When you’re sick and tired of school, it can be tempting to just do the minimum. But when it comes to graduating, having an Advanced Studies Diploma can really help, whether you’re planning to go to college or jump straight into the workforce. Many jobs and schools look for students with this diploma because it shows they have met higher academic standards.
Getting an Advanced Studies Diploma takes commitment. You need to earn a total of 26 credits, including five verified credits. These come from passing your classes and SOL tests. The breakdown includes four English credits, four math credits, four science credits, and four history credits. You’ll also need three world language credits, two P.E. credits, three electives, one personal finance credit, and one fine arts or technical education credit.
Having an Advanced Studies Diploma opens the door to more job opportunities, especially in fields that require specialized training or knowledge. Careers in healthcare, engineering, and skilled trades often look for people with these diplomas. Jobs like software developer or electrical engineer are examples of jobs that require an Advanced Studies Diploma, but that can lead to higher pay and more stable futures.
“Advanced diplomas help you gain advantages in life that allow you to pursue many different things that you’d like to do, such as faster career entry, specialized knowledge, and increased earning potential for jobs,” said senior DeAndre McCloud.
Earning an Advanced Studies Diploma also helps you grow as a person. “It can help with personal growth and boost your confidence, showing everyone that you are capable of doing more, and how hard you really worked toward getting the diploma,” said junior Carson Melton.
About half of FCHS students earn advanced diplomas. While both diploma types require you to take core classes like English, math, science, and history, the Advanced Studies Diploma requires more credits overall, and also involves taking more electives and language courses.
“The main difference is that you need 26 credits for the Advanced Studies Diploma, and only 22 for the standard one,” said school counselor Chris Roberson. “You also have to take sequential electives—two related classes in the same subject that build on each other—and show skills in the 5 C’s: critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, and citizenship.”
Even if you’re not a freshman, it’s not too late to make the push for earning an Advanced Studies Diploma. For more information, make an appointment to see your FCHS counselor.
