College Crunch

Before you go to get your degree, you need to have your high school diploma, and the fastest way to do that, if you don’t already have it, is to get it online. You can train for your G.E.D. or quickly take the required high school courses that you need to officially get your high school diploma.

Most people increasingly recommend getting a real high school diploma over the G.E.D. as the G.E.D. doesn’t prepare you for earning your degree as well as a traditional high school diploma.

Most cities have adult education centers, or access to online educational options. This gives you the ability to learn from home on your own schedule, while still having access to teachers, and assistance to keep you on track.

I would recommend an online high school*, even for teenagers looking to give themselves the opportunity to really focus on their studies, as it allows you to avoid the typical high school distractions and give yourself a report card that will help you get into the degree program of your choosing. It also allows you to practice what it is like to get an online education, so that if you choose to get a degree online, you will be sufficiently prepared.

Every degree requires different prerequisites, so making sure you get the courses needed to get into the degree course of your choosing is also important. Make sure you speak to a qualified educational counselor before taking any courses.

* Make sure the online high school of your choosing is accredited by an industry standard organization or your transcripts may not be accepted at all educational institutions.

Taking practice tests before placement or entrance exams can set you ahead of the other students that are going to be competing for your seat in college, so check out the Test Prep section.