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Winter break is almost here, and most high school students have 2-3 weeks off to celebrate the holidays, relax and recharge. However, there are three things you can do over this winter break that are game changers for your college application:
1. Summer Opportunities
You may have started to consider your summer plans in October or November but over break it is time to finalize your applications for any competitive programs that often require an essay and recommendations from teachers. Some deadlines will be as early as the end of September or beginning of January so plan accordingly.
If you haven’t thought about your summer plans, winter break is an excellent time to consider your interests and passions and research programs that will help you explore those. Its also a good time to sit down as a family and talk about the summer schedule, potential family vacations and college visits you want to accomplish.
2. Impact, Impact, Impact
Competitive colleges are looking for students who make a measurable impact in their community. Starting a club in your high school is nice but it is not the same as a student who founded a non-profit to deliver Speech and Debate training and support to an underserved community or a student who has collected and distributed over 10 tons of food for the homeless in their community in 4 years of high school. These types of activities have measurable quantifiable results that applicants can discuss in their essay, application, and interviews. Furthermore, students learn a great deal while building their “showstopper” activity, managing expectations, meeting deadlines, advertising and recruiting and overall coordinating with adults in their schools and communities.
3. SAT/ACT Plan
We are no longer in a time where test optional is available at all schools. Most competitive colleges now require SAT or ACT scores again, so you will want to give your SAT or ACT preparation a fair amount of dedicated time that does not conflict with sports, band, debate, etc. Winter break is an excellent time to sit down with your family and discuss your schedule and obligations, options for test preparation, a budget for prep if you plan to take a class or hire a tutor and review when the tests are offered so you can build a prep schedule that makes the most sense for you.
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