Maximize Your Winter Break: A Year-by-Year Guide

As a high school student, winter break is not just a time for festivities and relaxation; it’s also a valuable opportunity to enhance your college admissions journey. We’ve crafted a year-by-year guide to help you make the most of your winter break based on your specific grade level.

GRADE 9: LAYING THE FOUNDATION

Explore Your Interests

Winter break is the perfect time to explore potential interests and hobbies. Join clubs in your community, take up new activities, or volunteer. Follow your intellectual curiosity and discover where your academic interests lie.

Set Academic Goals

Set academic goals for your 9^th grade year. If you’re falling behind in a particular subject, consider one-on-one tutoring with an expert. Organization and time management affect your studying and overall performance in class. Consider Executive Functioning Tutoring to stay focused.

Commit to Reading and Vocab

Establishing a solid reading habit early on enhances language skills by boosting vocabulary and memory retention and can even help improve concentration. Avid readers also tend to be better writers and score higher on standardized testing.

Community Activism

If you haven’t already, now is the time to give back to your community. More on this topic and its impact on college admissions in our blog post, The Power of Community Activism in College Admissions.

GRADE 10: BUILDING YOUR PROFILE

Summer Program Research

Use winter break to research and apply for summer programs or college-level courses that align with your academic interests. Many applications are open NOW.

PSAT Prep & Standardized Testing

Begin preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT, as it can qualify you for scholarships and provide valuable SAT practice.

Extracurricular Involvement

Take on leadership roles in your extracurricular activities. Better yet, form a club at your school based on your academic interests. Quality over quantity is key.

GRADE 11: THE INTENSIVE PHASE

SAT/ACT Preparation

If you haven’t already, start rigorous test prep for the SAT or ACT. Take a practice SAT and ACT during the break and then compare your scores to determine which standardized test is right for you!

College Visits

Use winter break to virtually visit colleges that interest you. We recommend saving in-person visits for the spring when classes are in session so you see the vibrancy of student life. This firsthand experience, even virtually, can help you narrow down your choices. Take careful notes on your impressions and likes/dislikes for each college or university. Ultimately you need to see yourself there for the next four years. Fit is key!

Start Brainstorming

Start brainstorming thoughts and ideas for your college essay. This process takes time, so getting a head start on this thought process is important. You’ll want your essays completed before school starts senior year!

GRADE 12: FINALIZING YOUR APPLICATIONS

Finalize Your Application Package

For those who applied in the early round, you might be waiting on admissions results over the break. For everyone else, now is the time to put the finishing touches on your application.

Scholarship Research

Research scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Check with organizations like Rotary Club, Lions Club, or local foundations to learn about scholarships in your community. Your high school counselor and local public library are also great resources during the scholarship search, as are online resources like Going Merry. And remember: merit scholarships sometimes have earlier application deadlines!

Stay Organized

Create a checklist to ensure you’re on track with application deadlines, requirements and notification dates.

BONUS TIP FOR ALL: SELF-CARE

Don’t forget to take some time for self-care during winter break. A well-rested and relaxed mind is more focused and productive. Spend quality time with family and friends to recharge.

The college admissions process is a marathon, not a sprint. Use your winter breaks wisely to gradually build a strong profile. At Top Tier Admissions, we’re dedicated to helping students navigate the college admissions process successfully. If you need personalized guidance or have specific questions, we’re here to help.