Ontario High School Diploma: Comparing GED and a High School Diploma

Most people find themselves stranded when they decide to pursue an Ontario High School Diploma. The most common confusion is choosing between the GED and the diploma. Notably, the two differ and will influence your college choices. The following are the most prominent differences:

Requirements

To take the GED exam, the student does not have to be enrolled in a high school. They must be more than 16 years of age. To be awarded GED, the student has to pass several tests in five subjects. To pass each test, their score has to exceed 60% of a sample set of the seniors who are graduating. You will need to spend considerable time studying. For an Ontario high school diploma, you have to be enrolled in a school. Special community schools allow older students to study. There is no minimum age requirement, but one has to finish their coursework first.

Length of study

For the GED, the student is not required to study traditional courses. Examinations will take up to seven hours to complete, and preparation courses are not a must. To complete an Ontario high school diploma, you have to study for four years. You come out more equipped and prepared for life after high school.

How employers respond

Most employers will not consider GED as the high school diploma equivalent for entry-level positions. With a diploma, the student can work many entry-level job positions. Employees with diplomas typically earn more than those who have GEDs. However, in both cases, students who want to advance in their careers must pursue additional training.

Most community colleges will take students with GED and high school diplomas. While the diploma does not guarantee acceptance, it gives you an edge over an applicant with GED. Note that the grade point average will be an essential consideration.