Adult Diploma or GED?

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. Factor 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.

 

 

FAQs  – GED vs High School Diploma

      • Is it faster to get a GED or a diploma? Each person is different. Some people are able to earn a GED in just a couple of months, other may need two or more years. It depends on your knowledge of each subject area, how quickly you learn new concepts, and how much time you can work each week. The average number of hours for our last 30 GED earners was 180. For night student ( 6+ hours per week ), that would take about 8 months. For day students ( 11+ hours per week ) that would take about 5 months. Some will take more time, others will take less.
      • What are the Pros of getting a high school diploma vs. a GED? High school offers more than just academics – it helps students develop important life skills, such as time management and problem- solving. These “soft skills” are valuable for both future careers and college. High school students also benefit from a well-rounded education, which provides a deeper understanding of the world and helps develop jobs skills that the GED program doesn’t focus on. The diploma program offers a structured environment with teacher led activities an assignments with due dates. The GED program is self paced and independent study. Both do offer the opportunity to get extra help and guidance from a teacher.
    • 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. Incontrast, 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.

Our GED Program

The GED is accepted at 97% of US colleges and universities. Employers generally view a GED the same as a diploma. The armed forces accept only a very limited number of candidates with GEDs.

You must be 17 years of age or older and not enrolled in a K-12 institution.

  • The program is independent study with teachers and volunteers for support whenever you need.
  • Teachers will help you plan your studies, and guide you to the best materials for you: books, online, or both.
  • Math – You will need to know 55% of the questions of the Math test involving algebraic reasoning, 45% of the questions are quantitative problem solving, including 25% of the total on measurement and geometry. You are allowed to use a calculator for most of the test.
  • Reading – You will need at least a 235+ on a 907/908 CASAS GOALS test to benefit from the study materials.

 

 

Classes are held at our Bloomington Campus

Metro South Adult Basic Education
2575 West 88th Street
Bloomington, MN 55431

Class times:

Monday through Thursday from 8:45am to 12:15

Monday and Wednesday from 4:30pm to 8:30pm

Enroll in GED

Our Adult Diploma Program

Metro South’s Adult Diploma program is designed to help students fulfill the Minnesota state high school requirements set by the Bloomington Public School District. Just like in a regular high school, you’ll attend classes in person, complete assignments and projects, and homework in order to earn credit for course completion.

To be eligible  for the diploma program, students must meet the following criteria:

  • Reading Proficiency: Achieve a minimum reading score of 235 on the CASAS GOALS Level D Reading Test.
  • Transcripts Evaluation: If you have been previously enrolled in high school(s), we can request a copy of your transcripts. Our counselor will assess the transcripts and meet with you to determine the classes you need to take to earn a Bloomington Public School high school diploma.
  • You must be 21 or older to apply.

Graduation requirements: To receive your Bloomington High School diploma, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete Required Courses:
    • 8 English
    • 7 Social Studies
    • 7 Math
    • 3 Science
    • 1 Health
    • 1 Art
    • 3 Elective Courses
  • Achieve a reading score of 239 or higher on the 907/908 CASAS GOALS Reading test level D.

 

How to succeed in the Adult Diploma program:

      • Attend classes in person regularly & meet 80% attendance requirements
      • Stay engaged in learning activities
      • Complete assignments and projects on time
      • Seek help from instructors when needed
      • Study regularly to prepare for assessments.
 

Classes are held at our Bloomington Campus

Metro South Adult Basic Education
2575 West 88th Street
Bloomington, MN 55431

Daytime Program:

Monday – Thursday
9:15 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Evening Program:
Only for students working on credit make-up with one year or less to complete
Monday & Wednesday
4:15 p.m. – 8:30 p.m

Enroll in Adult Diploma

Questions? 

We are here for you. Call us direct at 952-681-6170 or fill out a Contact Form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact Us

school hours

M-F: 8am – 4pm

Address

2575 West 88th Street Bloomington, MN 55431

Phone

952-681-6170