Is a high school certificate equivalent to a GED?

Yes, a GED (General Educational Development) certificate is designed to be a high school equivalency, meaning it's legally recognized by most colleges and employers as equal to a traditional high school diploma, but a diploma often signifies completion of a full course program, which can sometimes be viewed more favorably, though both open doors to careers and further education. The main difference is how they are earned: a diploma requires completing years of coursework, while a GED involves passing a series of tests demonstrating high school-level knowledge, making it a faster route for those who didn't finish regular school.

What's the difference between a high school diploma and a GED certificate?

A high school diploma signifies that the student has attended and successfully completed all required courses in a traditional classroom setting. The GED is a set of 5 exams that determines whether the test-taker has a high school graduate's level of knowledge.

Do jobs check for high school diploma or GED?

Do jobs check for GED? Yes, when you apply for a job, your new employer checks your GED. Nowadays, verification of a GED diploma is a simple process that is done online. Organizations can easily check if the candidate has indeed earned the GED credential.

What grade level is a GED equivalent to?

Generally speaking, we can say that the GED high school equivalency exam assesses knowledge and skills relative to Grade-12 English and Grade-10 Applied Math. The tests are computer-based, and this corresponds to the high school equivalency GED passing level (145-164 on the 100-200 GED scoring scale).

Is it better to graduate high school or get a GED?

A high school diploma is generally better than a GED because it often leads to higher lifetime earnings, better college acceptance rates, and is viewed more favorably by many employers, though the GED serves as a valuable high school equivalency, opening doors for those who couldn't finish traditional school, with both often accepted for jobs and further education. While the GED shows you have 12th-grade level skills, a diploma typically signals greater academic commitment, potentially leading to better job prospects and financial aid, notes Seattle Colleges. 

The advantages of a high school diploma over a G.E.D.

Is the GED test harder than high school?

Getting a GED isn't necessarily harder than high school, but it's different: a diploma involves years of coursework, while a GED requires passing four rigorous, college-level exams (Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts) that test high school equivalency knowledge, demanding strong self-motivation, critical thinking, and focus for a concentrated effort. The GED's difficulty comes from its high standards and self-paced nature, contrasting with high school's gradual, structured learning, making it a tougher choice for some despite its faster completion time.
 

Do I receive a GED if I graduate high school?

Many students ask us, “Do you get a GED when you graduate high school?” Well, when you graduate high school, you receive your high school diploma. The GED exam is geared toward adults who did NOT graduate from high school. A GED is an alternative to a high school diploma.

What is the downside of a GED?

Disadvantages of a GED include potential employer/college bias, fewer networking/extracurriculars, lower earning potential, and the need for high self-motivation for self-study, as it lacks the structured social and academic development of a traditional high school diploma, potentially leading to gaps in knowledge or opportunities compared to diploma holders. Some employers and colleges still view it less favorably, and certain fields have restrictions, with some studies showing worse long-term outcomes than high school graduates. 

Can I say I graduated with a GED?

Yes, you can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's an official High School Equivalency (HSE) credential, but it's best to be specific and list it as "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or "High School Equivalency Diploma" on resumes and applications, as it's legally recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma by most employers and colleges. 

What is your GPA with a GED?

To convert your GED to a GPA, divide your total score by the number of sections on the test you took. Most students are tested on five sections of the GED. For example, if your total score was 2300 and you took five sections, your average GED score would be 460 (2300/5 = 460).

Can a background check show if you graduated high school?

If an employer decides to conduct a background check that includes education verification, the results will show if the candidate received a high school diploma.

Can employers tell if you didn't graduate high school?

High school diplomas can be verified during background checks to confirm educational qualifications. Verification typically includes school name, attendance dates, and graduation confirmation. Details like grades and coursework are not usually disclosed.

Do employers look down on GED?

Many employers don't care whether you have a GED certificate or a high school diploma, and they consider these options to be equivalent. However, it depends on the company and the position.

Does Harvard accept GED?

Yes, Harvard accepts applicants with a GED, as they consider it equivalent to a high school diploma, but admission remains highly competitive, requiring exceptional academic preparation, standardized test scores (SAT/ACT), and unique accomplishments to stand out, not just the GED itself. 

Can I get a diploma instead of a GED?

Designed specifically for adults 18 and older, our Online Adult High School Diploma Program offers a fast track, self-paced, and affordable path to graduation. Don't just settle for a GED—graduate with an official high school diploma.

Is it worth getting a GED later in life?

The GED is a valid path—but for adults who want broader access, more flexibility, and fewer limitations down the road, an accredited high school diploma is often worth the investment.

Do jobs check if you have a GED or diploma?

Background checks usually verify whether a candidate received a post-high school academic degree from an educational institution. If necessary, high school diplomas and GED credentials may also be confirmed.

Which is better, GED or high school diploma?

A high school diploma is generally better than a GED because it often leads to higher lifetime earnings, better college acceptance rates, and is viewed more favorably by many employers, though the GED serves as a valuable high school equivalency, opening doors for those who couldn't finish traditional school, with both often accepted for jobs and further education. While the GED shows you have 12th-grade level skills, a diploma typically signals greater academic commitment, potentially leading to better job prospects and financial aid, notes Seattle Colleges. 

Is it harder to get into college with a GED?

It's not necessarily harder, as ~98% of US colleges accept GEDs, but it can add steps and requires demonstrating readiness, often meaning higher GED scores, ACT/SAT scores, strong essays, recommendations, or starting at a community college to prove academic capability before transferring to a 4-year university, especially for competitive programs. A GED is equivalent to a diploma, but sometimes requires extra effort to overcome lingering perceptions or meet specific admissions criteria. 

Is getting a GED looked down upon?

Myth 2: Colleges look down on GED holders.

This is also incorrect. Many colleges understand that every student has a unique story and that getting a GED may have been the best option for some students.

What is the hardest part of the GED?

The hardest part of the GED test for most people is the Math section, covering algebra, geometry, and functions, often due to complex word problems and abstract concepts like factoring trinomials or quadratic equations. However, some test-takers struggle with the Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) section, particularly the essay and reading comprehension, while others find Science or Social Studies challenging depending on their background.
 

Is adult high school better than GED?

An adult high school diploma is generally considered better than a GED for long-term career and higher education, as it's often preferred by employers, colleges, and the military for showing commitment and providing a more comprehensive education with transcripts; however, the GED offers a faster, flexible alternative for those needing a quicker path to high school equivalency, making the best choice dependent on your personal goals and timeline.
 

What can I go to school for without a GED?

Community colleges and vocational colleges can be viable choices for students without a GED certificate or high school diploma. These schools have flexible admissions policies that often cater to nontraditional students.

Does "GED" mean you're still in high school?

What is a GED? A General Educational Development program, or GED, is an alternative to the traditional high school diploma. A GED is a great option for individuals who left high school early. It may also be beneficial for students who have other life responsibilities such as a full-time job or a family to raise.

What is the pass rate for the GED?

Graduates and Postsecondary Outcomes

80%: The current test program boasts an 80% pass rate. 50%: 1 out of 2 GED students enter college within four years. 100%: Virtually all colleges and employers accept the GED credential.