Winter break is the perfect time for high school seniors to take advantage of a well-needed break from their late night studying and the juggling of sports, work, and clubs. It is a time to catch up on sleep, enjoy the holidays, and of course, cross a few things off the college application checklist! 

Winter Break To-Do List:

At this point, students have already submitted their early decision and early action college applications. This is an ideal time for students to submit any outstanding regular decision college applications with January and February deadlines.  

1. Before break begins:  Be certain your teacher & guidance counselor recommendation letters and transcripts have been uploaded to the Common Application prior to break.  

2. Finish Regular Decision Applications: 

• Confirm the application deadlines, required materials that will be needed, and complete the final edits of the main college essay.  

• Complete all supplemental essays- including optional essays.

• Complete and submit your regular decision applications as early as possible.

• And, whatever you do- do not wait till 12/31/24 to fill out and submit your 1/1/25 applications. 

3. Create a final College spreadsheet: Once the applications have been submitted, create a spreadsheet with the final list of colleges. Include: college name, campus visit or demonstrated interest status, the college’s Acceptance Students Day dates, intended major, scholarship deadlines, tuition and room & board costs, and any other college criteria that is important.

4. Review College List: Take a moment to evaluate the final college list. Make sure that you would be happy to attend ANY of the colleges on your list, especially the  “likelys.”  Having a balanced college list, which includes 2 or 3 likely, probable, and selective colleges, will allow a broader range of possibilities. Lastly, take the time to reflect if there is a school that’s missing- perhaps a dream school?  If it is - dream - and apply! 

5. Submit Financial Aid Forms:  Complete and submit the FAFSA and CSS forms (if required). Each school posts their deadlines on the financial aid page of their website -important to keep on top of this. The new FAFSA form should be available on 12/1/24.

6. Schedule Campus Tours: It is not too late and the best way to truly determine whether a college is the right fit is to visit the campus when the school is in session. It’s best not to visit campuses over winter break, but plan your campus tour schedule in late January or February.  

General Reminders: 

1. Admission Portals: Most colleges provide access to their admission portal so that students can check the status of their applications. The portal also confirms that the colleges have received all of the supplemental materials (transcript, high school profile, recommendation letters, SRAR). A student’s application will not be reviewed until all required materials have been received. If a student has not received a portal email notification from a college, call the college’s admission office.

2. Don’t Let your Academic Guard Down:  Make a plan to finish the year strong! Colleges  review the final transcript at the end of the academic year to be certain the student has completed the necessary credits and that their grades are still in good-standing. 

Balancing work and play is an important part of maintaining good mental health. The winter break can achieve both!  Take time to also do what you love most. And maybe if you run out of fun things to do, you can have your mom & dad teach you how to do laundry and make a budget - helpful skills in college!  

Good luck and enjoy the journey!   

College 101 Admissions Consultants LLC. Website: www.mycollege101.com.  

Email: [email protected]. Phone: (508) 380-3845.

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