How I did it: At 16, in my sophomore year, I decided that i was wasting time in high school having to retake classes due to excessive tardies and absences due mostly to fatigue, stemming from anxiety/depression, that had been going on for a few years. The school wasn't helping out much, so when i was finally eligible at 16 i signed out of school. My plans were to get my G.E.D. and go on to a nearby community college as soon as i could. The G.E.D. tests were very easy to me, I'd say 8th-9th grade level, which surprised me since it's supposedly the equivalent of a 12th grade level highschool diploma. From that i figured that i was wasting my time in highschool learning things i didn't need to know, and i'm glad i did it. Now i have new plans to attend cosmetology school, which lasts about 10 months. When that's over i can start working in that field part-time and then begin part-time community college, all by the time i'm turning 18, when everyone else is just finishing their senior year in highschool.

Lessons & tips: I don't recommend dropping out so early unless you have realistic, self-benefiting plans for afterward. Otherwise, you might as well have just stayed in school.

The test is pretty basic, at times almost common sense. You shouldn't waste time taking G.E.D. prep classes unless you haven't been in school for many years.

Also, when going to register, make sure you have time, or bring someone to help fill out your forms. Lots of bubbles!

Resources: Holyoke Community College, Holyoke MA

Oct 28, 2008, 08:34PM PDT | 3 comments | 10 cheers