FAQ

A post-graduate (PG) year refers to an 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.

In other words, this type of gap year allows students to grow their skills, academically or socially, to better prepare for college.

• Extend college planning - 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 right away, 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 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.

• Improve grades- Some students choose to retake courses or take classes to improve their SAT scores. Taking this additional year to improve grades can be a great advantage to get into more competitive schools.

• Prepare for college. A PG year at Diamond Football Academy provides a college structure but with greater support from coaches and staff. Students can practice skills such as time management, school/life balance, and social skills crucial to success in college and beyond.

Some of the most common reasons for an athlete to attend Diamond Football Academy is if they:

· Need further development as an athlete.

· Need further physical growth and development.

· Need to raise GPA for NCAA or a specific school.

· Need to raise SAT or ACT for NCAA or a specific school.

· Need exposure at a higher level of competition.

· Unhappy with college choices coming out of high school.

Here are a few things to consider about a postgraduate education:

• It's challenging- The postgraduate 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.

• It's not for everyone- It's important to consider that a gap year, especially a postgraduate year, may not be for everyone. If you're considering a postgraduate year, it's important to take into account the advantage and disadvantages in relation to your main focus area.

• It's what you make it- 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 gap years 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 the PG year- From liberal arts colleges to Ivy League across the nation, the PG year is typically an indicator to college admissions teams that students are serious about their growth. The benefits of a postgraduate year usually include an all-around better candidate and future student.

Most candidates who are considering a PG year are also considering college choices. The earlier you begin the process, the better. PG programs' spots are even more limited than most colleges because there are many, many more colleges than PG programs. The number of PG candidates is far greater than the number of spots available on a national basis. Click here to apply today!!!

There are many advantages to taking a gap year, especially a postgraduate year at an independent school like Diamond Football Academy. Commonly discussed advantages include:

• Academic improvement

• Increased athletic opportunities

• Greater social, emotional, and mental development

However, the biggest advantage of the PG year at Diamond Football Academy is simple: growth.

Research shows that more than 90% of students who have taken a gap year say it:

• Helped them develop as a person

• Allowed time for personal reflection

• Increased maturity

• Increased self-confidence

• Developed communication skills