Making the Most of Thanksgiving Break: College Admissions Tips for High School Seniors
Thanksgiving break is here - a time for family, food, and...college applications?
While it’s important to relax and enjoy the holiday, Thanksgiving week offers a valuable window to tackle essential tasks in the college admissions process.
Whether you’re a student navigating applications or a parent eager to provide support, these tips can help you use the break effectively while still enjoying some turkey and pumpkin pie.
1. Organize and Review Application Materials
Before diving into tasks, take stock of where you are in the application process:
Are your transcripts, test scores, and recommendation letters submitted or in progress?
Have you finalized your college list, ensuring a balance of reach, target, and safety schools?
Start gathering documents for financial aid applications like the FAFSA and CSS Profile.
Having everything in one place makes it easier to check off your to-dos and avoid last-minute scrambling.
2. Finalize Your College List
If you haven’t finalized your college list, now’s the time! Make sure it’s well-rounded with reach, match, and safety schools.
Reach schools: Aspirational colleges where admission might be tougher.
Match schools: Colleges where your academic profile aligns with the average admitted student.
Safety schools: Colleges where your credentials exceed the average, ensuring a strong likelihood of acceptance.
Remember, a balanced list gives you a strategic edge in the admissions process.
3. Polish Your Essays
Thanksgiving break is the perfect time to focus on essays without the usual school-related distractions. Whether it’s your Common App essay or supplemental prompts, here’s how to make progress:
Review your drafts for clarity, originality, and grammar.
Seek feedback from trusted adults, teachers, or counselors.
If you haven’t started, brainstorm and outline your ideas to create a compelling narrative.
Pro Tip: Remember that your essay is a chance to showcase your personality and uniqueness. It’s more than just a story—it’s a strategic way to stand out among other applicants.
4. Follow Up on Recommendation Letters
If you haven’t requested recommendation letters, this is your last chance before the holiday season kicks into high gear. Many teachers and counselors will need 3-4 weeks to craft thoughtful letters, so don’t delay.
Send a polite email thanking them for their time and effort.
Include any necessary forms or deadlines they should know about.
If they’ve already written the letters, confirm submission to ensure no deadlines are missed.
5. Work on Financial Aid Applications
While the FAFSA might not be open yet, start gathering documents for financial aid forms like:
Tax returns
W-2 forms
Investment or savings information
This is also a good time to research scholarships and grants. Many have December or January deadlines, so applying early can give you a head start.
6. Prepare for Possible Interviews
If any colleges on your list require interviews, use the break to practice.
Research common interview questions.
Prepare thoughtful responses about why you’re interested in each school.
Conduct mock interviews with a family member or friend.
7. Plan for Early Decision or Deferred Applications
For students who applied Early Decision (ED) or Early Action (EA), Thanksgiving break is a good time to prepare for next steps:
If you’re deferred, have backup Regular Decision applications ready to submit.
Double-check supplemental essays and application materials for additional schools.
8. Schedule a College Visit
Thanksgiving break is a great time to visit colleges, especially if they’re within driving distance.
Walk around campus to get a feel for the environment.
Meet with admissions counselors if they’re available.
Ask about specific programs or resources that interest you.
Even if classes aren’t in session, a visit can help you visualize life on campus and solidify your decision.
And MOST IMPORTANTLY....
9. Take a College Applications Break on Thanksgiving Day
Yes, it’s important to make progress, but it’s equally important to relax and recharge. Declare Thanksgiving Day a college-free zone:
No application talk at the dinner table.
No checking application portals or drafting essays.
Focus on enjoying time with family and friends.
One day off won’t derail your plans, and it can actually help you return to your work with fresh energy and focus!!!
Best of Luck...and Happy Thanksgiving!
Melina Kazanas
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