My wife and I are not sure what to do with our 17 year old boy - senior in HS. Advice from a professional was that he might not last in college once admitted because he lacks the discipline and study skills to stay there. 31 ACT with a 2.9 GPA paints that story in part. Not yet accountable and focused enough for the rigors of college. Thinking that a PG year would season him better for college and give him a more intimate environment and teach him skills to learn better. He might suffer stigma and self-doubt in short term, but this has to help long term - no? He’s in a public high school, and would have tough time, no doubt, losing the increasing freedoms that his classmates will be picking up in college. Can anyone give me advice on what’s at the crux of the decision what I should do? Thank you.
I’m sure others know but what is PG?
What about AmeriCorps? They are doing good work with disaster relief now. Build discipline while making a difference.
PG = post grad year
PG academics is not a cake walk. Most PGs take college level classes for the entire year.
Lack of focus may mean a lot of things. Have you had him tested for ADHD/ADD?
PG academics is usually not very hard even at the best schools. PGs are most frequently PGs for either athletic exposure OR to raise their grades. In ether case taking college level classes would not do the trick. I think boys are really suffering these days. Everything is happening younger: being designated a star athlete is now 14, not 16 or 17. The enormous volume of work for college: 20 years ago it was GPA and the SAT- now it is that plus two subject tests, APS and a multiple extracurriculars. Girls are more mature than boys (at that age and until early 20s) and so girls are outnumbering boys in college and graduate school. I think a PG year at the right school for the right reason is not a bad idea. I also think a simple GAP year isnt a bad idea but most kids are not yet mature enough to use it wisely or at all.
It’s a good strategy as long as you have the $60K to spend on such strategy.
Indeed… but it could also be the best 60K ever spent.
OP- Take a look at PG programs at Salisbury, Gunnery and Canterbury. All three programs are highly regarded and may fit the bill.
@headisspinning, per @PhotographerMom’s note, my son just started at Salisbury. He’s a freshman, and I can’t say I know anything about the PG program except that it exists, but I’d be happy to share our impressions so far, which are all positive.