Can You Go To College With a GED?

Can You Go To College With a GED?

The GED is an alternative to a high school diploma, which allows students who have not finished high school to show their high school-level academic skills. But can you go to college with a GED?

Yes! The vast majority of colleges and employers accept the GED as an alternative to a high school diploma. Read on to learn more about how you can get into college with a GED.

College Requirements

The GED Testing Service reports that 98% of colleges accept the GED. But other college requirements vary depending on the type of school you’re applying for. Community colleges, junior colleges, and technical colleges usually offer open enrollment, meaning you don’t have to have a GED or a high school diploma to enroll.

On the other hand, most other four-year colleges and universities require more than proof of high-school level academics to get in. You’ll typically need to take the SAT or ACT to apply to these schools, as well as provide any other required information on the college application. For example, some schools might require you to write an essay or include a personal letter.

Applying For College With a GED

A GED does not translate into a GPA, which makes the college application process a bit different. Some colleges may require you to fill out a different application form than those with a high school diploma. You’ll probably need to provide your high school transcript in addition to your GED score, even if you didn’t finish high school. The college might also require you to pass the GED in the same state as the school, so be sure to read the fine print before applying.

College Readiness With the GED

A higher percentage of GED graduates are attending and enrolling more quickly in college programs today than ever before. In fact, 45% of GED grads enrolled in a college certificate or degree program within three years. But it’s still important to make the best impression possible to get into the school of your choice. Boost your chances of getting accepted by providing the college with evidence of any impressive projects you’ve worked on, work experience you have, or positive references who can vouch for your ability to succeed in school.

Getting Into the School of Your Dreams

There are many paths to getting into the school of your dreams. So if you don’t get into your ideal college right away, don’t despair. As we mentioned, most community and junior colleges offer open enrollment. 

This is a great alternative route if you don’t get into your first-choice college or university. Community college usually allows you to complete necessary prerequisites at a lower tuition cost, and then you can transfer to a four-year college when you’re ready to complete your bachelor’s degree. The future is bright for today’s GED graduates!