Post-Graduate Students
Often times when visiting an independent school with postgraduate programs, students and families remark that it feels like visiting a college campus. It’s true! Many of the same resources and opportunities exist, however, our environment is designed with more structure and support than colleges.
For many postgraduates, a year at Tilton provides them an opportunity to improve their academic skillset in preparation for the more rigorous expectations of college. For others, a postgraduate year allows them to develop greater maturity and self-sufficiency.
At boarding school, without guidance from parents, post-graduate students learn to advocate for themselves, better manage their time, and take care of personal items like finances, laundry, and interpersonal relationships. But don’t worry: a team of adults including dorm parents, advisors, and teachers support a powerful system of guidance for every student at Tilton.
Special Resources for PG Students and Families
At Tilton, PGs are asked to articulate clear goals for themselves—particularly with regard to college planning. Our process is particularly well informed when it comes to athletic placements at colleges.
Sara '19, Dominican Republic
Being at Tilton was an unforgettable experience. I made great friendships with people from all over the world; I started being more comfortable with myself and challenged myself to learn a new sport. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when I decided to attend school so far away from home. I now have so many close friends here and Tilton feels like my home.
The Benefits of a Post-graduate Year
Personalized Guidance
Both Tilton’s College Counseling program and the advisory program start by targeting the goals for each postgraduate students experience.
Each student works with a college counselor on course selection, NCAA clearinghouse standards, college placement, and applications. Students meet with weekly in their advisory groups of 6-8 students and on an individual basis. Advisors are a resource for academic program questions, tips on navigating life on campus, and to provide a bit of parenting wisdom from time to time!
Academic Focus and Maturity
A postgraduate year can improve a student’s academic profile significantly. Coupled with the maturity and character development that comes from an extra academic year, postgraduate students build their academic skills and are able to showcase their strengths. Tilton School provides opportunities for students to compete athletically, travel for community service, and participate in independent learning experiences with the guidance of faculty mentors.
Athletic Development
Tilton School athletics provide an opportunity to refine sports and competitive skills in preparation for college athletics. PG’s extra year of training helps improve strength, agility, and overall mastery of a sport—and often, an extra year of growth can dramatically improve a players overall physicality on the field or ice.