Woman finds mail-order high school diploma won't get her into college

Paige Parris studies for the national GED exam Wednesday in the Limestone Learning Center cafeteria. She will take the exam July 26 in hopes of earning a high school equivalency diploma. Paige Parris always thought her mail-order high school diploma could be used to get into college.

Now she's out $70 and preparing to take the national GED exam July 26.

Parris is among many students who have attempted to earn their high school degrees over the Internet. She carries a diploma card in her wallet from Cornerstone Christian Correspondence School.

"I just got gypped," Parris said. "It gives you a sense of accomplishment and in reality you haven't earned a thing.."

Parris received the diploma in 1999 after she passed five tests contained in a package she received through the mail. She had dropped out of Gaffney High in the early 1990s so she could follow a boyfriend to live in Texas, she said.

Parris decided to get her state high school diploma after she was denied admission to Limestone College. She hopes to become a teacher by enrolling in the elementary education program.

"Limestone turned down my application. They don't accept Cornerstone diplomas because it's not accredited with the state," Parris said. "I went to the adult education program and figured I would have to take several courses. I was scared to death because I haven't been in school for 15 years."

Parris went to Cherokee County Adult Education so she could see about earning a regular high school diploma. She scored well enough on the practice GED that she was allowed to go directly to the national GED exam in an effort to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

The GED Tests measure the academic skills and knowledge expected of high school graduates. To ensure rigor, the exam is designed so 65 percent of high school students can pass the GED.

"It will take a couple of weeks before I receive my scores back on the GED exam," she said. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I will be able to attend Limestone College this fall. I plan to continue working full-time and take evening classes in the college's Block Program three nights a week."

Parris said she has learned a valuable lesson about programs promising a high school diploma in just a few weeks.

"As the saying goes, buyer beware. I thought my diploma from Cornerstone would allow me to go to college so I could start a career," Parris said. "The diploma isn't worth the ink it has been printed on."