5 Myths About Going Back to High School

Read time: 4 minutes

Understandably, dropping out of high school can be discouraging and feel like the end, but — it’s not! Thousands of young adults take the brave step of going back every year to finish their education and open doors they once thought were closed.  

If you’ve been out of school for a while, the idea of going back can feel intimidating. Sometimes well-meaning people around us will bring up concerns about returning to school. They may say things like, “It’s too late,” or “Catching up will be too hard.” 

The good news? Most of those concerns can be overcome. Here we’ll set the record straight about these common myths and misperceptions around going back to school. 

Myth #1: “It’s too late for me to finish high school.” 

Truth: It’s never too late to finish. 

Life doesn’t always go according to plan. Maybe you left school due to an unexpected pregnancy, a health condition, a need to work, or because traditional school didn’t fit your needs. That doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance. A program like Grad Solutions is designed for students ages 16–21 who want to earn their high school diploma on a schedule that works for them. 

Think about it—whether you’re 17, 19, or even 21, you still have decades of opportunity ahead of you. Finishing your diploma now is about setting yourself up for a stronger future. Going back isn’t a sign of failure—it’s a sign of courage and determination. 

Myth #2: “I’ll have to start over from the beginning.” 

Truth: You can pick up where you left off. 

One of the biggest fears students have is that going back to school means redoing everything. That’s not true. Most online high school programs will review your transcripts and give you credit for the classes you’ve already passed. Some students can also get elective credit for hours worked in a job.  

The time you previously spent in school isn’t a waste — it’s the start of your comeback. You’ll only need to focus on the classes you still need to graduate. For many students, that can mean finishing faster than ever thought possible. 

Myth #3: “I can’t go back because I need to work.” 

Truth: You can do both if you have flexibility and a plan. 

The reality is that many students returning to school are also working jobs or helping support their families. That’s why flexible programs exist. With online, self-paced courses, you can log in when it works for you — before or after a shift, on weekends, or even during a lunch break. 

Instead of trying to fit your life around school, these programs let school fit around your life. And the best part? Once you earn your diploma, you’ll have access to better-paying jobs and more career paths, which means all the effort now will pay off later. 

Myth #4: “People will judge me for going back.” 

Truth: Most people will respect you for it. 

Going back to school after leaving isn’t something to be embarrassed about—it’s something to be proud of. It shows that you didn’t give up on yourself or your future. 

Most people understand that life can throw curveballs, and many will admire your choice to keep moving forward. In fact, you’ll often find encouragement from family, friends, mentors, and even classmates who know precisely what you’re going through. Choosing to go back isn’t about what anyone else thinks—it’s about what’s best for you. 

Myth #5: “Getting a GED is the same as a diploma.” 

Truth: They’re not the same — a diploma is often seen more positively. 

A GED can be helpful in some situations, but many employers, colleges, and trade schools still prefer a high school diploma. Why? A diploma shows that you’ve completed a wide range of courses and skills.  

Your diploma is proof that you worked through challenges, built study habits, and stayed committed until the end. It’s more than just a piece of paper — it’s a signal to potential employers and colleges that you’re prepared and capable of achieving your goals. 

Overcoming the Myths 

The truth is, the most challenging part about going back to school is taking the first step. Once you do, you’ll realize that all those fears and myths aren’t nearly as big as they seemed. 

At Grad Solutions, students like you are rewriting their stories every day. They’re proving that it’s never too late, they don’t have to start over, and they can balance school with everything else life throws at them. 

If you’ve been holding yourself back because of one of these myths, consider this your sign: you can do it. You’re not behind — you’re right on time to build the future you want.