Starting Point: Common Questions & Honest Answers
Thinking about finishing your high school education? You’re in the right place. Let’s start with what you most need to know right now:
First, the cost.
This is completely free for Maine residents. The instruction, the testing, all of it. Some programs might have small material fees, but we’ll explain all that upfront. No surprises.
Second, the schedule.
These programs are designed to work with your schedule. Maine’s adult education programs understand that students balance education with work, family, and other responsibilities. {link to program list} Your local program will work with you to develop a learning plan that fits your needs.
Third, the support.
You won’t be doing this alone. Every program provides support – from experienced teachers and advisors to help with practical needs like computer access or childcare solutions. If there’s a barrier, let’s talk about it. We’ve probably helped someone overcome the same challenge.
Most importantly, we’re going to be direct with you throughout this guide. Adult education isn’t always easy, but it’s absolutely achievable.
We’ll explain exactly what to expect, what’s required, and how we can help you succeed.
Common Beliefs We Need to Address
“Adult Ed Will Be Easier Than High School”
Let’s have an honest conversation about this one. Many students come to us thinking adult education will be an easier path. We hear this a lot, and we understand why – but the reality might surprise you.
Here’s something that often catches people off guard: even students who excelled in high school math sometimes find themselves challenged by HiSET exam questions. This isn’t because we’re trying to make things difficult – it’s because we want your credential to truly mean something when you earn it.
The journey is challenging, and we won’t pretend otherwise. But here’s what makes adult education different: you’re not just another student in a crowded classroom. Our teachers understand adult learners because that’s who they work with every day. They know you might be juggling a job, family, or other responsibilities. They know you might be nervous about certain subjects or worried about being “rusty” with academics.
Your program will be structured to support your success. Need extra help with certain subjects? You’ll get it. Need a schedule that works around your commitments? We’ll help create a plan that fits. The material isn’t easier, but the way you learn it is designed specifically for adults.
“I Need This To Fit My Life”
This is where adult education really shines, especially if you’re juggling work and family. When we say our programs are flexible, we mean we’ll work with you to find solutions that fit your schedule and responsibilities. We’ve helped parents, shift workers, and students from rural areas create learning plans that work for their situations.
Most students complete their credentials in 6-12 months, but that’s not a rule – it’s just an average. We’ve seen highly prepared students finish in weeks, and we’ve supported others who needed two years because of their work schedules or family responsibilities. Your timeline is exactly that: yours.
Your learning plan will be personalized to your needs. You’ll work with teachers who understand adult learners and who will help you stay on track while respecting your other commitments. They’ll provide regular guidance and support to help you progress at a pace that works for you.
Whether you can study every day or only on weekends, we’ll help you find an approach that works. Many of our students started out thinking they’d never have time for this – now they’re graduates.
Understanding Your Options: Two Paths to Success
There are two paths to earning your high school credential in Maine:
- Completing your high school diploma or
- Earning the HiSET
Both are equally valid, both open the same doors, and both are accepted by colleges, employers, and military recruiters. The key is finding which path feels right for you.
The HiSET Path (Formally GED)
Remember the GED? The HiSET is Maine’s newer version of that same idea. It’s a series of five tests that show you’ve mastered high-school-level knowledge. But don’t let the word “test” scare you – this isn’t like those pop quizzes you might remember from school.
Instead, think of the HiSET as a chance to show what you know, one subject at a time. Maybe you’ve always been good with numbers – great, tackle the math test first and get it under your belt. Worried about writing? Take your time preparing for that section while moving forward with others. Every test you pass is a permanent achievement, no matter how long you need between tests.
The HiSET is designed specifically for adults and young adults who are no longer enrolled in high school. To be eligible, you must be at least 17 years old and not currently attending high school. This program isn’t an alternative to completing high school – it’s a path for those who have already left high school and are ready to take their next step forward. The preparation, practice tests, and actual exams are all free, and our teachers will help you prepare until you feel confident.
The High School Diploma Path
If you started high school previously, you can complete your diploma by earning your remaining required credits. The credits you’ve already earned still count – there’s no expiration date. You’ll work with program advisors to determine which requirements you still need to meet.
This path includes regular coursework and assignments rather than large tests. Many students choose this path because they prefer a more traditional learning experience, or because it aligns better with their career or education goals.
Making Your Choice
The best part? You don’t have to figure this out alone.
When you meet with your local program, they’ll review your educational history and goals to help you understand which path might work better for you. Sometimes the choice becomes clear during that conversation. Other times, you might need time to consider your options.
There’s no wrong decision here – just different routes to the same destination.
Real Talk About Time and Commitment
Let’s get straight to one of the biggest questions on your mind: “How long is this really going to take?” The honest answer? It depends on your life, your starting point, and how much time you can commit. But don’t worry – we’ll break this down into real-world terms.
Some students finish in just a few weeks. These are usually folks who walk in with strong academic skills and just need that official credential. Maybe they’ve been helping their kids with homework for years, or their job already requires them to use these skills daily. For them, it’s more about proving what they know than learning new material.
But here’s the reality for most people: completing your credential typically takes 6-12 months. And there’s a good reason for that timeline. Most of us need some time to dust off old skills or build new ones. Maybe you haven’t solved an algebra equation since high school, or perhaps you’ve never written a formal essay. That’s completely normal, and that’s exactly why we’re here.
Think about learning to play an instrument or getting back in shape – you wouldn’t expect to master it overnight, right? Education works the same way. Those 6-12 months give you space to learn at a reasonable pace while keeping up with your regular life. It means you can take an extra week with fractions if you need to, or spend more time practicing your essay writing without falling “behind.”
And if you need up to two years? That’s absolutely fine too. We’ve worked with plenty of students who took longer because life got busy, or because they could only study a few hours each week. Some of our most successful graduates took their time, fitting in lessons between work shifts or after their kids went to bed.
Here’s what matters most: this is your journey. Whether you sprint through it or take the scenic route, we’ll be here to support you. Our teachers have worked with students at every pace and every skill level. They know how to help you find your rhythm and keep moving forward, even when life gets complicated.
Learning Your Way
{link to program list} Each local program offers various learning options designed to help you succeed. Your program will work with you to find the best approach for your learning style and schedule. Some students prefer more structured learning environments, while others benefit from more independent study. What matters is finding the right fit for you.
Your program will include teacher support throughout your journey. Even when you’re studying independently, you’ll never be truly alone in this process. Teachers will check in regularly, answer questions, and help you stay on track.
Since programs across Maine offer different options and resources, be sure to ask your {link to program list} local program about specific learning approaches available in your area. They can explain exactly what support and resources they provide to help you succeed.
Important Questions Answered
“Will This Be Accepted?”
We hear this question a lot, and we love answering it because the news is good. Your credential – whether it’s the HiSET or high school diploma – opens the same doors as any high school diploma. This isn’t a “lesser” option or a second-best choice. It’s a valid, respected credential that proves you’ve mastered high school-level knowledge.
Let’s talk college first. Whether you’re dreaming of a four-year university or interested in a technical program, your credential gets you in the door.
Want to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)? Planning to get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)? Looking at business courses at your local community college? Your credential checks that essential “high school completion” box for all of these paths.
For employers, it’s simple: they’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to learning and their ability to master new skills. Your credential shows both. Many of our graduates have gone on to advance in their current jobs or successfully switch to entirely new careers. Some have even returned to tell us that earning their credential gave them the confidence to pursue opportunities they wouldn’t have considered before.
Military recruiters? They know our programs well. While their specific requirements might vary based on current needs, both the HiSET and high school diploma meet their educational requirements. If you’re considering military service, just let us know – we can help make sure you’re meeting all their specific requirements.
“How Much Does It Really Cost?”
Here’s where adult education in Maine really shines: it’s free. Not “low cost” or “affordable” – free. The instruction, the HiSET testing, the basic study materials, the teacher support, the academic guidance – you don’t pay for any of it.
Now, let’s be completely transparent: programs might have small material fees for certain courses, and occasionally you might want to buy an optional textbook to keep. But we’ll tell you about any potential costs upfront, and we’ll also help you find resources if even these small fees are a barrier. We never want cost to stand between you and your education.
Many programs also offer resources to help you access the technology you need for learning. {link to program list} Your local program can discuss what specific support is available in your area.
“What Support Will I Have?”
Remember how we said you won’t be doing this alone? We meant it. Think of us as your education support team. Our teachers aren’t just subject matter experts – they’re specialists in working with adult learners. They understand that you might be nervous about certain subjects, that you might need to build your confidence, or that you might need extra help in specific areas.
Support goes beyond academics. Programs can often help connect you with resources to address common barriers to education. Whether it’s transportation challenges, childcare needs, or balancing work and school, we can explore solutions together. Sometimes it’s as simple as adjusting your schedule; other times, we might connect you with community resources you didn’t know existed.
Getting Started: Your First Steps Forward
Taking that first step can feel like the hardest part. Maybe you’ve been thinking about this for months or even years. Maybe you’ve looked up programs before but weren’t quite ready to reach out. That’s completely normal, and you’re not alone – many of our most successful graduates tell us they felt the same way.
Finding Your Program
Maine’s adult education programs are available across the state. Each program serves its local community, but they all share the same goal: helping you succeed. The best place to start? Simply find the program closest to you. You don’t have to commit to anything – just reach out and start a conversation.
The First Contact
Let’s be clear about what happens when you first reach out: you’ll talk with someone who’s helped hundreds of people just like you take this step. No pressure, no judgment – just a friendly conversation about what you’re looking for and how we might help. Whether you’re ready to dive in or just gathering information, we’re here to answer your questions.
Planning Your Path Forward
Your first meeting is the beginning of your journey – but don’t worry, we keep it relaxed and focused on you. This meeting is about understanding your goals and starting to gather the information needed to create your learning plan. Here’s what you can expect:
First, we’ll discuss your educational goals and previous experience. We’ll need your past school records to create your complete plan. If you don’t have these records handy, don’t worry – we can help request them from your previous schools. This process might take a few weeks, but it helps us create the most effective plan for you.
During this initial meeting, we’ll talk about:
- Your educational and career goals
- Your previous learning experiences
- Your schedule and time constraints
- Which path might work best for you
- Documents and information we’ll need
- Next steps in the process
Many students tell us they leave this meeting feeling relieved – finally having a clearer picture of how they can make this work. Once we have your records and other needed information, we’ll work together to create a personalized learning plan that fits your needs and circumstances.
Creating Your Learning Plan
After gathering all the necessary information, we’ll work together to develop your complete learning plan. This plan will outline:
- Your chosen path (HiSET or diploma completion)
- Learning approaches that match your style
- Timeline that fits your schedule
- Support services you might need
- Clear steps toward your goal
Remember: every single graduate started exactly where you are right now. They all had that first moment of reaching out, that first conversation, that first step forward. Now it’s your turn – and we’re ready to help you take that step whenever you’re ready.
Your Next Step
Getting your high school credential in Maine is achievable. Whether you choose the HiSET or high school diploma path, you’ll have support every step of the way. Remember:
- It’s free
- Programs work with your schedule
- Support is always available
- Local programs are ready to help
Ready to learn more? Contact your local adult education program today. They’ll answer your questions and help you get started on your path to success.