From my own personal experience. My first year of high school I rarely ever went. I would skip for days or weeks at a time. The result was my being held back a grade. I did however through sheer diligence manage to make up the credits I had lost and graduate only a half year behind my class.

During the summer before my last year the school restructured its classes and upon returning to school I was informed that they were not offering a few of the classes I needed to graduate during the first half of the year and I would have to take night courses as well as graduate a full year behind my class. I was furious.

I sat down with my administrator and we spoke openly. She explained to me that employers no longer look at whether a person has a high school diploma or not. Employers want to see if people have a college degree or technical training. She told me that I could leave high school and register to take the GED testing as my class had already graduated. After obtaining my GED I would be able to attend college. I took her advice and immediately got my GED and registered at the local community college.

Im not saying that this is the best way for anyone. These were options available to me and I made my decision. I do not regret my decision. I would say that if one is serious about obtaining a GED and has the ability to follow through then its an option... not the best, not the worst. Leaving school and not immediately getting a GED would however be a mistake in my opinion.