Q. 18..... Is a NARS diploma better than a GED?
Here are a few things you should know about getting a GED.
A.
In most states, generally, you must be 18 to take the GED without restrictions. Sometimes 17-year-olds are allowed after filing a special form, and if they can show special need. Different states have different rules.
B.
Assuming you are old enough, just call your local high school, find out when they are giving the GED test, sign up for it, and go take it. Don't bother to study for it, don't take courses or anything else. JUST TAKE IT.
Who knows, you might already know everything you need to pass all five parts, or maybe you will pass one or two sections. If you pass one or two sections, you never have to take those again. Once you know what you failed, you can best use your time to study the areas you didn't pass. Bottom line, just do it. ( By the way, if you pass one or two sections, we will award you high school credits for passing those sections...more below.)
C.
Here’s a very important question -- how will you USE your GED? For example, if you are applying for military enlistment, the GED is almost useless. And there are other problems associated with it, such as scholarships and grants.
Most PRIVATE scholarships, trusts, organizations, and scholarship committees automatically make graduation from a recognized secondary institution a prerequisite for granting their scholarship money. This is a SCHOLARSHIP, and having a GED is not enough. Consider this: NARS can use passing GED test results as high school credits towards a real diploma. Yes, you can convert your GED into high school credits and apply them to the requirements for your diploma.
D. It is unfortunate, but true, that the GED has a stigma attached to it. Having a GED sends a warning to the those concerned that you had trouble in school -- you were thrown out, or you got pregnant, or you were in a treatment center, or you were violent, or you were on drugs, or you couldn't get along with others, or you couldn't conform, and you were generally different. Ultimately it means you had to settle for less than normal.
It is too bad that the GED carries those implications, but that is the way it is.