I suggest you talk to the college counselor at your current school about the logistics. Regardless you are taking PG or gap year, the college application starts very soon after you start your final year in the fall. I know many who take a gap year already have an admission (or an “unwritten one”). As for PG, it makes sense for some athletes. It may make sense to you too but you should talk to a prep school counselor before taking any actions.
BTW, is it hard to get in the PG programs offered at prestigious boarding schools such as Andover or Exeter? What do they require?
Most PGs are athletes. But I know one who was homeschooled for many years, and wanted a year of formal schooling before college. There are GAP year fairs (like college fairs) to get some ideas - http://usagapyearfairs.org/ - looks like there is information on their website as well. Talk to your current college counselor for ideas too.
@axlethetraveller we have some experience with gap years. Our son did not receive the admission offers we wanted for college. He decided to take a gap year with no back up school. We worked with an independent college counselor to identify the gaps in our sons profile. They suggested he take additional sat subject tests and sign up for an advanced online course in a specific area. They helped us define the best schools for fit.
He had to reapply to colleges in the fall after his senior year. He also got his first job and used that experience to write much better essays- the counselor helped with topic selection, proof reading etc. He ended up with acceptances to the 3 schools he applied to. He just headed back for his sophomore year at the school he selected. He had been placed on the wait list for this school the year prior. He enjoyed his gap year and hasn’t had any issues with age differences with peers.
@MA2012 That website is really useful. Thank you a lot! Really really appreciate it 