You can get a high school diploma after 21. Generally, you contact your local public school or community college for directions to earn a high school credential in your state. It seems you are determined nothing can stop you from getting that high school diploma, even though you may be pained. Besides, Lela Burden received an honorary high school diploma at the age of 111, the oldest high school graduate in the world.
How to get a high school diploma after 21
You obviously wonder who to turn to and the steps to get the high school credential. Follow the steps below to collect a diploma from high school after 21:
Contact your local adult education provider
Most community colleges or public schools can direct you to the appropriate person to discuss your options with.
You can also search for providers online using the Literacy Directory.
Pick a school completion program
Choose a preferred type of high school completion program to complete. There are typically multiple options to earn their high school diploma after 21. For example, you can either take a high school equivalency test, such as GED or attend an adult high school completion program.
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If you only need to complete your credits to get a high school diploma after 21, consider completing an adult high school program. In this case, you only take the courses you need to graduate, such as an English class.
If you need many credits to get a high school diploma after 21, consider taking the GED or other similar assessments—it will not take long for you to complete the course.
In Maryland, for example, you can obtain a high school diploma through GED, Adult High School Pilot Program, or National External Diploma Program (NEDP). These credentials also allow an adult to go to college or get a job.
Nonetheless, although getting a GED is an accomplishment, colleges and employers tend to look more favorably on a high school diploma—the GED still carries a stigma.
Ensure that the program is legit
Look out for organizations selling fake credentials like high school diploma when searching online for high school diploma completion programs.
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You should check with your local agency, including the department of education or the state board of education, if you are concerned about the program legitimacy found online.
Put the logistics into consideration
States each offer a low-cost alternative to get a high school credential after 21. However, the specific cost will vary according to state. You may even find free adult programs such as in Goodwill Excel Center.
Typically adult high school completion programs hold on weekdays and weeknights but not always on the weekends.
While studying, it is not advisable to work full-time as a student. In Goodwill Excel Center, for instance, classes hold during the daytime to prevent students from getting distracted by their job.
Obtain your high school transcript
Make sure to obtain transcripts from your previous high schools to help officials determine how many credits you need to graduate.
Faking your high school transcript is not always advisable because your program’s provider may try to verify its authenticity.
Enroll yourself
It usually takes only a few weeks to years to get a high school credential after age 21. Do not also expect a typical high school experience in an adult program.
You need to be goal-oriented and willing to work hard. Although this mode of obtaining a credential offers you the needed high school diploma, it is different from high school, but you must do the work to earn the grade. You will not get the grade just by showing up.
Don’t stop at just a high school diploma. Getting a high school diploma is important but you may still need some training or education beyond high school to have the skills necessary for jobs in demand.
You may consider furthering to college once you finish high school. The truth: you are never too old, and it’s never too late.
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