How a Post-Graduate Year at Boarding School Helps You in College

Taking a gap year after high school graduation is nothing new, although it’s more prevalent among European and Australian than American students. According to the Gap Year Association, about 2.6% of the U.S. Class of 2023 took a break before pursuing higher education. 

Some graduates opt for volunteer or cultural immersion programs, but others spend that “13th grade” focusing on academics. These students recognize that a dedicated academic year can improve grades and test scores, foster a sense of independence, and refine essential writing and study skills. Some who pursue this option are also athletes who use this time to improve their chosen sport.

A postgraduate (PG) year at a boarding school is an excellent option for these students. According to Boarding School Review, just under 2,000 U.S., Canadian, and European students enroll each year in PG programs. These students actively participate in varsity sports and extracurricular activities while benefitting from personalized guidance from the school’s college counselors. It’s a unique experience that provides a structured environment for academic growth and personal development before heading to college or university.

The history of PG programs

PG programs at boarding schools have a long history, dating back over 50 years. Initially, these programs catered to male students who often had specific goals, like improving their athletic, academic, and study skills. While these objectives remain important, the number of young women enrolling in these programs has increased significantly. An increasingly competitive college admissions landscape has inspired young men and women to take advantage of a PG year, which can help improve their chances of gaining acceptance into a top-tier college.

Public schools don’t offer PG years — only boarding schools. Historically, if a high school student suffered some kind of setback, like an illness or sports-related injury, or simply didn’t have the academic standing necessary to get into one of the Ivy League schools, they’d stick around at the boarding school for an extra year. 

Top boarding school cohorts have three groups:

• Lowers: 9th and 10th graders
• Uppers: 11th and 12th graders
• PGs: High school graduates retaking 12th grade (there’s no official 13th grade designation, but “repeating” 12th grade gives students the flexibility to take classes that didn’t fit into their schedule during senior year)

Boarding schools offer flexible curricula where students in different grades can take a mix of classes; however, advanced courses have prerequisites. A typical course numbering system mirrors many college curricula, with 100-level for 9th grade, 200-level for 10th grade, etc., up to 600-level for second-year college courses.

PG students often take a mix of advanced 500- and 600-level courses and 300- or 400-level classes that interest them. While some boarding schools offer AP or IB courses, many emphasize their own challenging 500- and 600-level courses, which match AP/IB classes in rigorousness.

Why enroll in a PG program

PG programs offer a valuable opportunity for students to grow and prepare for college.

Academics

Some students benefit from more time to strengthen their academic foundation. Maybe they were late bloomers in high school and didn’t reach their full potential. Others may need to improve grades and test scores to increase their competitiveness in the college admissions process.

Sports

Aspiring college athletes gain time to refine their skills, compete at a higher level, and increase their visibility to college recruiters. Improving their athletic performance can also create additional opportunities to win scholarship aid — including a full-ride covering tuition, room, and board. 

Personal 

Some students benefit from an extra year to develop greater independence and maturity in a supportive environment that helps them adapt to living away from home and develop essential life skills. 

College admissions

PG years can enhance college applications by enabling students to improve their academic profile and increase competitiveness while receiving personalized guidance from the boarding school’s experienced college counselors.

Is a PG year right for you?

The first step in deciding whether to apply for a PG year is clearly defining your goals. Are you interested in improving your academic performance, developing your athletic abilities, or growing personally? Many students who’ve faced health issues, family disruptions, or other significant challenges also find PG years a helpful next step before heading to college.

A PG year gives you the freedom to focus on your individual goals, pursue challenging coursework — and classes of interest to you — and engage in a more deliberate college search process. The extra year of focused learning and personal development often results in greater academic success and increased satisfaction once you do begin your college journey.

The spring semester of your junior year of high school is the perfect time to explore the potential benefits of a PG year. By now, you have a clear understanding of your academic progress and can evaluate whether a PG year aligns with your future goals. Talk to parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, and even educational consultants while evaluating this option. 

The biggest challenge families face with a PG year? The cost. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual tuition, room and board for boarding schools across the country in 2024 was $69,150. But many schools offer financial assistance, including grants and scholarships, so if you think that a “grade 13” will set you up for future success, it’s still worth exploring the PG year option.

Want more tips and insights? Check out our full Guide to College Admissions here.