A postgraduate year, or PG year, is an extra year of high school taken after a student has already earned a diploma, usually at an independent boarding school. Students take a full course load, often play a sport and apply to college during that year. It tends to fit students who need more academic maturity, athletic development or time before college.
How a PG year works
- The student has graduated. The PG year does not replace a diploma; it adds a year of coursework and a new transcript on top of it.
- Most programs are at boarding schools. Students live on campus with structured study hours, which is part of the appeal. See starting boarding school and boarding vs day school.
- Spots are limited. Schools that accept PG students usually take a small group each year.
- College applications happen during the year. Students apply in the fall and winter with their high school record plus first-semester PG grades.
- Cost is similar to a year of boarding school. Some schools offer need-based aid; ask each school directly.
Who usually takes a PG year, and why
Families consider a PG year for a handful of common reasons:
- Athletic development. A student who needs another year of growth, training or exposure to college coaches.
- Academic maturity. A student whose grades rose late, or who wants to show colleges a stronger record in more demanding courses.
- Age and readiness. A young graduate who would benefit from a year of growing up in a structured setting before living independently.
- A stronger application. A student who wants another round of applications with a fuller record and new recommendations.
A PG year is not a fix for every situation. If a student is struggling with mood, substance use or motivation that has lasted months, a new school alone rarely solves it, and a licensed professional is the right first step. In a crisis, call or text 988.
A note for athletes
College athletic eligibility rules govern how and when high school courses count and how much time a student has to compete. A PG year can affect that picture. Before committing, talk with the college coaches recruiting the student and read the current rules from the relevant athletics association. Our college athletic eligibility guide explains the basics, and academy athletes and school covers training-heavy schedules.
PG year vs gap year vs community college
PG year
Full-time, structured, residential coursework with college counseling built in. Best for students who want another year inside a school system. The cost is significant.
Gap year
A year of work, service, travel or training outside school, often after deferring a college admission. Best for students who need a break from classes and a chance to build independence. See gap year vs college right away and deferring college for a gap year.
Community college
College credit at a lower cost, while living at home, with a path to transfer later. Best for students who are ready for college work but not for leaving home or paying four-year tuition. See starting at community college.
How to decide
- Name the goal. Athletic recruiting, a stronger transcript, maturity and independence point to different options.
- Ask the student. A PG year only works if the student wants it. Another year of high school can feel like a step backward to some teens.
- Talk to the current school counselor. They can speak to how colleges have viewed past PG students.
- Check timing. Many schools set winter application deadlines, and some accept PG students on a rolling basis into spring. Visit or interview if you can.
- Compare cost against outcome. Weigh what the year buys against community college or a well-planned gap year. Our gap year ideas page has lower-cost options.
Where a mentor helps
Whichever path a student takes, the year after high school goes better with a plan and someone to check in with. A mentor helps a student set goals for the year, keep up with applications and build the independence college will require, by video from anywhere in the country. For a student still in high school or a PG year, a parent or guardian joins the intro call, agrees goals and gets regular progress updates. Learn about gap year mentoring or mentoring for boarding school students.
Related
- Paths after high school
- Starting community college
- How to build a college list
- All education guides
- Applying to BFA and Conservatory Programs: A Timeline for Families
- High School Midterms: How to Prepare Without Cramming
Common questions
Is a PG year the same as repeating senior year?
No. The student has already graduated and keeps the diploma. The PG year adds courses and a new transcript rather than replacing the old one.
Do colleges look favorably on a PG year?
It depends on the student and how the year is used. A clear reason and strong grades during the year help; ask the PG school how past students have fared.
Can you do a PG year at a day school?
Some day schools accept PG students, but most programs are at boarding schools. Ask schools in your area directly.
When should families start looking at PG programs?
Usually in the fall or early winter of senior year, since many schools have winter deadlines. Some keep spots open later on a rolling basis.
Get started
Want help planning the year after high school? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.