Which Way is Better for Me?

Is there an alternative?

When presented with the two options of taking the G.E.D. Test or enrolling in the External Diploma Program, students often have questions. We asked Sylvia Mace, Adult Education literacy coordinator, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Here are her responses:

1. Which one is better: G.E.D. or External Diploma?

Technically, the two types of diplomas are equal; that's why the diploma earned by passing the G.E.D. test is called the High School Equivalency diploma. Equivalent means equal in value. Which diploma program is best for you depends on your goals and your personal learning style.

2. What if I want to go to college?

Colleges vary in their entrance requirements and admission processes. They are usually looking at several criteria, and the high school transcript is just one of them. At this point, community colleges generally accept either type of diploma. Four year colleges may also accept either, but it is best to check ahead of time with an admissions counselor to be sure of their policies.

3. What about getting a job?

One thing we do know is that nearly all employers today are requiring that applicants have a high school diploma. Policy-wise, probably any employer would say that either type of diploma is acceptable.

Since most people don't know ahead of time exactly which school or employer they will be dealing with later, I think it's best to base your decision on what is best suited to your style of learning and your experience with academic testing in the past.

4. Which one is easier?

That depends on your personality--your background, and your way of demonstrating your skills.

If you have been in school recently and are accustomed to frequent quizzes on materials you have read, you may find the G.E.D. Test situation to be comfortable for you. Particularly if you plan to go on to college, preparing for the G.E.D. test may halp you to keep in shape for the constant academic testing that you can expect in college courses. For your, the G.E.D. test may be the best choice.

On the other hand, if you have been out of school for years, you are used to reading for practical information rather than to pass a test. You may find the practical, hands-on approach of the External Diploma to be more comfortable for you.

Another group of people who might prefer the External Diploma are those who are "test-anxious." By that I mean people who may be as highly skilled as anyone else, but who panic at the idea of a multiple choice test. The External Diploma program has equally high standards as far as skills are concerned, but it gives "test-anxious" people the opportunity to prove they have the skills in other ways, without the multiple choice testing.

Of course, you have to be at least 21 years old to be eligible for the External Diploma Program.

5. Can I get both?

No, New York State allows only one diploma per person. The rationale is that, since they are both equivalent, there is no need to have both.

6. What if I'm not sure which one I want?

You can take as long as you need to make your choice. If you still have a question about the best choice for you, I would be happy to discuss the options with you individually in more detail.