When considering an Adult Diploma or GED one should think about the differences.

A GED and a high school diploma both show that a student has the knowledge expected of a high school graduate, but they are not the same. A high school diploma is earned by completing all required courses, while a GED is earned by passing a series of tests that show a person has equivalent knowledge without having to complete the full curriculum of high school classes.

To get a GED a person must pass four tests ( language arts, math, social studies, and science) to prove they know as much as they would have learned in high school. These tests are aligned to the same high standards which are used in high schools.

To earn a diploma a student must attend classes, and complete projects and homework to earn credits just as in high school.

The best option depends on the individual student like educational backgrounds, personal goals, academic skills, learning style, and the time constraints all play a role in choosing between a GED and a high school diploma.

• • Is a high school diploma better than a GED? A high school diploma isn’t necessarily better than a GED. Both have their benefits, depending on a student’s goals, timeline, and learning style. Both are accepted by nearly all colleges, trade schools, universities, and employers.

• • What are the pros of getting a GED vs. a high school diploma? To earn a GED, students must pass four tests covering English ( reading and writing ), social studies, science, and math. In contrast, earning a high school diploma requires completing a variety of courses and assessments, such as quizzes, essays, and projects. So, the GED provides flexibility. GED students can study at their own pace and choose how they want to prepare for the tests. Most students only take one test at a time, but in the diploma program students may be taking 3 or more subjects at once.