General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Another side of Andy Borowitz [View all]PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,930 posts)should be the GRE. A student passes that, they get the GRE and essentially an exit school certificate.
Those who take more than what's required for the GRE get a different kind of diploma, depending on what they've taken.
Of course colleges understand these things. That's why AP courses, and especially AP exams, mean a lot to colleges.
The other thing that's not talked about enough is vocational education. Not all kids can or should go to college. We need people in the trades. And there's NOTHING wrong with being a plumber or an electrician or a garage door installer. I understand there are actually serious shortages in some trades because all kids, even the ones who have no business doing so, are encouraged to go to a four year college. Grrrr!
Many times, when I talk to bright young people heading off to college, I tell them to go ahead and major in whatever field they want. But do NOT forget that at the end they're going to have to get a job and support themselves. Not sure if I've ever had any kind of effect on any of them, but I still do my best.