Online High School Diploma- The Pros and Cons

Welcome back! Today we are discussing the pros and cons of online school and whether an online high school diploma is worth doing!

I studied online in my senior year of High School.

If you are interested in my personal story and the struggles I’ve had at that time, please comment below so I know it’s requested!

I know a lot about the good and bad sides of online schooling. Also because I’ve made my own “pros and cons” list back then. Now, when I look back on it, I don’t even agree with all of my assumptions.

But today is going to be about the pros and cons of getting an online high school diploma, whether that is for high school students or adults who’d like to finish school later in life.

Related: My online school study routine

Many people think that online school isn’t accredited, the degrees are fake, or that it’s antisocial. Let’s discuss those prejudices today! But first, let’s look at the good stuff.

THE PROS OF ONLINE SCHOOL

1. Study in your own pace

Being able to study at my own pace was my #1 reason why I decided to get an online high school diploma.

I am someone who gets the studying done way faster than if teachers would explain it through a whole hour of class. If you are someone like me, or someone who takes a little longer to process the information and dive deeper into subjects, online schooling is a good choice!

2. Have your own schedule

As an online student, you can study whenever you want- as long as you get it done. That is perfect for anyone who is working, has hobbies, or wants to get involved in life before the end of High School.

3. Have time for other things

Like mentioned in #2, having your own schedule, you have more time for your passions! If you have a time-consuming hobby you don’t wanna give up just because you need a high school diploma, you can easily combine the two.

For example, I love to travel and wanted to start an online business, but with school every day, that wasn’t possible. Switching to online school gave me the freedom I needed to combine everything!

4. No Drama

This pro might sound funny or not important, but school drama can get really annoying, and even dangerous. For students who need to be focused on schoolwork get good grades, drama can be really distracting. Studying online, there is no drama and no distractions of that kind.

5. Fewer Social Pressure

Not just for students with social difficulties is social pressure in school a big burden. Yes, you shouldn’t walk away from your problems, and facing things you’re afraid of doing can help.

But there are just certain situations, like hazing and social pressure, that can be avoided by studying online instead of going to public school.

6. Graduate Early

If I would’ve picked the school I initially planned on, I would’ve needed 2 more years to get a diploma, even though I’ve already taken senior classes.

I know that is a personal experience, it was because I studied abroad as well. But I didn’t want to be in school for that much longer (I was 18) and pay money for it (it was a private school).

Being online schooled, I finished 9 credits and graduated with an accredited online high school diploma in 6 months!!!

If you are like me and you can study well for yourself and study at a good pace, you can graduate earlier than everyone else, why doing hobbies and working! Isn’t that amazing?

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7. Save Money

If you have the choice between public, private, or online school, last can really be the cheapest option. I do recommend comparing the cost yourself since schools are different everywhere.

For me, I wanted international education and didn’t wanna go back to a German public school. (Yep, I’m from Europe!), because I was sure they wouldn’t let me graduate even in 2 years!! (you might have heard that a German high school diploma is approx. an Associates Degree of the US…)

So I had the choice between a $2000/month tuition of a private international school for 2 years or a $100/month online school for as long as it took me. Guess which one seemed to make more sense for me?

Depending on your situation, you can save money by choosing to go for an online high school diploma. There are several free online schools as well if you live in the US and your state has its own online school.

8. 24/7 Support

Most online schools provide 24/7 support for their students. Whatever you need, even if it’s not an immediate response, you will get help from your teacher quickly.

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Now, let’s get to the cons of online school! Even if I’m an online education supporter, there are certain disadvantages that come with it. Let’s look at them now and see how we can make the best of them!

THE CONS OF ONLINE SCHOOL

1. Lack of Socializing

Since you study at home or at least by yourself, you can sometimes feel alone. That is totally normal, and it’s not a con for many students.

For me, this is actually a pro because I don’t get distracted by others and I learn much better and quicker when I study by myself.

Others, however, like to study with others and don’t like feeling “lonely”.

To make the best of it, you can meet up with other students to study together! Also, every online school has an online chat room to socialize with others.

Make sure to connect with other students and meet with your friends regularly to avoid staying at home 24/7.

2. Accreditation Difficulties

Transferring credits can be annoying and complicated sometimes. That’s why it’s super important to check if both your schools are accredited so you can transfer credits easily.

The online school I was enrolled in is Excel High School, and they are accredited. However, since I’m an international student, I had to translate all my German grades into the US system, which ended up in a decrease in my GPA (different grading systems).

Excel accepted all my credits, including the ones I’ve earned during my study abroad year in the US.

The translations of my transcripts cost me money though, so depending on your location, keep that in mind.

3. No Hands-on Teaching

Being an online student, you won’t have teachers standing in front of you explaining things you don’t understand.

Especially for new math topics are physical teachers really helpful. To avoid getting behind, you can take tutoring classes or just schedule a call with your online teacher.

You can also email your teachers 24/7 and get your answer within a few hours. Yeah, that might sound long, but you can use the time between to practice other math problems for example.

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Those were all my pros and cons of online school! If you have other pros and cons about getting an online high school diploma, comment them below!

To me, online schooling was a really positive experience, and it made it possible for me to do many things I otherwise couldn’t have done.

I traveled a lot, started a blog as a student, graduated within 6 months, and learned better and more efficient.

I was also able to apply to colleges after finishing high school, and got accepted into my favorite ones! The counselor at my online school wrote a recommendation letter for me, which I am super thankful for!

With that being said, just because you’re studying online doesn’t mean you’re by yourself. You can ask for help and the school supports you!

I’m super excited for you to start a new chapter of your life and do what you love, while still finishing school.

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Check out my study routine here and my YouTube video all about online school!

Until soon,