Parentpedia

What Experts Say

For some teens struggling in school or having social problems, dropping out and taking the general equivalency degree, or GED, is an understandable temptation. The GED is an alternate to getting a high school diploma and involves taking five tests to prove that even though you didn't graduate from high school, you have high school-level academic skills.

Pros

In some cases getting this degree may make sense.

If your teen has a very specific trade in mind -- he's absolutely sure he wants to be a welder, say, and has found a good apprenticeship -- then he could make a case that he doesn't need a diploma.

The academic track isn't for everyone, says Debra Beck, a teen mentor and founder of Spirited Youth and author of "My Feet Aren't Ugly!: A Girl's Guide to Loving Herself from the Inside Out."

Cons

Be clear with your teen that a choice like this can limit his options down the line in ways he can't foresee right now. For example, while the GED is accepted by many colleges, it's not accepted by all, so it could affect whether his future schooling.

More importantly, though, the GED isn't very good preparation for the rigors of college; statistics show that a very low percentage of GED holders go on to complete a four-year college degree.

Making the Decision

This is a big decision with long-term ramifications, so help your teen think it through by providing information about his choices.

Create a budget and ask your teen questions like, "What kind of car do you want to drive? What kind of house do you want to live in?" Beck suggests, then talk about the different career options he's considering and what they pay.

Discuss these scenarios as openly and thoroughly as possible with your teen and have him discuss it with his high school counselor as well. Then if he's really sure this is what he wants to do, you'll know he's fully aware of the consequences and taking charge of his own life.