<p>I can not understand why a student who EXCELS in class, tests, etc would waste a year redoing what they have already done exceptionally well. When I was growing up, this “refreshing” as they call it now, was called “flunking.” Parents now insist it is because “He’s so young” or my favorite, “He’s so short.” Many I know are kids at the top of their class academically, socially, and athletically. Why not spend that time and money on college, a gap year, an exchange term–something that makes you stand out, rather than something that has to be explained?</p>