WHY EXPLORE A POSTGRADUATE GAP YEAR?
“The more that you read, the more things you will know, the more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
Many are familiar with the idea of a gap year after high school graduation. Although little data is kept on the exact number of students taking a gap year, sources report that gap years' popularity has been on the rise over the past few years.
Many students who graduate from a private high school take part in a post-graduate year yielding greater growth, understanding, and opportunity.
WHAT IS A POST-GRADUATE YEAR
A postgraduate (PG) year refers to the academically-minded gap year spent at a private or independent school, after high school graduation, in order to strengthen candidacy for admission and potential for success in college. This type of gap year allows students to further cultivate their skills, academically, athletically, or socially, to better prepare for college.
WHAT TO KNOW
Before applying to a PG program, there are a few things to consider about a postgraduate education:
CHALLENGING
The PG year is meant to build academic ability and character; therefore, programs tend to be more challenging than some may expect coming out of a high school environment. At the same time, your friends may be going off to college at this time, which can create more of a mental and emotional challenge.
UNIQUE TO YOU
A postgraduate gap year is a big decision - and the decision should come from you, the student. Your gap year experience is what you make it; no two are alike and you shouldn't be guided or influenced by what your peers are doing. The postgraduate year is most rewarding when you focus on your own personal growth and goals.
COLLEGES LOVE IT
From liberal arts colleges to Ivy League across the nation, the PG year is typically an indicator to college admissions that students are serious about their growth. The benefits of a postgraduate year usually include an all-around better candidate and future student.
WHY TO PURSUE A POST-GRADUATE YEAR
There are many reasons that high school graduates may choose to pursue a PG year. Traditionally, a PG year at a private school was pursued by male athletes looking to cultivate their skills to improve recruitment opportunities. Today, PG years are pursued by all for several other reasons.
REASONS TO PURSUE A POST-GRADUATE YEAR
EXTEND THE COLLEGE PLANNING PROCESS.
Whether it’s because you’re unsure of which college is right for you or because you didn’t get into the college of your choice initially, a popular reason for taking a PG year at an independent school is to continue working with college counselors to find and get accepted to the right college for you.
PURSUE A PASSION
You may choose to use the year beyond high school to study fine arts, languages, or even work on research projects that are not directly related to the academic curriculum.
PURSUE A SPORT
Many students still choose to pursue a PG year to increase their physical training and get noticed by top college recruiters. As recommended by legendary Yale Head Coach Jim Wilson, student-athletes can (and should!) use this additional year to become more well-rounded scholars; cultivating skills, talents, and interests beyond sports.
TAKE MORE ADVANCED ACADEMIC COURSES
The postgraduate year is a great opportunity to take courses that may not fit in your senior curriculum. It is the perfect time to take advanced classes.
IMPROVE GRADES
Taking academic classes doesn't always mean more advanced courses. Some students choose to retake courses or take classes that will help them improve their SAT scores. Either way, taking this additional year to improve grades can be a great advantage to get into more competitive schools.
PREPARE FOR COLLEGE
A PG year provides the structure of a college, but with greater support from teachers and mentors. Students are able to practices skills such as time management, school/life balance, and social skills that are crucial to success in college and beyond.
BENEFITS OF A POST-GRADUATE YEAR
Commonly discussed advantages include:
· Extended college readiness
· Academic improvement
· Potentially increased athletic opportunities
· Greater social, emotional, and mental development
· However, the biggest advantage to the PG year is simple: growth.
No matter what your main focus is, the tight-knit community of a postgraduate education will help you learn and grow in a collaborative environment, tackle challenges with confidence, and explore new subjects you may have never considered.
WHERE TO TAKE A POST-GRADUATE YEAR
Many students choose to consider their postgraduate year at the same independent school where they completed their high school education. This is especially common for athletes, since there is some familiarity with the program and faculty.
However, it's perfectly common for students to choose a different school at which to pursue their PG year, especially if they're looking for a wider variety of courses. Other students choose schools that are a better fit with their core interests. For example, a student may choose to spend their gap year at a military school, a boarding school in another country, or a school whose geographic area is a better fit for cultivating their interests.
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