Post Graduate Year

I've been hearing about the concept of a 'post-graduate year,' but I'm not really sure what it is. Can someone explain the purpose of taking a post-graduate year, and when would someone do this? It sounds interesting!

A post-graduate year (PG year) is an additional year of study after high school graduation, usually taken before enrolling in college. Students opt for a PG year for various reasons, such as:

1. Academic improvement: If a student feels their high school performance wasn't strong enough for the colleges they're interested in, a PG year can be an opportunity to boost their academic profile and demonstrate their capability to handle college-level work.

2. Athletic development: Some student-athletes take a PG year to improve their skills, gain more exposure, and increase their chances of being recruited by college teams.

3. Gap year alternative: For students who are unsure about their future plans or need more time to explore their interests, a PG year can be a structured alternative to a gap year.

4. Maturity and personal growth: A PG year can provide students with the time and space to develop emotionally, socially, and personally before transitioning to college.

During a PG year, students typically attend a boarding or private school, where they take a mix of high school and college-level courses, participate in extracurricular activities, and gain exposure to different educational environments. This experience not only ideally helps them improve academically but also allows them to build valuable skills, such as time management, self-discipline, and independence.

A PG year is not for everyone, and it's essential to weigh the benefits against the costs (such as tuition and potential delay in college enrollment). However, for some students, a PG year can be a valuable experience that helps them be more prepared for college and their future careers.