GED vs. High School Diploma: Impact on International Undergraduate Admissions and Scholarships
International students often face unique challenges when pursuing higher education in the United States. One of the common questions is whether a GED is a viable option for undergraduate admissions in colleges or community colleges, particularly in light of scholarship opportunities. This article explores whether a GED is a good option and whether high SAT scores and extracurricular activities can compensate for a GED.
GED vs. High School Diploma: Perceptions and Implications
A GED is often seen as inferior to a high school diploma, primarily because it can be perceived as evidence that a student dropped out of high school. This misperception can significantly impact a student's chances of getting accepted into colleges or community colleges in the US. According to many experienced admissions officers, a GED can signal to university teams that a student’s academic journey was interrupted for some reason back in their home country. This often results in a more rigorous screening process to understand the circumstances that led to the GED.
Example: At a large state university where I retired, many international applicants with GEDs were advised to take a two-year academic course at a community college before directly applying for university programs. This suggests that even with academic achievements, the GED alone is not enough to gain direct admission to a university.
Impact on Scholarship Opportunities
The likelihood of securing a scholarship with a GED is extremely low. Scholarships are usually awarded based on a combination of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and other supporting factors. A GED alone does not meet the basic requirement for many scholarship programs, which typically demand a high school diploma or equivalent. Even students with high SAT scores and impressive extracurricular activities face challenges in obtaining significant scholarships, particularly as a GED holder.
Example: The competition for scholarships is intense, and even when available, most scholarship funds target students with records of outstanding academic and extracurricular excellence. Therefore, it is rare for a student with a GED to secure substantial scholarship funding in the US.
Many international students come from wealthy families and can afford to pay tuition fees without relying on scholarships. Consequently, the majority of scholarship opportunities are reserved for students from diverse academic backgrounds with a high school diploma.
Alternative Educational Paths for International Students
Considering these challenges, it might be more advisable for international students to focus on obtaining a high school diploma before pursuing higher education in the US. Alternatively, completing a reasonable education in their home country and then coming to the US for a 1-year graduate program can also be a viable option.
For students who still wish to pursue undergraduate studies in the US, attending a community college for two years can be a strategic choice, as it allows them to brush up on their academic skills and gain a high school diploma before transferring to a four-year college or university.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while high SAT scores and extracurricular activities can enhance a student’s profile, a GED alone does not suffice for undergraduate admission to most colleges or community colleges in the US. International students aiming for university-level education should consider obtaining a high school diploma first and then exploring scholarship opportunities. This can significantly improve their chances of gaining admission and securing financial support.