Getting an Online High School Diploma in Maine
RSS Link
Question:
Dear Guidance Counselor,
I dropped out of high school in the eleventh grade and have been working at a grocery story. I want to have a different life. Should I get my GED or an online diploma? What can I do so I can get a better paying job?
Thanks,
Tad
Answer:
Dear Tad,
It’s terrific that you are thinking about some career planning steps you can take. Getting a GED or enrolling for an online high school diploma are some good first options for you.
According to the Bangor Daily News, one in five students will not complete high school in the state of Maine. Maine has historically had a higher poverty rate than many other states, and the lack of higher education is often related to poverty. An interesting website for learning more about education in Maine and what options can be available for you is the Maine Heritage Policy Center.
Online High School Diploma
Getting your high school diploma online may be an interesting option for you. Some advantages could be that there are employers and colleges that prefer to see a diploma instead of the diploma equivalency, the GED. You can take your courses from your own home if you have a computer and Internet connection. So you will have flexibility and independence.
To succeed in an online diploma program, like any online program, you have to have discipline and focus. You will need to create your own schedule for study and homework.
It also helps if you make use of opportunities to interact with your teacher and peers, whether online or through the phone.
While online high school diploma programs do cost money, some may have scholarships and aid. If you are lucky your local high school may also offer an online equivalent. Such a program could be free for you if you are a Maine resident. Contact your local high school if this possibility interests you.
GED options
Finally, you can also follow the option of getting your GED. The GED is a high school diploma equivalency and historically has been accepted by many colleges and employers. The Maine Department of Education will have information for you about where you can take the test. Make sure that you prepare, though—it can take months of work to get yourself ready for the GED test.
There are practice books, Web sites, and study groups available to help you in your preparation. You cannot take the GED online; beware companies that try to entice you with a promise that you can. However, there are GED preparatory classes which you can take online and which are legitimate.
After you get your GED or diploma, you might want to explore college options. Getting a bachelor’s degree can put you into a whole new level for career opportunities, and you likely will be paid more as well if you get an undergraduate degree.
Yes, it will take some work and some money, but do invest in yourself and your future through continuing your education. There are many supportive out there from guidance counselors and career coaches, to books and preparatory classes, and from websites to blogs.
Good luck in your career planning.
Tags: ged, high school, online diploma
ShareThis
