<human>: To keep this short, I was really irresponsible when I was a teenager, and stopped going to high school in my senior year. I'm now 26, and looking to advance my career to the next level, but the barrier for entry to most of these positions seems to be a bachelors' degree in business or higher. I've only gotten as far as I have in life by lying on applications and resumes and saying I have a high school diploma. I consider myself intelligent enough, and could probably pass a GED test without much recap study if need be, but I don't know where to begin.

Considering I was only a few credits shy of graduation, would I be able to somehow get a legitimate high school diploma where I went? Or would a GED class be a requirement? Will any colleges (not looking for prestige, probably community college) accept an intelligent applicant without high school equivalency? I've put this off for such a long time, and it seems very overwhelming to me, but there will never be a better time than now for me to get it over with! Any advice is greatly appreciated! If it helps, I live in Washington State

Can you give me a shortened version of the text?
<bot>: Washington State resident, dropped out a few credits shy of high school graduation, seeking best course of action to achieve end result of Bachelor's degree in business.