Can I Succeed With a GED? Learn the Rules, the Stats, and How to Be the Exception

The path to a GED is often quicker than the traditional high school diploma route. If you're struggling in high school, considering dropping out, or have already left school, the GED offers a way to earn a credential that can open doors to employment and further education. But is a GED worth it? And what are your chances of success with a GED certificate?

Let’s dive into what holding a GED means, the rules that apply, and how you can be the exception.

A Brief History of the GED

The GED was created in 1942 by the U.S. Armed Forces Institute, originally intended to help veterans who left school to serve in the military. The idea was to give them a chance to demonstrate that they had knowledge equivalent to a high school education without needing to return to high school.

The test covers four subjects—math, science, social studies, and language arts (which includes both literature and writing). Since its inception, the GED has become a widely recognized alternative to a high school diploma in both the U.S. and Canada.

What the GED Represents Today

The GED remains a popular option for those who don’t complete high school. Approximately 25% of high school freshmen fail to graduate on time, and the GED provides a second chance for those students to earn a high school equivalent credential.

However, the outcomes for GED holders vary. For some, the GED opens new pathways to success. For others, it may not significantly change their opportunities.

Is a GED Better Than a High School Diploma?

Whether a GED is better than a high school diploma depends on the individual and their circumstances. A traditional high school diploma is designed to prepare students for both college and their future careers. GED holders, on the other hand, often don’t perform as well in college compared to high school graduates. However, there are exceptions—some GED holders do excel, especially when they put in extra effort to overcome the challenges that led them to pursue a GED in the first place.

Limitations of the GED

Skipping high school altogether can limit your future career prospects. While GED holders tend to perform better than those who drop out without any credential, they generally lag behind high school graduates in both college and career success.

The GED itself isn’t inherently limiting, but the test is less comprehensive than a high school education. For example, the social studies section of the GED doesn’t delve as deeply into history and social sciences as a high school curriculum does. The questions are often multiple-choice, requiring less in-depth knowledge than a high school exam.

Moreover, while recent changes to the GED have introduced different passing score levels to indicate readiness for college or even grant college credits, the test still doesn’t fully prepare you for the challenges of higher education or a career in the way that a four-year high school experience might.

How to Succeed With a GED: Being the Exception

While the general rule is that GED holders may face more challenges in their careers and education, there are always exceptions. To succeed with a GED, you’ll need to work harder to bridge the gap created by not completing high school traditionally.

This means putting in extra effort, seeking out additional learning opportunities, and being proactive in your education and career development. Success isn’t handed to anyone, and for GED holders, it often requires even more determination to achieve the same level of success as those who completed high school.

For instance, if you know someone who has achieved great success after earning a GED, they likely put in significant work to overcome the initial setbacks and to match or exceed their peers’ accomplishments. They are the exception, not the rule.

Final Thoughts

If you find that completing a GED is your best option, embrace it as a tool to move forward. But remember, the GED isn’t a shortcut to success—it’s a second chance. To truly succeed, you’ll need to fill in the gaps left by not completing high school, whether through hard work, additional education, or other means.

I hope this perspective helps you in your journey. Best of luck!