Make the MOST of Your Winter Break

Winter break can be a valuable window of time to get ahead.

Whether you’re a freshman just getting your footing in high school or a senior in the final stretch of applications, there are meaningful steps you can take during these weeks off.

Below, we break down what you can do over winter break by grade level to strengthen your academic profile and shape your future plans.

Seniors: The Holiday Crunch

By now, you’re deep into the college application process - many of you have submitted early applications, are waiting on decisions, or are finalizing your regular decision applications. Winter break provides a much-needed pause to tie up loose ends and ensure you’re putting your best foot forward.

1. Finish College Essays: If you still have lingering essays, take advantage of your newfound free time to focus solely on drafting and polishing. Without day-to-day school responsibilities, you can revise thoroughly, seek feedback from trusted family members, and refine your narrative. A well-crafted essay can make a significant impact on admissions officers.

2. Double-Check Application Materials: Proofread everything - transcripts, resumes, essays, and even your contact info. Small errors can leave a poor impression. Also, confirm that you’ve met each college’s specific requirements. A quick review could save you from a missing document or a missed deadline.

3. Submit Applications Early: Regular decision deadlines often loom on January 1. Don’t wait until December 31 to click "submit." Give yourself a buffer to avoid technical glitches that inevitably strike at peak times. Submitting early reduces stress and safeguards your application from preventable delays.

4. Consider Adding a Safety School: If your college list is missing a financial or academic safety, now’s your chance. Some colleges still accept applications past January 1 or offer rolling admissions. A safety school increases your odds of having solid options come spring.

5. Write Thank-You Notes: Think about the teachers, counselors, and mentors who supported your application journey through recommendations and guidance. A handwritten thank-you note not only expresses gratitude but helps maintain strong relationships as you head toward graduation.

6. Apply for Scholarships: Many scholarship deadlines fall in December or early January. Spend a few hours researching opportunities, polishing essays, and submitting materials. Free money for college never goes out of style.

7. Revisit Colleges (If Possible): If travel and timing work out, consider another visit—this time on your own terms. Wander around campus without an agenda, sit in a café, and get a better feel for the environment you might soon call home.

8. Take a Well-Deserved Break: Burnout is real. Carve out time to decompress and enjoy holiday festivities. Just balance rest with productivity: set aside a few hours each day or week for applications, then give yourself permission to recharge.

Juniors: Laying the Groundwork

Junior year is known for its academic rigor. By winter break, you’ve likely pushed through challenging coursework, standardized tests, and extracurricular commitments. Now’s a great time to set the stage for a smoother senior year.

1. Research Colleges for Your List: Use these quiet weeks to explore college websites, virtual tours, and social media channels. Note what appeals to you: academic programs, campus culture, student organizations. Create a preliminary college list and sign up for mailing lists to show interest.

2. Investigate Potential Majors and Careers: Not sure what you want to study? Research majors and career paths online. Follow role models, read about various fields, or consider shadowing a professional over break if possible. This exploration helps you understand how college can prepare you for a meaningful future.

3. Volunteer or Engage in Community Service: Colleges appreciate students who show commitment to something beyond themselves. Winter break is a perfect time to volunteer at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community center. Demonstrating genuine involvement in a cause you care about enriches your application.

4. Focus on Health and Well-Being: Your academic future is bright, but it’s even brighter when you’re healthy and balanced. Use this break to catch up on sleep, exercise, and practice mindfulness. A well-rested, mentally strong version of yourself is better prepared to tackle upcoming challenges.

5. Start Making Travel Plans: If possible, plan spring or summer visits to campuses on your list. Knowing where you’ll go and when can alleviate stress later on and give you tangible goals to look forward to.

Sophomores and Freshmen : Building Your Profile

As a sophomore, you’re not yet in the crunch time of applications, but you are laying important groundwork. The actions you take now will help shape a strong academic and extracurricular profile.

1. Research Summer Programs: Use the winter break to discover summer programs, academic camps, or internships that align with your passions. Many have early deadlines - getting a jump now can secure your spot in a life-changing summer opportunity.

2. Explore Academic Interests More Deeply: Identify subjects you’re genuinely excited about. Find related online courses, lectures, or TED Talks that broaden your understanding. This exploration can guide you toward future AP classes or extracurriculars that align with your interests.

3. Refine Study Habits: Now’s a good time to reflect on your first semester’s performance and consider small tweaks to your study habits, time management, or organizational strategies. Strong academic routines now mean less stress junior and senior year.

4. Strengthen Extracurricular Commitments: Use the break to make progress in clubs, activities, or personal projects. Perhaps you can plan next semester’s club events, prepare for a competition, or start a long-term volunteer project. Showing consistency and leadership will pay off down the line.

No matter what grade you’re in, don’t forget that winter break is still a break. The goal is to be productive without running yourself ragged. Dedicate a few hours a week to these tasks, then reward yourself with time off to watch movies, enjoy festive meals, and catch up with friends and family.

By making the most of winter break, you’ll head into the new year feeling more prepared.

Best of luck,
Melina Kazanas

P.S. - Have a high-performing high schooler w/ a 3.7 GPA or higher? We'll help get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges...and if we don't get them into at least one of their top 5 dream colleges, you don't pay us a penny.  Seriously.  College admissions isn't rocket science...but it is a science.  And we've cracked the code...year, after year, after year.  You can learn more about our world renowned all-inclusive, start-to-finish college coaching here and to see if your family qualifies for an introductory call.

P.P.S - Our most common question is "When should we start?!"  The answer is, if you truly care about giving your high schooler the best chance of college planning success, you should start NOW. 9th grade is not too early to start! 10th grade is certainly not too early to start! And 11th grade is far, far too late! (supporting data here to show just how much of an advantage you give your child by starting the process early).