<p>Taking the GED does not give you a diploma. It only gives you a certification accepted by many employers in lieu of a high school diploma. </p>
<p>The GED is rather controversial among homeschoolers. Some believe there is a stigma attached to it, because they see it as a test for dropouts. They don’t think homeschoolers should be required to take on that stigma.</p>
<p>From what I’ve seen, it’s an easy test for most college bound students, and it’s not surprising most colleges aren’t concerned about it. Colleges will be far more concerned about your SAT I and SAT II scores (and any AP tests you might get under your belt), your essays, recommendations, and your homeschool transcript. A few grades issued by an outside course, either from some high school classes or community college classes will also help.</p>
<p>My homeschooled daughter applied ED to a competitive school, and was accepted with no diploma and no GED. She had no college classes (none are offered in our area), but did take a few classes at our local high school.</p>
<p>I know a homeschooler, who started community college early in her “high school” career with no high school diploma involved. She then moved on to a local college, and when it came time for everyone else her age to apply to college, she was applying to grad schools.</p>
<p>If you already have a college in mind (or a few colleges), it’s a good idea to make contact with their admissions office as early as possible to find out what they require from non-traditionally schooled students. You can always change your mind and attend elsewhere, but early contact can help in a number of ways.</p>
<p>You should be aware that schools typically have a cut-off for the number of college credits you can earn and still apply as a freshman. If you go over that number, you must apply as a transfer student. That can be more difficult at some institutions, especially more competitive schools.</p>