[Kevin OMalley]

Actually, anyone who wants to can sign up to take the GED, and it would be no different for someone signing up for the FR HS diploma. Whoever passes gets to go on to college. Not nearly as complicated as you've made it out to be.

[sam_paine]

But had I not gone to high school, I'd have never learned how to tap a keg for college.

[GSlob]

I was talking about the ability to absorb high school curriculum on highly accelerated schedule. To do that, one needs some mental equipment. To receive way more in allotted time (there were special schools in Russia in 60's, where (IQ) selected children were studying topology and multidimensional geometry at tender ages of 13-14) takes that same equipment. It is from this stuff 14 year old college students are made.
Yes, it is doable (I witnessed it myself), but only with selected pupils; and it takes a highly concentrated effort to do it.

[Smokin' Joe]

Here, they do not allow kids to drop out and take the GED. They are not permitted to take the test until their class would have graduated. THat stinks.