Post-graduates (PGs) at WRA are a cohort like no other, yet an essential and important part of our community. Our dedicated program helps our PGs take on another year of high school to enhance their academic, athletic and personal standing with college coaches and programs.
We help our PGs focus on college admission, recruitment, training for athletes, test scores, life skills and leadership opportunities. And as the most senior students on campus, their leadership and maturity is undeniable. Yet there's no mistaking their place in this community as fellow Pioneers and friendly peers. Their connection to Reserve and our community is sincere and palpable, fostered by essential orientation programs and community building, and their time here is enjoyed all while working diligently toward their goals and objectives.
In an effort to make a Western Reserve Academy post-graduate experience possible for talented and motivated students, generous need-based financial aid is available, with the potential of covering up to 75% of the cost of tuition.
Post-Graduate Matriculation
Reasons for a PG Year
- Extend college planning and prep. Maybe you are still not sure which college is right for you or you weren’t happy with your acceptances. A popular reason for taking a PG year is to work more closely with college counselors to find and gain acceptance to the right college for you.
- Pursue a passion. Many students choose to embark on a PG year so they can work on a passion project that may not fit in the regular academic core curriculum.
- Pursue a sport. One of the most common reasons for taking a PG year is to increase physical training and improve chances of being noticed by top college recruiters. This is especially relevant now with NCAA rules changing due to COVID-19. Student-athletes can also use the PG year to expand their skills and talents outside of sports, becoming more well-rounded students.
- Take more advanced academic courses. Maybe you were not able to take advanced courses because they didn’t fit in your senior curriculum. A PG year is a great opportunity to pursue those advanced classes with more support.
- Improve grades. Some PGs will choose to take more advanced classes to improve scores or retake a course to receive a better grade, making them more attractive for a competitive college.
- Prepare for college. By taking a PG year at a boarding school, you will receive greater support from faculty and advisors. PG students will gain knowledge in skills such as time management, school/life balance and social skills, which will prepare them for college and beyond.
Merit Scholarships and Financial Aid
In an effort to make a WRA post-graduate experience possible for talented and motivated students, generous need-based financial aid is available, with the potential of covering up to 75% of the cost of tuition.
High School Transfer and Athletic Eligibility
- WRA is an independent school and does not compete in the Ohio High School State Athletic Association. Transfer students are immediately eligible for full participation in practices and contests regardless of any state association rules.
- A PG year cannot make up for a poor high school transcript, but it can help better prepare students for the academic and athletic college experience and extend the opportunity for recruitment.
- PG athletes are required to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and be aware of any NCAA eligibility issues.