Choosing a postgraduate year at Putney provides high school graduates with the opportunity to build a bridge between high school and college. It gives students an additional year to refine their skills, explore focused disciplines, and deepen their understanding of specific fields before taking their next steps.
Postgraduate Admission
Our postgraduate program is carefully designed to provide personalized guidance and support as you pursue your academic goals.
With guidance from your advisor, the college office, and the academic dean, you will be able to create a program that meets your specific needs while benefiting from the individualized attention and support that is integral to the Putney experience. A postgraduate year allows students to grow academically, socially, and personally in Putney’s dynamic and supportive environment. Students can design a schedule by choosing from a variety of courses that reflect their interests and aspirations, allowing them to explore new subjects or build on existing strengths.
Optional Individual Design
Postgraduate students at Putney will also have the opportunity to design and apply for a personalized, specialized program while being part of a supportive residential community. If approved, this can happen during the winter, spring, or both trimesters. Students have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a chosen field such as in the arts, farming, sustainability, or science, tailoring their studies to reflect their passions and goals. Whether exploring creative expression in a studio, engaging in hands-on work on the farm, or delving into environmental and scientific research, students can deeply connect with their chosen fields.
These programs feature a personally designed curriculum, combining advanced coursework, hands-on experiences, and an interdisciplinary approach. Students work closely with mentors to design a course of study that reflects their chosen field, whether it be a solo art exhibition, a scientific research paper, a sustainable farming plan, or a self-defined project that merges diverse interests. This winter and spring immersion will develop the student’s expertise in a given field, but it will also develop critical thinking, project management, and communication skills—preparing students for college or career readiness.
College Counseling
Whether you plan to apply to college for the first time or reapply, you will be scheduled in weekly meetings with a College Counselor who will work closely with you and guide you through the college application process. Your College Counselor will work with you on all aspects of your college application process. They will help you find colleges that match your specific needs and work by your side as you develop your essays and application materials.
Being part of the Putney community, students will live and learn together, participate in shared activities, and form lifelong friendships. This year offers a balance of academic exploration, personal development, and independence, equipping students with the confidence and skills needed to navigate the next steps in their journey.
Residential Life and Community
Living in a close-knit residential environment fosters collaboration, connection, and personal growth. The postgraduate student’s sense of belonging will be enhanced through Putney’s shared activities in our work, afternoon, and evening arts programs, as well as our community events. This balance of focused study and communal living provides an ideal setting for self-discovery, intellectual growth, and preparation for future academic or professional endeavors.