6 answers
Andrew
Student
Aberdeen, South Dakota
12
Questions
Asked
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Is high school honors worth it?
I'm wondering if high school honors matter to empoylers. I already got accepted ED into Northeastern University, so I assume it won't matter to colleges if I didn't get one. I'm planning to drop a math class as I hate math and it just stresses me out. Will Northeastern rescind my application if I drop that math class? I failed the first term of that math class, so I retook it, but will they recind me if I don't finish the second term. Will graduating from high school matter to empoylers at all?
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6 answers
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
202
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi, Andrew. First, congratulations for getting into Northeastern University early decision. That is terrific and, I am sure, a relief for you.
You have gotten excellent advise, but I wanted to split the two questions you asked. Northeastern probably has stated in their documents to you what standards you must maintain for the rest of the year in order to matriculate there. I reiterate Michelle's advice to read those carefully regarding what courses and what grades you need. At minimum, you may need to graduate from high school. If you are unclear, contact the admissions office.
You may need some math class in order to graduate from high school. In my state, you need to take math all four years. You are so close to graduating, and I bet that you will want to celebrate with your friends. Is there an easier math class you could switch to or an online class that the school would accept? Would your math teacher be willing to give you an independent study for the rest of the year, maybe something that uses your strengths, such as research or a paper about mathematical discoveries? Maybe your guidance counselor has encountered this before and could advise?
Good luck!
You have gotten excellent advise, but I wanted to split the two questions you asked. Northeastern probably has stated in their documents to you what standards you must maintain for the rest of the year in order to matriculate there. I reiterate Michelle's advice to read those carefully regarding what courses and what grades you need. At minimum, you may need to graduate from high school. If you are unclear, contact the admissions office.
You may need some math class in order to graduate from high school. In my state, you need to take math all four years. You are so close to graduating, and I bet that you will want to celebrate with your friends. Is there an easier math class you could switch to or an online class that the school would accept? Would your math teacher be willing to give you an independent study for the rest of the year, maybe something that uses your strengths, such as research or a paper about mathematical discoveries? Maybe your guidance counselor has encountered this before and could advise?
Good luck!
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1180
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Andrew !
It sounds like you're doing well and I would like to give you some advice. My first suggestion is to call Northeastern and ask the representative directly about their specific guidelines around dropping one of your high school courses. I am having a feeling it won't matter, but double check with them to be sure. I know how you feel about math, yes. Ask Northeastern that if you drop the Math at high school, can you replace it with something else and will that be acceptable ? Math can be a bother if one is not interested in or like it. I hope Northeastern is accommodating to you.
Think about what you'll be majoring in when you enroll in college and if math will be an important part of your major. Another suggestion is that when you enrolled in the ED at Northeastern, there is usually paperwork and if you can, read that information that Northeastern may have given you. It may include conditions about if and when an application is disqualified. Maybe the information would even be on their website.
My opinion is that you can get a job with a GED and/or a High School Diploma but the High School Diploma would be more desirable to employers. There's always a wonder in the mind of the employer as to why a person may have stopped going to high school. Than there has to be this persuasive explanation so that the applicant comes off as acceptable and that's okay, but I think that employers will favor a high school diploma over a GED (depending on the exact situation). There are very few substantial jobs for applicants that don't have strong education showing consistency and the ability to learn, depending on what the job might be. So you never know what an employer is going to think, how your resume will be compared to others applying.
I have never heard of one person being asked in a job interview what their GPA was in high school and I had never been asked that either. You may get any question asked of you during an interview but I believe that as long as you complete high school or have a college degree, it is evident that you completed your course of education to the end and they look at it as a whole.
Graduating high school and college would not only matter to employers but it will matter for you, too, as you navigate opportunities for a career. Everyone has a specific and different approach to hiring an applicant. They know what they want, so to have an edge it's always good to present your application with what you believe the employer is looking for. Many times, education level requirements will be indicated within the employment notice and sometimes it says GED or High School Diploma. If it's about a chance you take, I would advise getting the high school diploma. Many people go to college without taking advanced courses in high school. I would also advise that you ask more questions here with specifics such as what you plan to major in and what your career goal is. But I wouldn't worry.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best !
It sounds like you're doing well and I would like to give you some advice. My first suggestion is to call Northeastern and ask the representative directly about their specific guidelines around dropping one of your high school courses. I am having a feeling it won't matter, but double check with them to be sure. I know how you feel about math, yes. Ask Northeastern that if you drop the Math at high school, can you replace it with something else and will that be acceptable ? Math can be a bother if one is not interested in or like it. I hope Northeastern is accommodating to you.
Think about what you'll be majoring in when you enroll in college and if math will be an important part of your major. Another suggestion is that when you enrolled in the ED at Northeastern, there is usually paperwork and if you can, read that information that Northeastern may have given you. It may include conditions about if and when an application is disqualified. Maybe the information would even be on their website.
My opinion is that you can get a job with a GED and/or a High School Diploma but the High School Diploma would be more desirable to employers. There's always a wonder in the mind of the employer as to why a person may have stopped going to high school. Than there has to be this persuasive explanation so that the applicant comes off as acceptable and that's okay, but I think that employers will favor a high school diploma over a GED (depending on the exact situation). There are very few substantial jobs for applicants that don't have strong education showing consistency and the ability to learn, depending on what the job might be. So you never know what an employer is going to think, how your resume will be compared to others applying.
I have never heard of one person being asked in a job interview what their GPA was in high school and I had never been asked that either. You may get any question asked of you during an interview but I believe that as long as you complete high school or have a college degree, it is evident that you completed your course of education to the end and they look at it as a whole.
Graduating high school and college would not only matter to employers but it will matter for you, too, as you navigate opportunities for a career. Everyone has a specific and different approach to hiring an applicant. They know what they want, so to have an edge it's always good to present your application with what you believe the employer is looking for. Many times, education level requirements will be indicated within the employment notice and sometimes it says GED or High School Diploma. If it's about a chance you take, I would advise getting the high school diploma. Many people go to college without taking advanced courses in high school. I would also advise that you ask more questions here with specifics such as what you plan to major in and what your career goal is. But I wouldn't worry.
I hope that this was helpful and I wish you all the best !
Elda Luera
BSN, RN
7
Answers
Port Lavaca, Texas
Updated
Elda’s Answer
First, graduating from high school does matter to employers; some applications ask if you've graduated; I think it's easier to get a job if you have a diploma or GED. It shows you were able to accomplish something. Second, I don't think high school honors courses matter to employers BUT they do help you learn critical thinking skills, that will help you with other things, and by taking such courses it shows you didn't just meet the quota but tried to excel and do your best. I took honors courses in high school and at the end of year we would take a test to get college credit- it saved me a whole semester at university; also, I think my honors courses & good grades opened the door to scholarships & grants that paid for my college degree. Now concerning your math class you want to drop; do you need math for what you want to study at university? If you don't need the class for graduation, I don't see the problem in dropping it because you don't want the grade to negatively effect your GPA. Also at university they have tutors who can help with course work that you're having problems in. I needed a statistics course in college and I'm not good at math either but having tutoring helped me pass. Best wishes, I hope information helped.
Caroline Juma
Paramedic/Assistant Nurse
2
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Caroline’s Answer
While high school honors may not be a direct factor in most employers' hiring decisions, they can contribute to your overall academic and personal development, which can in turn impact your future career success. It's essential to focus on building a well-rounded resume that includes a combination of academic achievements, extracurricular activities, work experiences, and relevant skills.
Retyit Watson
Freelancers
3
Answers
Jos, Plateau, Nigeria
Updated
Retyit’s Answer
Hi Andrew,
This is a tricky question.
Though employers may sometimes focus on how skilled you are and not your certificate,a high school diploma will be needed most of the time.Yet,concerning honors,they may open up opportunities yet at other times be glanced off.
You would want to experiment by looking for jobs in your local area and also asking counselors and students at Northwestern University to help you out.
You would also want to consider the course you're studying and what you would want to do next before college,during college and after college.
This is a tricky question.
Though employers may sometimes focus on how skilled you are and not your certificate,a high school diploma will be needed most of the time.Yet,concerning honors,they may open up opportunities yet at other times be glanced off.
You would want to experiment by looking for jobs in your local area and also asking counselors and students at Northwestern University to help you out.
You would also want to consider the course you're studying and what you would want to do next before college,during college and after college.
Stephanie A McKoy-Coates
Consultant
3
Answers
Little Rock, Arkansas
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
I definitely think being in a honor's program in High School is critical. This will allow you to get scholarships, recognitions as well as getting to know powerful people when you may end up getting an internship with a big company to establish on the job training in an area that you're interested in. I think the National Honor Society is a prestigious honor to receive in High School. So shoot for the stars and you'll will definitely rise to the top of your goals.