-40 classes to graduate, depending on your program). Secondly, most online high school programs are self-paced, independent learning. Students work through the material when they want to—there are no due dates. This can be great for the self-motivated learner, although if you’re prone to procrastination you may want to be wary. The upside of these programs: students receive a traditional diploma when they graduate, and not an equivalency degree. This may be important for some students who want to land prestigious jobs or who are interested in applying to top tier colleges. (ashworthcollege.edu)
