Why Should Students Finish High School?

According to the National Dropout Prevention Center, “high school dropouts are four times as likely to be unemployed as those who have completed four or more years of college.” If you want to improve the quality of your life and be a contributing citizen to society, you should finish high school. High school provides you with basic educational and social skills you will need to face life challenges. By finishing high school, you will have a diploma to show prospective college admission counselors and employers that you are dedicated to achieving your goals.

Social Responsibility

High school provides you with opportunities to learn and practice social responsibility. Classes help you develop an understanding of social issues that plague society, and give you a chance to examine your values, beliefs and behaviors, develop sensitivity for others and learn how to resolve conflicts without violence. Classes and extra-curricular activities also provide you with opportunities to learn how to interact with diverse populations, practice tolerance and accept leadership roles. By finishing high school, you will be better prepared to work with others to achieve common goals and to serve society without adversely harming others.

Problem Solving

Finishing high school improves your thinking and problem solving skills and it shows others that you can follow projects through to the end. The courses you take in high school are designed to challenge and enhance your critical thinking abilities. Finishing high school equips you with the problem solving skills and persistence that will empower you to make positive changes in your life, workplace and society.

Higher Education

A high school diploma indicates that you have satisfactorily completed your general education coursework. It is much harder to get into college if you don't have a high school diploma, since colleges review your high school transcript to verify that you have met all of your general education requirements. If you finish high school and acquire a diploma, you will have the fundamental background knowledge and skills you need to pursue higher education for your chosen career. Skills such as problem-solving, oral communication, written communication and computer skills are important for college and career success. Many entry-level careers require a college degree.

Employment

High school graduates typically have better earning and employment opportunities than high school drop-outs. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “In 2010, the median of earnings for young adults with a bachelor's degree was $45,000, while the median was $21,000 for those without a high school diploma or its equivalent, $29,900 for those with a high school diploma or its equivalent, and $37,000 for those with an associate's degree." As a high school graduate, your promotion opportunities are greater than those who drop out of high school because you have knowledge and skills to offer employers. Even if you do not have experience, many employers are more likely to offer you employment and provide training if you have a high school diploma because you've demonstrated a certain level of perseverance and competence.