If you apply to college, be sure to make a checklist of everything required. Colleges will deny admission to students with incomplete application packets. For example, if you apply online and fail to have an official transcript sent to the college, your application will remain incomplete. Similarly, if you don't pay a required fee, your application may not be reviewed. Generally, colleges provide a detailed list of what you need to submit. Covering all details is imperative if you don’t want to be denied admission to college.

You may have earned a high school diploma, but what classes did you take and what was your grade-point average? Many colleges are looking specifically for students that took Advanced Placement courses and demand a high GPA. For example, the average GPA for admitted students at UCLA is 3.89. Illinois State University does not state an average GPA but says that they give preference to students with a track record of high academic achievement. Look at the school's stated academic qualifications when you are applying. The bottom line is that you can be denied admission to college if your high school record does not meet admission expectations at your college of choice.

If you are not truthful with the information you submit when filling out a college application, you can be denied admission. Colleges have a duty to verify all information that applicants use, including academic records, proof of residency and financial information. If you are unsure of questions that are asked, take the time to find out the correct answers. Falsifying information could also hinder your ability to apply to other colleges in the future.

Believe it or not, you can be denied admission based upon non-academic factors. For example, if you cannot demonstrate leadership roles, co-curricular involvement, and strong recommendations from teachers and counselors, you may not make the cut. Some colleges also rely heavily on the content you include in a personal essay. It is imperative that you begin preparing right away in high school so that you can submit a complete package when applying for college. Failure to do so can cost you the opportunity to attend.

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Today, the GED allows adults to demonstrate high school-level knowledge with a series of five subtests on social studies, science, mathematics, writing (with some grammar and mechanics) and reading. Many communities have GED classes that will help adults brush up on the skills needed to pass the test. In some areas, the GED classes are free of charge and offer free child care. GED tests are accepted in place of a high school diploma at all colleges, universities and vocational/technical schools, according to the GED website. However, before attending a college or vocational/technical school, it is always best to check with them about whether or not they accept the GED test in place of a high school diploma.

Some states offer adults a high school equivalency test in place of a high school diploma. A high school equivalency test allows an adult to show high school-level knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics. Not every state offers a high school equivalency test, and each state that offers the test has its own policies. Adults who want to take a high school equivalency test will need to check with their individual state to see if they qualify to take the test in their state. Also, a high school equivalency test is accepted at some, but not all, colleges and universities. It is usually accepted at vocational and technical schools, but check with the school first. Some schools may require additional testing.

In many communities in the United States, there are high schools designed for adults to earn their degrees. Adults typically have a choice whether to attend the adult school during the day or at night. Most adult schools are funded by the local school district or by the vocational/technical schools within the community, but some adult high schools are operated by nonprofit organizations. Many adults ask the question: When should I attend an adult high school, and when should I test for my GED? The general rule is if it will take two or more years to receive a diploma, consider studying for the GED or the equivalency test instead. If, however, an adult has a year or less of high school credit to obtain, he or she should consider going to an adult high school.

There are many online high schools, and many online agencies offering equivalency tests for high school. If an adult decides to use an online high school or a website for an equivalency test, he or she should check first with either the college they plan to attend or the state department of education to make sure that the school or the website is accredited with the state. Otherwise, the college may not accept the scores or the diploma. Also, if the website or high school wants to charge a lot of money, look elsewhere. Most states have free online websites and high school equivalency exam study sites. Some states have free adult high schools online as well. If the adult student is unable to find what they are looking for in their area, check with the state department of education.

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While college education can even more significantly impact job options, the jump in employment potential is major when you have a high school diploma. According to the American Academy educational services organization, 60 percent of skilled jobs require that candidates have a minimum of a high school diploma. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also indicated that in 2012, unemployment was nearly 50 percent higher among the population without a diploma compared to those with a diploma.

Coinciding with better job options is the opportunity to make more money. Studies consistently show that higher education typically leads to higher incomes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics study from 2012, for instance, showed a nearly 39 percent difference in median earnings between dropouts and people with a high school diploma. Given the lifetime potential earnings differential, the time and effort required to earn a high school diploma seems extremely sensible. This is especially true for those who plan to support a family.

The American Academy also noted that people who earn a high school diploma tend to have a higher level of self-esteem. This not only aids in career pursuits, but also has an effect on relationships and family leadership. High school diploma earners can provide a positive example for peers, children and others struggling with motivation to finish. Additionally, you typically need a high school diploma to gain admission to a college, where you can increase your knowledge and career opportunities. The more you know and earn, the more benefit you provide to society through taxes and community involvement and impact.

Earning your diploma is a great defense mechanism against several negative effects on quality of life. People without a high school diploma often experience poorer overall health. In fact, a 2007 Centers for Disease Control article suggested the correlation between health and education was so strong that school dropouts should be a public health concern. Additionally, an October 2009 report from Northeastern University showed that high school dropouts are significantly more likely to land in jail. The study focused on Chicago residents and found that a significantly greater number of dropouts are incarcerated, compared to diploma earners and college graduates.

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Choose an online program that fits your needs and schedule. There are many high schools and educational organizations offering high school diploma programs online. Some take only a few short weeks or even days to complete, while others have programs that take more than a year. Many offer credit for life or work experience. Some programs simply test your knowledge in areas like history, English, math and science while others require you to take courses and pass exams.

Fill out the required forms. Every online program will require you provide some personal information. Be sure to fill out these forms completely and accurately, as the information you provide will be used on your diploma and transcripts. For some of the programs you'll to need provide information on education you've already received.

Read the terms and conditions carefully. While many of the programs offered are indeed free, many will charge you for a "graduation packet" or to send you an official diploma and transcript. Without the actual diploma and related documentation you'll have no proof of your education. Some of these costs can be several hundred dollars.

Consider a G.E.D. While not identical to a high school diploma, the General Equivalency Diploma is accepted by many employers and colleges. There are several online educational organizations that offer free G.E.D. study programs, but you can not take the G.E.D. test online. That is only given through a local school system and usually there is a modest fee for taking the test.

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Most community colleges and some private colleges will admit you if you don’t have a high school diploma or GED. In order to enroll in community college, you will probably be required to take placement tests so the college will know which courses to place you in. Although most community colleges will allow you to enroll, some will not give you a degree until you earn your GED.

If you don’t have a high school diploma, a GED or its recognized equivalent, such as a California High School Proficiency Exam Certificate, you must fund your education yourself. According to Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, in order to be eligible to receive federal student aid, you must “show you’re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law.”

If you’re still in high school but want to get a head start on college, some high schools have dual-enrollment agreements with their local community college. Under a dual-enrollment agreement, you can enroll in college and earn credit for your high school diploma and college degree at the same time. Many high schools also offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes whereby you can earn credit for comparable college courses if you’re able to pass the AP test at the end of the year.

If you leave high school before acquiring necessary knowledge and skills, you may not be successful in college. If you plan to get a job but haven’t gone to college, most employers consider a high school diploma or GED the minimum qualification. If you later decide to take the GED tests, preparation guides are available online or at your local library. GED preparation classes are also available through most community colleges and adult schools.

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There's no doubt that someone with a college degree will usually out-earn someone who dropped out of college, but the differences go beyond mere income. According to the Alliance for Excellence in Education, those without a high school diploma accumulate less wealth than those who graduate. On average, a high school graduate accumulates $5000 in wealth for every $500 a drop-out accumulates. You can use this wealth to purchase a home or car, or just have as a safety net so that you don't go into debt if something goes wrong.

When considering dropping out of high school, consider how this will look to potential employers. They may see this as an inability to follow through on a goal. The good news, though, is that according to Brett Yardley, a marketing and communications specialist for MAU Workforce Solutions, many employers consider a GED to be the equivalent of a high school diploma. If you must drop out, you could get your GED and still have some prospects.

Though college might not be in your future, there may be a time when you want to take on more education to further your career. Working in auto mechanics or the health care industry, for example, may earn you steadier work with more benefits than working in food service or the retail industry. You can take classes to get a career in a field like this, but you typically need to have a diploma or GED. Without either of those, you'll have to take the time to earn the GED first.

According to the American Psychological Association, education is the primary method for overcoming financial difficulties. Unfortunately, people tend to get trapped in a "cycle of poverty." If you drop out of school and are less successful as a result, the same may be true of your children and their children. Breaking out of poverty is difficult to do, but it typically starts with the type of education you need to get a higher paying job.

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Prepare for the test. Regardless of how long it has been since you were in high school, test-taking requires some preparation. The GED test is made up of five sections: social studies, science, math, reading and writing. Use the resources available to you to prepare for the test. There are many books and study courses available in bookstores and libraries.

Take a practice test. Make sure to follow the guidelines when taking your practice test. Take your test as if it was the real thing. Find a private, quiet place, and complete the test in the amount of time necessary. Grade your own test and be honest. No one is going to check your practice test. Make an honest evaluation of your practice results. Decide if you think you can take the real test and pass. If so, go to step 4. If not, go to step 3.

Take a preparation course. If you did not pass the practice test, you may want to consider taking a GED preparation course. Some commercial companies offer preparation courses that can assist you in getting the score necessary to get your diploma. If a preparation course is too expensive, you have options. Many community centers offer GED prep classes. Check with your local community college, as many of them offer assistance to adults wanting to get their diploma.

Register for the GED test. Tests are given regularly. Each state and county runs registration in its own way with its own fees. Your local school system or community college should have the information you need. If you took a preparation test, you should be able to register through your test prep course. The American Council on Education also posts upcoming dates and registration deadlines on its website.

Take the test. Show up at your testing center with your registration information. Make sure to be on time.

Get your degree. In two or three weeks, your GED scores will come in the regular mail. You will need to have made at least a 60 percent overall score to pass the test. If you made the 60 percent level, you will have the equivalent of a high school diploma. If you did not make the 60 percent level, you can take the test again. You can take the test as many times as you need to in order to get your high school diploma.

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