If you just completed your GED, you should feel a sense of accomplishment. But you may also be wondering what comes next.
Passing the GED exams can open up a multitude of new opportunities for you. In this article, we'll explore some of those opportunities and answer related questions you may have.
What Does It Mean To Pass the GED Test?
GED stands for General Educational Development or General Equivalency Degree. It is designed specifically for those who did not graduate high school.
The GED consists of a series of tests. Each test covers a core subject in high school such as English, math, science, or social studies.
To pass the GED, you must pass each individual test to prove that you understand each core subject. Doing so entitles you to a GED diploma, which is equivalent to a high school diploma.
In other words, passing the GED essentially lets you 'test out' of high school.
A lot of study time is required to pass the exams, but once you pass them, you'll be able to apply for jobs and colleges as though you had graduated from high school.
What Can I Do After Getting a GED?
Passing the GED means that you have access to many of the same opportunities as any high school graduate. But what kinds of opportunities are we talking about?
Work
Many companies require prospective employees to have a high school diploma or GED. This means that once you get your GED, you'll have a greater variety of jobs to choose from.
What's more, jobs you can get with a GED generally pay more than jobs you can get without one. So, not only will you have more jobs to choose from, but you're also more likely to earn a better income.
Some of the many jobs you can get with a GED include:
- mail carrier
- dental assistant
- truck driver
- elevator technician
- firefighter
With a GED, you can explore a whole new variety of career opportunities that weren't available to you before.
School
You've probably heard that you need a high school diploma to go to college. But did you know that GEDs are also accepted?
In fact, the vast majority of colleges and universities will enroll students who hold a GED. The GED is usually considered equivalent to a diploma, so most schools don't discriminate between the two.
If you just passed the GED, you may want to think about going to college. Earning an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree will open up even more opportunities for good careers and higher wages.
If you decide not to go to college, consider attending a trade school. Trade schools provide focused training for specific careers, and they generally cost less time and money than colleges.
Workers who graduate from trade schools typically find work in high-demand fields that pay exceptionally well.
Military
You can enter the military regardless of your education status, but having a GED will make you eligible for higher ranks and better positions.
If you didn't finish high school but are hoping to enter the military, it might be a good idea to get your GED first.
Some of the benefits of entering the military are as follows:
- good health insurance
- scholarship opportunities and tuition assistance
- retirement
Is a GED as Good as a High School Diploma?
For most practical purposes, GEDs are equal to high school diplomas. Those who have earned them are entitled to many of the same job, college, and military opportunities.
It is true that some schools and employers prefer candidates who hold a high school diploma. For these entities, a GED has negative connotations associated with high school dropouts.
But the vast majority of schools and employers accept both high school and GED diplomas. The GED can signal that even if you dropped out of high school, you did the work necessary to pass the equivalency exams.
So yes, in many cases, a GED is every bit as good as a high school diploma.
How Can I Get My GED Transcripts?
Once you have passed the GED, you will probably receive a certificate or diploma. You may also receive a copy of your test scores, or transcripts.
If you do not receive these automatically, or you need duplicate copies of them, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Visit Your State's Education Department
Each state has their own process for administering the GED and providing transcripts. This is done through the state's department of education.
If you need to obtain your transcripts or a duplicate diploma, the first step is to visit your state's education department website.
Here you will find useful information about taking the GED and what to do afterward. You will also find instructions for how to get your transcripts or duplicate diploma.
Step 2: Follow Online Instructions
Once you have located the instructions, follow the steps provided in them to locate your transcripts.
Remember, each state will have a slightly different process. It's important to find information specific to your state.
The education department's instructions will give you the relevant people to contact or sites to visit in your state.
Step 3: Print or Save Your Transcripts
Most likely, you will be directed to a link where you can view or print your transcripts online. In other cases, you may provide your contact information so the transcripts can be mailed.
Once you have access to your transcripts online, print them or save them on your computer or an external drive. Be sure to keep them in a safe place where you can easily access them.
You can then easily provide electronic or hard copies of your transcripts or diploma to any school or employer that requests them.
Opportunities After Passing the GED
Passing the GED is an accomplishment to be proud of. It is equivalent to a high school diploma, so it enables you to pursue a wide variety of college, career, and military opportunities.
