High School Dropouts: What They Can Do After School

Table of Contents

High school dropouts are one of the most common problems all across the world. Many students opt to drop out of high school every year. The students who quit their school are not from any particular country or area; they are from every part of the world. Asian, White, Black, Hispanic, and American Indian are a few of the groups that have seen the most dropouts of 16- to 24-year-olds in all these years. Multiple reasons explain why students leave their education halfway. A few of them include teenage education challenges, family problems, and other factors.

Have you also dropped out of high school for some reason and are wondering what happens to high school dropouts? After being a high school dropout, there are numerous options that you can pursue to become successful in your life. In this blog post by AllAssignmentHelp.com, we will discuss everything about high school dropout students and how they can survive. So, without further ado, let us tell you about the ideal options for high school dropouts.

High School Drop Outs Statistics (In Context with the US)

As said, high school signals the start of secondary education. It holds great significance for students’ future careers. A victory in high school is often a pioneer for the next quality of life.

There is one popular question: how many students drop out of high school each year? We have discussed the recent high school dropout rates highlighted in points (2019–2023). Just go through them and learn more about high school dropout rates.

In 2019–2020, 15.1 million students attended high school in the US.
10% of students are enrolled in private high schools.
3,209,510 students graduated from high school in 2020.
The gender parity for US high schools is 0.99.
There are 26,727 high schools in the US and 1.8 million teachers.
The graduation rate is at an all-time high of 85.3%.
The dropout rate is at an all-time low of 6%, compared to the 15% college dropout rate.
As of 2021, there are currently 26,727 high schools in the US, and out of these, 2,845 are private schools.
An estimated 16,892,000 students will be enrolled in high school in 2021.
15,492,000 of these students will be enrolled in public high schools.

The American education system has improved in recent times. Thus, in the history of US education, more students are graduating from high schools and fewer are dropping out. Furthermore, American students are likelier to be as literate as students in other countries.

Important High School Dropout Facts

The high school dropout rate is determined by different factors and different reasons. For example, mental health challenges faced by high school dropouts can be one reason for increased students quitting their education. High crime rates or poverty can also be another reason. So it all depends on people as to why they drop out of school halfway. Below, we have discussed this important issue with the help of different factors to help you understand it.

School Dropout Rate by Race: The high school drop-out rates are heavily determined by race. According to recent research, American Indian and Alaska Native high school students have the highest high school dropout rate at 9.6%. This one is followed by Pacific Islanders at 8%, Hispanics at 7%, African Americans at 5.6%, Whites at 4.1%, and Asians at 1.8%.
Dropout Rate of Students with Disabilities: There are thirteen different categories under this term. They have autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopaedic impairment, other health impairments (due to chronic or acute health problems), specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment. The high school dropout rate in 2023 states that students drop out more than others.
Dropout Rate by Household Income: Low income is also another reason why students drop out of school. Nearly 11% of students drop out every year because of low income.
Dropout Rate by State: New Hampshire is the state with the highest school drop rate of about 9.9%, and Kentucky has the lowest high school dropout rate of 6.6%, per the 2013–2017 United States report.

The following were some of the categories by which the high school drop-out rate is being calculated.

Also Read: 5 Ways to Earn Money During College

High School Dropouts: What You Should Do Right Away

No matter how much the teachers want to persuade their students and teach them the importance of education, there are still some who quit their studies. Adolescent academic struggles are real, and they are the primary reason why students always wonder, Can I hire someone to take my online class? Some of them, who could not get help, left their high school studies in the middle.

Are you also a high school dropout looking for an opportunity to start something new? It is possible to think that there is no way to get back on track. However, it’s not true. Success as a high school dropout is completely possible. It doesn’t matter if you dropped out a long time ago; it’s never too late to look out for other successful options. This blog will give you a glimpse of the better options that you may follow after being a high school dropout.

High School Drop Outs Can Take GED Preparation Test

For high school dropouts, getting a GED certification can prove to be a smart move. GED stands for General Educational Development Test. It is internationally recognized and famous, and it is almost popular in 90 countries. Many countries are accepting individuals who have passed the GED test.

This could be the right alternative for you if you are a first-generation college student. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to take this test. It doesn’t have any prerequisites, either. When it comes to high school dropouts, what you have to study to get this diploma does not contain any tough subjects. Math, language arts, science, and social studies are the four important subjects of this test.

What is a GED?

The general educational development test comprises four tests. These tests measure your proficiency in high school subjects. Besides, anyone who is 16 or older and is not enrolled in high school can take this certification test. The GED test demonstrates your applied knowledge and skills that are related to specific situations. If you pass the general educational development test, then you will get a high school equivalency diploma.

Note: A few countries or states may not offer GED tests. Instead, they might offer other elective exams that still lead to broadly recognized high school equivalency accreditations. Some of them are the HISET and TASC exams.

What does GED have into it?

The GED subtests are 7 hours in total. Specifically, it covers four primary high school subjects. Each subject requires a score of 145 to pass. Scores of 165–174 indicate college readiness. If you want to learn about different testing procedures, you can check with your area GED testing center. The test cost is $30–$40; however, some countries offer it for free.

1: Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA)

The four GED sections comprise reasoning through language arts as the first part. The time given for RLA is 150 minutes. However, there are a total of three sections in this part. In Section A, you will be given approximately 27 minutes.
In Section B, you will be given approximately 45 minutes. After Section B, you will be provided with a 10-minute break. Then, in Section C, you will be given 60 minutes.
Reading for meaning, identifying and creating arguments, grammar, and language are the three topics covered in this section.
The time in sections A and C may vary. Overall, you will be given a total time of 150 minutes.

2- Mathematical Reasoning

This is the second part of the GED test. It consists of two sections with a total time of 115 minutes. You will be provided with a total of 46 questions, followed by a three-minute break between sections and a final review. In Section A, in the first five questions, you cannot use the calculator. In the second part of the test, you can use a calculator. Basic math, geometry, basic algebra, graphs, and functions are the topics covered here. A reference sheet and a math formula sheet are allowed here.
Mathematics is an integral part of academic As a student, it is important to have math knowledge, or you cannot submit your mathematics assignment on time. In case of difficulty or if you need guidance, you can always turn to a mathematics assignment writing service.

3- Science

The next part consists of science questions. You will be given 90 minutes for this section. The GED science test questions will come across three main topics, i.e., reading for meaning in science, designing and interpreting science experiments, and using numbers and graphics in science. You need a score set of 145 or higher out of 100–200 to pass this exam. Moreover, if you think science is a difficult subject to deal with, you may hire and get earth science assignment help at an affordable price from professional helpers.
Also, there will be data, charts, graphs, and tables on the test, calculator, and reference sheet allowed.

4- Social Studies

This is the last part of your test. 70 minutes will be provided for you to answer this section without any breaks. The questions asked will be related to social science, like reading for meaning in social studies. Using numbers and graphs in social studies and analyzing historical events and arguments in social studies
Your GED score will be based on the number of points you earn in each section. Not on the number of questions you will mark correct.
Your final GED transcript will include your standard score and your percentile ranking. It might also include how your school compares to high school students who are graduating. To receive an equal diploma, you must get an average score of 60% or higher.

High School Dropouts Can Get Vocational Training

Are you looking for a chance to pursue a course in the field of your interest? A vocational course or training at a tech school could be a wise choice for you to achieve that. Vocational courses are an educational discipline that helps the individual acquire skills that are necessary for a specific trade. These courses are not academic and are completely related to a specific trade, occupation, or vocation. Students after class 10 can opt for short- and long-term courses. These courses can include a diploma or degree. There are various courses available that you can choose from. These courses often include healthcare. The creative fields of these courses include graphic and web design. Additionally, it includes food technology and cosmetology.

Some common vocational courses are listed below for your further knowledge:

A- Proper vocational courses

Numerous students don’t want to study further and decide to do a specialized or professional course after dropping out of high school. For such students, there are several long-term vocational courses designed. The proper and long-term vocational courses include hotel management. It also includes a diploma in graphic design and web design. Additionally, it includes a diploma course in acting for film and television.

B- Other diploma courses

There are many other diploma courses available as well. For example, electrical engineering, telecommunication, computer science, fashion designing, electrical engineering tourism, event management, beauty care, catering management, lifestyle products, English communication and presentation skills, etc.
You can learn about the vocational training institutions in your area by contacting your state department of education. Indeed, check whether your vocational training school is accredited or not before enrolling in a course. You may often encounter some tough assignment tasks while pursuing these courses. In tough times, students can avail themselves of an essay writing service, submit high-quality essays, and earn top grades.

High School Drop Outs Can Take Adult Education Programs

The impact of high school dropouts on employment opportunities can be high. So never miss an opportunity to start your studies. This is yet another way in which you can get back on track if you are a high school dropout student. Local community colleges and/or school districts offer these programs where you can have a supportive environment and grow eventually.
If you are a high school dropout and you are interested in learning through lectures even after dropping out of high school, then the adult diploma programs could be the right option for you.
These courses are offered in many states throughout the US, and you can study high school subjects at an accelerated pace. In some of the programs, you may have to take a GED test upon completion of the program. In others, you can get the diploma based on the grades and the coursework completion.
This diploma provides new job training and a new pathway. If you are serious about learning high school diplomas and industry credentials, then you can opt for this program.
The adult diploma program is an individualized competency-based program that helps the student achieve academic and vocational goals through a personalized learning plan.

National Guard Youth ChalleNGe

Do you know that the role of family support in reducing high school dropout rates is unmeasurable? If you are a family member and have been seeing someone who has dropped their education in the middle, you should guide them. National Guard Youth ChalleNGe is one of the best programs available for high school dropouts, which you can recommend. It is one of the dropout prevention strategies founded in 1993 by the National Guard. Below, we have elucidated more about this program.

It is a seven-month program that is available for students between the ages of 16 to 18.
Everyone (unemployed or underemployed, drug-free, and crime-free) can take this course and start their learning career. The main motive of this program is to make productive citizens of America’s future.
This program is divided into two phases: the residential phase and the mentoring phase. The first one is five months, and the next one is twelve months. Within this program, you can learn many things and earn your high school diploma. You will also get the chance to build up your self-confidence and self-esteem.
It is one of the best opportunities for high school dropouts to change their future and obtain their high school diploma or equivalent.

Also Read: How to Create the Best Business Startup Plan

High School Dropouts Who Became Successful Entrepreneurs

There are many causes of high school dropout. Some of them are mental illness, pregnancy, family problems, drug addiction, and sickness. But despite all the odds, there are a few high school dropouts who become successful in their lives. Below is a list of some of the well-known high school dropouts:

David Karp, the multimillionaire founder of Tumblr
Music stars such as 50 Cent, Jay-Z, and Billy Joel
Drew Barrymore has high-profile acting roles and is a highly successful businesswoman.
George Foreman, an Olympic gold medalist
Uma Thurman is one of Hollywood’s leading female actresses.
Hollywood actors like Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Award-winning filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino and Peter Jackson
Katy Perry is a Christian gospel music singer.
Several other millionaires from the worlds of business, sports, and entertainment are yet to be added to the list.

The conclusion is that it merely requires your high school passing confirmation to do something in life, but your way may become more challenging if you don’t acquire it. However, there are many options that you can look out for after being a high school dropout.

Also Read: Survival Guide For Your Secondary School

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Why do high school students drop out?
Answer 1: Lack of interest, depression, mental health issues, difficulty keeping up with schoolwork, family pressure, and other responsibilities are a few of the major reasons why students leave their education midway.

Question 2: Who drops out of school, most girls or boys?
Answer 2: As per a recent report, it has been found that boys are more likely to drop out of high school than girls. Financial constraints and complex gender issues are some of the reasons why they quit their studies.