Pin It

Starting College Without a High School Diploma

ah4612 | Feb 22, 2010 |

0 Comments | Rating: 0

Colleges and universities have specific requirements for people who want to become a student. These requirements are detailed in the institution's admissions policy, which often contain clauses under which students can be admitted if they don't meet the requirements of a traditional student. While finding and understanding these clauses isn't always easy, it is the best way to learn if a high school diploma is required for a college.

Review the college's admission policy. Visit the website of the admission's department at the college you want to attend. Read through their requirements for becoming a student as well as the different admission classifications they have such as regular, special, visiting and conditional. Find out if they have an admission classification for students without a high school diploma or GED.

Learn about ability to benefit. Financial aid is available from the federal government for students who fall into an 'ability to benefit' category, and many colleges and universities grant admission to these students. Take the ability to benefit tests, which consist of writing, reading and math. Achieve the minimum required scores to qualify as an ability to benefit student.

Contact the admissions office. Speak to an admissions representative or staff member familiar with the requirements to be accepted as a student to the college. Ask for clarification on any admission classifications you were unsure about when visiting the website. Explain your situation and find out if you can be admitted.

Inquire about conditional admission. Learn if the college accepts students on a conditional basis. This allows you to take courses without a high school diploma if you continue to meet a specific grade point average at the end of each semester or work to achieve your high school diploma while attending college. Middle Tennessee State University is one example of a college that offers conditional admission to students without a high school diploma.