G.E.D. age and college potential?
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The age you can take the GED varies by state. In some states, you can take it at age 16. At others, you need to wait until you are 18. You'll have to check what Indiana allows.
There are some universities that will not accept students who have a GED. If you really want into one of those, they'll expect you do to a year or two (depending on the uni) at a community college or another college first, then apply as a transfer.
Colleges that do accept the GED use it as part of the admissions package. More competitive schools will, of course, expect higher GED scores. They'll also look carefully at your SAT/ACT, and may require you to get extra counselling during your freshman year.
But of course it can be done. Bill Cosby, for example - actor, comedian - got his GED. He went on to get his Doctorate in Education at UMass Amherst. My sister got her GED, and went on to get her Associates from a local community college. She's now looking at transferring to a four year school for her BA.
Most employers accept the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma, but not all do. As just one example, although the US military accepts people with a GED, you'd have a better chance of getting in if you had a high school diploma instead.
I've attached a link to the group that runs the GED testing process. The wiki article on the GED also contains a lot of good info, and I've also linked.
The GED may not be your only option. Is there an "alternative high school" program where you live? That may be an option. There are also private schools which cater to helping students for whom a regular high school isn't a good fit, and they can work with you to try to help you graduate on time. Lastly, even with your current school, there may be the option of making up missed classes during breaks - for example, taking English or Math at your local community college during the summer, and having that apply to your high school record.
Do you have a guidance counsellor at school? If he's a good one, he should be able to help you think through your options.
Another option, and this may not be right for you, there is Simon's Rock of Bard College (link below). Their mission is to accept high school students right after their sophomore year - so you'd have to go back in August and complete your sophomore year before attending. I don't know your grades or test scores or interest, but perhaps it's worth a look and a phone call?
Lastly, there are online and distance high schools which give you a traditional high school diploma, but where you attend from afar. A lot of student-athletes attend schools like this, because their training time interferes with normal school hours. I wonder if one of those schools might be of interest? Laurel Springs is one, linked below. I know a skater who went there and liked it. I have no idea how colleges see such things, but it is an option. You'd want to be sure the school is recognised and appropriately credentialled and accredited before you attend. I've heard good things about the school out of University of Texas, so I provided a link to that, below, as well.
Good luck.
Legally, yes you can quit and get your GED at age 16. However I dont think you can do it online.it is a written test at an actual testing center. You can find courses online to help you prepare but you cannot take the actual test online...There are three or four parts. A math, Essay, and History portions...and I think there is one more section...I cant remember right now. There are actually good programs offered through Community colleges that could prepare you for the GED...I would look into that if you have a comm. college near you. Also, if you do decide to go back to school...see if there is a program where you can take college level courses that count for both hs credit and college credit...so you can get a head if you do stay in for an extra year...
Hope this helps!
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