Before entering into high school, students across the country are given the option to decide between an advanced or standard diploma. An advanced diploma encourages students to go the extra mile, selecting advanced classes with a greater emphasis on educational courses. In contrast, a standard diploma keeps the minimum education requirement while promoting students to enroll in classes that focus less on education and more on elective courses. While a standard diploma removes some of the academic pressure students face, the advantages of an advanced diploma are worth the extra academic stress.

In order for students to earn an advanced diploma, they must earn 26 class credits opposed to the 22 credits required for a standard diploma. These credits are organized and a wide range of categories, the main difference being students choosing an advanced diploma must complete more core academic requirements.

For example, an advanced diploma requires the completion of three or more language credits. In contrast, a standard diploma does not require the completion of world language credits, and instead pushes students more towards classes in the fine arts as well as career and technical education courses. While students who aim to earn an advanced diploma have the ability to take these additional courses, they would have less space in their schedule to do so, increasing academic stress and workload.

While colleges and universities may not require students to have obtained an advanced diploma, oftentimes, they look at the individual academic rigor required for individual courses, such as Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors classes. Participation in these important courses can be the deciding factor for admission into many colleges, an advanced diploma encourages students to commit to completing more challenging courses. In turn, making their application more appealing to college admissions officers.

Even if a student does not intend on going to college after high school, an advanced diploma demonstrates a students’ hard working attitude making them a more appealing candidate to potential employers.

While the decision of choosing an advanced or standard diploma depends on individual needs, an advanced diploma demonstrates the hard work and dedication reflected in a students’ academic choices.