I just want to second everyone who is saying that a GED is nothing to be ashamed of. I myself got a GED when I was 17 after having to miss school due to some health issues and realizing that the idea of another two years of high school before graduating at 19 was just unbearable (I also did not have a good time at my high school). For millions of people who just could not do high school when they were in their late teens for whatever reason, it is a doorway to a better world (in my case, that meant college ASAP).
I can also attest that it is a real test that shows that you are at least familiar with what is generally covered in the high school curriculum.
