What is an Interim Year?

An Interim Year is a year after graduating from high school and before going on to college in which students choose alternatives to mainstream education. It's a time to recharge, rethink and participate in opportunities that might include work, travel, internships and community service, or even academic programs in new settings. Some are semester long, while others are year-long options. It is recommended that PA students work with their college counselors to apply to colleges and then defer their enrollment. Most colleges are very open to deferment, especially when the student is able to present a well-planned and thought-out INTERIM Year program. Many past PA graduates have done Interim Year. A study shows that almost without exception they not only have benefited, but have been very enthusiastic about this opportunity and gone on to their college experiences greatly energized and focused. In the classes of '98 and '99, there were 23 students who participated in Interim Year.

How to plan an Interim Year program at Phillips

1. Discuss the Interim Year option with your college counselor, who will help you get started.

2. Visit the Interim Year Opportunities Office on the 3rd floor of George Washington Hall, open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

3. Make an appointment with the director, Roxanne Barry, who will discuss the many options and help you start research to plan an exciting year.

4. Read through the testimonials.

5. Search 400 entries of TIME OUT database in Phillips Academy Computer Center (PACC.)

6. Contact one of the following organizations that plan interim years:

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