A dropout is someone who leaves school before completing their high school education, while a GED recipient is someone who has demonstrated their knowledge and skills at a level comparable to a high school graduate by passing a battery of tests covering the subject areas typically taught in high school.

While some people who earn a GED may have dropped out of high school, many others may have left school due to extenuating circumstances such as illness or family obligations, and still others may have completed their education through alternative means such as homeschooling or online learning.

It is important to recognize that earning a GED is a significant achievement and provides individuals with greater opportunities for employment and further education.