Going to College with a GED So you didn’t finish high school…whoops. That might have been your fault, but it might not have been. Now, it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that you went back and got your GED and want to go to college. That is commendable. College will open so many doors to you and you will feel yourself expand, improve, and excel. Unfortunately, not having a high school diploma can come with serious side effects. Even with a GED, there are several things you will have to make up for. But it can be done! It will just take hard work, a little sacrifice, some dedication, and determination.
Working Toward College If your goal is to get into a 4-year college, you might need to take a detour along the way. 4-year colleges usually require additional test scores (ACT or SAT), minimum GPAs, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and leadership experience. Without these, it will be difficult to be admitted directly into a 4year college or university. If you lack the above admission requirements, it might be smart to start at a community college and transfer to a 4year college later on. Community colleges don’t have near the level of admissions requirements and cost less as well. At a community college, you will be able to gain current academic experience, build relationships with professors and/or councilors, get the feel for college-level work, and strengthen your GPA. The experiences you gain at a community college will also help you build important skills (writing, meeting deadlines, stress management, etc.) that are essential for success at a regular 4-year college.
Attending a College However, if you choose to go to a community college, make sure your college of choice transfers credits to 4-year colleges. Some are not set up or do not meet requirements that allow you to transfer to other colleges. Do your research before applying to a community college and make sure they offer what you need. Academic councilors or the admissions office can answer all your questions. If you choose to attend a community college in Cheyenne, build strong relationships with your academic councilor and a handful of professors. You can do this by stopping by their office, sending them e-mails, or talking to them after class. Be courteous when approaching your professors and set up appointments whenever possible rather than popping in unannounced. Show them that you have respect for them,
that you have a genuine interest to learn and improve, and ask their advice on how you can do better. Sincerity, not brown nosing, will get you to higher places. If community college is not the way for you, or if a traditional 4-year college is not your ultimate goal, you can also consider getting an online degree. These are easy to apply to, flexible, and accessible. If you are currently working and need to take college at a slower pace, an online program might be the ideal option for you.