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.
Academic Tutoring
Our tutors offer customized tutoring designed to fit the needs of each student.
Set Academic Goals
Set academic goals for your 9th 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.
Executive Functioning & ADHD Support
Guiding students in grades 4-12 to their full potential.
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.
SAT Tutoring
Expert one-on-one guidance to boost your score.
PSAT Prep & Standardized Testing
Begin preparing for the PSAT/NMSQT, as it can qualify you for scholarships and provide valuable SAT practice.
ACT Tutoring
Hit your target score with our renowned ACT tutors.
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!
Personal Boot Camp
Three days of one-on-one work with a Senior Counselor from the Application Boot Camp® team.
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!
Application Boot Camp®
Need strategic guidance from start to finish? Try Application Boot Camp®.
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.
Application Review Program
Do you have a compelling and strategic application package that will rise above the rest?
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.
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